Grant, who called in to a popular radio Talk Show program, on Tuesday morning, (28th June), was reacting to the latest shootings on the island of St. Kitts that took place on Monday night, (27th June), resulting in the killing of one young man with serious injury to 3 others.
A visibly upset Grant said the time has come for the government to employ the services of an experienced management team from overseas, to help clean up the current mess. He said it was time the country, led by the government, to take the bull by the horn and deal with the problem on hand.
He said that some may not like it, but at this present time it is not a matter of who likes what, it is a matter of solving the serious problem faced by the country. He repeated, this time with much stronger emphasis, “Let us bring in a management team in the police force…some may not like to hear me say it…let’s bring in a management team and clean up the system.”
“Murderers are walking within our midst and we can’t even solve the murders in the country. Thirteen percent rate of solving crime in this country and we are walking around enjoying ourselves. Well I am absolutely fed up. I know the Nay- Sayers and the critics and whatever they are and whoever they are… they are going to call in and send in their email…but I don’t care, I live in this country, am a part of this country, I care about this country. And unless somebody stands up and say enough is enough, nothing is going to be done,” said Grant.
“My Party has done its role…continues to play its role. Civil society in this country is playing a role and continues to play a role. It was just two weeks ago when they made a statemen (and) what did the Prime Minister say…’they stepping outside their bounds’. (The Prime Minister said they are) stepping outside their bounds when they are making critical analysis and suggestions for the government to solve the problem,” stated the PAM Leader.
At the time, a group of national organizations, including the Chamber of Industry & Commerce, Hotel & Tourism Association, Christian Council and others, recommended that government takes immediate steps to recruit a team of specially qualified police officers from overseas to take temporary leadership of the police force, while at the same time appointing a new Permanent Secretary, to head the Ministry of National Security.
Grant said the young man killed has a sister who is a classmate of one of his own sons, so he understands the impact that this would have on the family and their friends and other relatives.
In the past, Mr. Grant’s Party has made attempts to meet with government to explore opportunities for a united front, in the fight against crime, but the People’s Action Movement has always been rebuffed by the ruling administration.
Some years ago, the PAM tried to formally present a 10 point plan to the government but they were refused an audience with the Prime Minister for such discussions, said a PAM spokesman then.
Grant said the killing of the young man on Monday night followed the homicide only on Saturday night, 25th June, when another teenager was shot down in cold blood, while walking along the Bay Road, in Basseterre.