The New National Party (NNP) expresses deep concern regarding the escalating crime rates that have gripped our beloved nation.
The recent surge in murders, suicides, and gun-related crimes has left our citizens shocked and alarmed. Additionally, the prevalent lawlessness on our roads further exacerbates the sense of insecurity felt by our communities. As we approach the Carnival season, with large crowds and increased alcohol consumption, immediate action on these festering issues is imperative.
Political Leader and Former Prime Minister Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell stated: “We at the NNP acknowledge an urgent need for comprehensive measures to address these issues and restore the peace and security to our society of which we are all accustomed. NNP firmly believes that a collaborative approach, engaging various stakeholders, is crucial in effectively combating the crime situation and ensuring the safety of our citizens and visitors.”
In this regard, the New National Party proposes in the national interest the following solutions:
- Working with Youth:
The Ministry of Youth, which unfortunately remains dormant at this time, must play a leading role in fostering positive lifestyles and choices among our young people. The NNP advocates for the reactivation of the Ministry and the implementation and or re-implementation of targeted programs that engage our nation’s youth in constructive activities and mentorship.
- Support for the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF):
A demoralised police force cannot effectively combat crime. The NNP proposes increased support for the RGPF, including enhanced training programmes, modernisation of equipment, and improved working conditions. It is crucial to empower our police force to fulfill its duty of protecting our communities.
- Psycho-Social assistance:
The alarming increase in crime often stems from underlying social issues and the lack of proper mental health support. The NNP advocates for increased psycho-social assistance programs that address the needs of individuals at risk of engaging in criminal activities. By providing professional help and support, we can address the root causes of crime and reduce its occurrence. This issue must also be approached inclusive of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Education.
- Assisting vulnerable families:
Addressing crime requires addressing socioeconomic disparities. The NNP proposes focusing on vulnerable families and communities by providing them with the necessary resources, opportunities, and support systems. One of the measures we suggest is the reinstatement of the $150 removed from participants in the SEED Programme, especially considering the sharp inflation currently being experienced. By lifting people out of poverty and addressing social inequalities, we can create an environment where crime is less likely to thrive.
- Leading from the front:
The Ministry and as such, the Minister of National Security must take a proactive approach in addressing the crime situation and allay the fears and concerns of citizens and visitors. The NNP calls for a comprehensive review of security measures and protocols to ensure their effectiveness. We urge the government to lead by example and prioritise the safety of our nation.
- Role of Churches:
The NNP recognises the vital role that churches play in our society. This was one of the reasons we ensured the creation of the Department of Ecclesiastical / Religious Affairs. We call upon all religious leaders to speak out against violence and negative behaviours, offer spiritual guidance, and actively engage with their congregations and the nation as a whole, to promote peaceful coexistence. Together, we can create a moral compass that guides individuals away from crime and towards harmony.
The New National Party is committed to tirelessly working towards addressing the alarming crime situation in Grenada. Only this week, our party engaged groups of young people from across the island in character-building and personal development sessions over two days. We, therefore, understand the urgency of this matter and stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organisations, social media influencers and citizens, to implement effective strategies. Only through unity and collective effort can we restore peace, security, and prosperity to our beautiful nation.
NNP
We keep on pointing a finger, whilst three of them are pointing back at us. Hence the reason why crime keeps is escalating out of control.
There is very little to add after what has been written but I will just say that crime is never an acceptable option but we all know it just don’t happen over night.
This surge been brewing for a long time and sadly it had to come out at this time which is not nice but the current administration has to address this problem as a matter of urgency and increase police numbers with competent staff.
Why now nnp? You had 23 or more years governing Grenada and Grenadians and what did you do? Grenadians have been living in sooo much pain and suffering and up till now the fruits of your governance are still seeking to prevail in our beautiful Island. Everything negative in Grenada points back to you and those controlled by you. You do not like Grenada as you are professing. We all can see right through you and your followers. STOP the facade. You have all the answers now, where were the answers in your reign? How can $150 end poverty in Grenada? Why wasn’t the ministry of youth in full operation during your time? We thank you for your input but we know you’re not being genuine about serving together to make Grenada better. After all look at the damages in your quest to undermine the hard working young team in their efforts to making Grenada better. Shouldn’t you as an elderly man who should have gained years of experience take pride in building up and encouraging them for coming forward to carry the burden of proof. They are fully Grenadians just younger than you. Instead you behave like you own Grenada and trying to set them up for failure so that the many that you have kept poor, vulnerable and without education would do your bidding to keep you and your party in power. Keith Mitchell, it does not hurt to retire peacefully. Be a man of integrity and admonish the younger administration, I.e. if you had gain anything besides money from your time as p m. Stop the malicious behavior because you crave power. Your time is up, enjoy retirement and admonish your party to always do good for the people and country. Repent and seek to know God. Give back what you have taken illegally to the suffering people and contribute to what is good and acceptable in the eyes of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you.
Are you serious….. was there this level of crime during their time in power???? Also you sit down and watch this government increase VAT on essentials and blaming NNP?? Also everything negative in Grenada points back to NNP??? the country is this developed thanks to them… The thing is you are afraid to hold your present government accountable, but no worries there will be a time you will be fedup and there will be no more NNP to blame.
@Clear Utter rubbish.
None of the government has a plan to tackle root cause of crime. Why? they all serve the same master.
The oligarchs and Petite Bourgeois donate large sums of money to Both parties. Whoever wins the status quo remains.
The main economic activities are owned and controlled by handful of Petite Bourgeois.
NNP sold, sold, sold off Grenada making g deals with countries like China, Russia, and now Saudi that cannot be gone back on. They didn’t DEVELOP anything. They DESTROYED LA SAGESSE, SOLD off and destroyed LEVERA to Chinese which destroys the PROTECTED TURTLE NESTING SITE , more destruction at MOUNT Hartman that will bring NOTHIBG to the average Grenadian, that prison building built RIGHT ON THE BEACH where the charming respectfully built Flamboyant used to stand, built flagrantly AGAINST PLANNING LAWS OPEN your eyes!!! ALL the environmental treasures of Grenada GONE and more yet to go like PANDY MOUNTAIN and the beauty of the ENTRANCE to the CARENAGE to be turned into water shedding g ugly destructive CONCRETE for MILLIONAIRES CONDOS!!!
EVERY precious place destroyed and sacrificed without any thought to the REAL CONSEQUENCES of all this concrete building. Even that ridiculous build at RIVER ROAD no sense used there building a CONCRETE WALL that just channels the force of the water even more instead of calming it. That GREEN BRIDGE is a place of serenity, the wetlands there a refuge, at least was. So much destroyed under Keith. You don’t even see what you HAD. STUPES.