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SHTA: focus on what can be done NOW to curb crime |
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Written by Valya Pantophlet
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Thursday, 07 January 2010 01:19 |
www.sxmislandtime.com
 PHILIPSBURG - The SHTA on Wednesday extended its condolences to the family of Eric Yuan Sam, the latest in a series of murders in 2009.
In the SHTA’s end of year voice published on December 28, 2009, the SHTA listed its top 5 wishes for 2010, which concerned some of the most pressing issues affecting St. Maarten. At the top of that list was better management of crime.
Over the years, the SHTA has been involved in numerous task forces, committees and discussions on crime. Unfortunately, the discussions are almost always the same. After one of these tragic incidents, there is a flurry of activity, endless meetings and demands for action, but ultimately, tangible change remains elusive.
Island Government blames Federal Government for lack of commitment of resources.
Federal Government details plans but execution is never now, always later.
Businesses complain that they already pay enough taxes and that this is the responsibility of government.
Labor blames social ills on the failure of business and government to adequately provide for the workforce; either in salary, cost of living or educational system.
Unfortunately, everybody is right. However, this does little for the innocent victims of crime. There are the obvious victims like the family and friends of those slain and then there are the less obvious victims like the citizens that must think twice about going out for the night.
The citizens that bolt their doors, fence their properties and increase security measures. Victims that, through no wrongdoing of their own, have lost their freedom; the freedom to live freely without fear of losing everything in the wink of an eye.
The focus must be on what can be done now, not what can’t be done, or what will be done. Therefore, the SHTA urges that the following be done immediately:
1. Like the French side, an immediate surge in police activity, with a focus on continued presence on the streets and frequent controls should occur. In early 2009, there were two separate instances in which additional police were brought in from Curacao. During these times, police presence on the streets was at its highest and crime at its lowest. The call to action now is to request additional police from Curacao and/ or Marechaussees from Holland to control crime.
2. Development of a practical and sensible immigration policy. Therefore, reinstate the labor tripartite committee as promised.
3. Structural public and private support for social & community based programs and after school activities.
4. Development of an economic stimulus plan. The SHTA is reiterating its message that while you cannot directly tie these incidents to the struggling economy, the crime and economy are related and until something is done to stimulate the economy, the SHTA remains concerned that crime will worsen in both quantity and caliber.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 07 January 2010 01:39 |
