The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of One News SVG.
By Mr. Adrian Odle.
Today, my heart is heavy. Like every Vincentian, I am deeply saddened by the senseless killing of three of our own in the heart of Kingstown. I extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those whose lives were taken. There are no words that can truly ease your pain, but I pray that God grants you strength and comfort during this unimaginable time.
This tragedy is about far more than three murders. Three people were gunned down directly opposite the Central Police Station, in the centre of our capital. That should send chills through every Vincentian. This was not just an attack on three persons, it was a bold faced challenge to the RSVGPF. Not was it a challenge but it was a statement of “Me ain’t fraid police”.
Before I continue, let me make one thing absolutely clear. I commend Commissioner Enville Williams and every member of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. They carry an enormous responsibility, with limited resources, and every day they put themselves in harm’s way to protect the rest of us. They deserve our support, our respect and the resources necessary to do their jobs effectively.
However, support for the Police Force should never prevent honest discussion. If we truly want to improve public safety in SVG, we must be willing speak the truth even though it is uncomfortable. When I hear of certain crimes, like this one, I say to myself “Arwe nah ready yet.” because too often our national response to violent crime is sometimes reactive rather than preventative.
Every time a major tragedy occurs, we hear that there will be roadblocks, stop-and-search exercises, intelligence operations, special patrols and a nationwide crackdown. Those measures are important but they almost always come after lives have already been lost. We cannot measure success only by how quickly we solve murders but by how many murders were prevented.
A modern RSVGPF must stay ahead of crime. Criminals should believe that the RSVGPF are several steps ahead, not that the response begins only after shots have been fired.
As a concerned citizen of this country I have to wonder if we arewitnessing a rise in gang violence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines? I am not saying that every murder is gang-related but when we witness repeated killings, it is only responsible to ask whether criminals are becoming more organised and more emboldened.
If the answer is no, then let the authorities clearly and explain whatwe are seeing in our beautiful country. if the answer is yes, then we must recognise that we are dealing with something very serious. Gang violence cannot be defeated by increasing patrols only after another homicide there must be a comprehensive national strategy.
Police cannot arrest their way out of every problem. Too many people know who is carrying illegal guns. Too many know when retaliation is being planned. Too many remain silent because “it doh concern me,” only to ask afterwards how another young man ended up dead.
To the young men of this country, I want to speak directly to you. I know pride can cloud judgment, and anger can make you feel as though you have to respond. But no Facebook post, block , woman, money or disrespect is worth your mother standing over your coffin or visiting you behind prison walls for the next thirty years. Walk away. Seek mediation. Go to the courts. Speak to someone who will calm you down instead of encouraging revenge. Real strength is found in self-control, not in pulling a trigger.
“Wah arwe going do now?” I am calling for a national assessment of whether gang violence is increasing, where it is concentrated, how illegal firearms are entering and circulating within the country, and what conflicts are driving retaliation. I am calling on the Ministry of National Security to improve the current situation and better equip our officers, please.
“Arwe nah ready yet” but we have no choice but to get ready, and we must start now. St. Vincent and the Grenadines belongs to decent, hardworking people.
May God receive the souls of those who have passed, comfort every grieving family, protect every member of our Police Force, and guide our nation towards peace. St. Vincent and the Grenadines deserves better.
Public Statement