St. George’s, Grenada, July 19th 2010: The New
National Party expresses grave concern over the the upsurge in crimes and
violence in the country in recent times.
We are
indeed appalled by these activities on our beautiful island because they can
impact negatively on the national psyche as well as on our regional and
international image as a peaceful and fun-loving island. Our tourism product,
which is one of our most critical economic pillars, can suffer severe adverse
reactions as a direct consequence of the current level of crime and violence
that we are experiencing.
In the last
seven months we have seen vicious murders and attacks on innocent persons as
well as on businesses. The New National Party thinks it is time that our social
organizations break their silence and adopt a more pro-active approach towards
dealing with these serious issues which are affecting all citizens of this
country. We think they have a moral responsibility to do so.
The New
National Party recalls vividly that before July 8, 2008 many of the leaders of
these organizations were heard in the media on a regular basis dealing with a
wide range of issues. Interestingly, the New National Party notes that a number
of these advocates have now landed highly paying jobs in the present
administration and that they have now been silent on a myriad of national issues
of grave concern.
As a
responsible opposition, we are calling on all social partners: The Grenada
Conference of Churches, Civil Society and other interest groups on the island to
work together to formulate strategies and plans that will help curb the
escalating level of crime and violence in the country.
The New
National Party wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family and
friends of the young man who lost his life in St. John’s over the weekend.
Crime and
violence has a deep, far reaching impact on the social fabric of our country and
brings indescribable pain and grief to people.
We call on
all persons to learn to develop coping skills as well as conflict resolution
skills and to exercise tolerance, patience, forgiveness and understanding when
dealing with problems.
