Hamilton explained to MiyVue.com that, “It is distressing that the despite all that is being said and perhaps done, that our nation today still faces the dilemma where so many of our people are using guns and or other weaponry to resolve differences and or disputes that they have. It’s quite clear also that apparently despite efforts made by some persons and maybe the government itself, that once again, crime is escalating… in the last few days we have a number of murders, very horrific murders.
“We’ve also had a number of break-ins, high day break-ins and robberies taking place and it would appear to me as if they are too relaxed, accepting such as the social norm in our federation.”
He called on the government to publicise the report which it called for into what was believed to be a police “sickout” in 2007. He also suggested that if the fight against crime is to be effective, the issues facing the police force must be examined and those, along with others related, must be addressed.
“I want to say that the time has come for the government to make public the report that was done when the police were acclaimed to be on a sickout, that should report should have been published. Let us examine what the problems are facing the police force, let us examine what the problems are that citizens who themselves are affected or afflicted by crime, and let us see whether as a community, as a country, we can address those issues so that so that we can help to reduce the crime in the nation.
“Crime is really as old as civilisation so it is expected but the escalation, the wanton disregard for law and order cannot continue a small nation like ours that is so vulnerable, vulnerable because of the level and type of service it provides that is vulnerable to those types of shocks that can take place as a result of these crimes.”
The Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) suggested that if left unchecked, the continued escalation of crime will have an unwanted adverse effect on our economy, which depends in large measure, on the services industry.
“I know that our society depends on a number services, especially from university students and so on, and I am confident that we would not want to lose those opportunities that the offshore schools provide, not only in transporting but the housing it provides by renting from local people. So therefore, it is important for us to find solutions. I believe the new minister with responsibility for Crime, the Honourable Sam Condor, may have good intentions, but more than good intentions is needed at this time, what is needed, is a concerted effort from the government, the police and the security forces and from the citizenry as well in our nation to ensure that they understand that we do not tolerate crime,” Hamilton expressed.