By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday, 22nd August 2024) – Opposition Leader Premier Mark Brantley is calling for a unified approach across political divides in tackling the escalating crime in the federation. In an address to the nation on Wednesday 21st August 2024, he commented on what now seems to be a never-ending cycle of youth-on-youth violence”, describing the current situation as “unprecedented and unacceptable.” Brantley highlighted the need for togetherness, warning that political division could weaken efforts to combat crime.
“If we as leaders argue over crime, if we continue to be divided over crime, if we continue to see crime as a political opportunity, then we succeed only in weakening our resolve and in emboldening these criminals,” he said. According to him: “My address to you this evening comes not from a place of blame or political grandstanding.
It comes from a place of deep pain and a burning desire to raise my voice in a rescue effort for my country.” Brantley revealed that before making his address he spoke at length with Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Terrance Drew and that he also spoke with the Leader of the People’s Action Movement, Mrs.
Natasha Grey-Brooks. The Opposition Leader, however, in pointing to widespread concern over the present situation , said “whilst crime spirals with almost daily news of brazen attacks, the government and the police seem incapable of responding, and our communities are gripped by fear.” He reiterated the need for a unified response, stating: “Crime is now a clear and present danger to the gains we have made as a young nation.
The enemies are at the gate, and men and women of good will, from Cayon to Cotton – LOCAL NEWS – Ground, must put aside petty political and personal differences and stand together to repel this attack on our country. Our Prime Minister and his Cabinet cannot and will not solve this problem alone.
St. Kitts and Nevis now needs every able-bodied man and woman to man the ramparts and defeat this enemy that threatens to engulf us all.” Brantley described crime as a societal problem, stating, “Who are the criminals? They are our sons and daughters.
They are our brothers and sisters. They are our cousins and classmates. They are our boyfriends and girlfriends. In short, the criminals have come from our midst. We have created them, and we must now find ways to purge them from our midst.” According to him: “At this time, and in this situation, our country demands that each and every patriot rise up to defend it from the scourge that has now gripped us.
All must be invited to the table with their ideas and solutions. None must be left out; government and opposition, church and chamber, schools and civil society. All must be invited to the table to come up with a comprehensive plan to address violence in our society once and for all.” Brantley, comparing it to past years, commented:”..our most murderous year was 2011 when we had some 34 persons killed.
We are now at 26, and it’s only August. At this pace, and unless arrested, our country is on track to have its bloodiest year in history,” he noted. Front Banner Photo: Opposition Leader Premier Mark Brantley while delivering his an address to the nation on Wednesday 21st August 2024 (Spokesman ScreenYoutube. com/Nevis Newscast) 7
