Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines – In a recent press release, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has urgently called for government action to address the rising tide of violent crime in the country.
The night of Saturday, July 13, 2024, saw the tragic deaths of Jomarl John and sixteen-year-old student Jason St. Rose in Pole Yard, raising this year’s homicide count to twenty-eight. A third victim, Sylvanus Matthias, was also shot and hospitalized. These incidents add to the distressing trend of violence, with two minors losing their lives within a year under similar circumstances. Thirteen-year-old Kashie Primus was killed in a mass shooting in Kingstown on July 19, 2023.
Major St Clair Leacock, Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown, stated in the press release, “This is a crisis with no end in sight. The ULP government has presided over this rising tide of violence and there is still no concerted action to stop it. At this point, it is clear that they are unable to take the necessary measures to quell this rising tide of violent crime.”
St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded a record-breaking fifty-five homicides last year, emphasizing the urgent need for action. The release criticized the Minister of National Security, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, for failing to implement effective measures to combat the crisis, suggesting a disconnect with the needs of the people.
The NDP renewed its call for the ULP government to collaborate with opposition parties and other social partners to develop and implement strategies to address the crime crisis. This collaborative approach is seen as essential for curbing the violence and ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s citizens.