By Kimani Wiseman
The famous American rapper coolio had a song in the 90s called “Gangstas Paradise”. Lately, it seems as if beautiful St. Vincent and the Grenadines is turning into a gangstas paradise. Listening and reading the news every day is very depressing with all these crimes. Blood is running in the streets like water, innocent lives are being lost, while families and friends are left to mourn and bury their loved ones. How many more must die before we change from our wicked ways?
An unprecedented murder rate was recorded in 2023 and in 2024 we are moving up the ladder with murders. We do not know how to resolve conflicts among ourselves. Some people, their way of resolving conflicts is to pull a gun or a knife on each other. Robberies are increasing. We would rob the yachts of tourists. These tourists contribute to our economy. The tourism industry provides employment and the tourism dollar benefits the entire nation. When we continue to rob and deter tourists from visiting our beautiful country, what would happen to the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Families who work extremely hard to build their dream house, thieves would break into their home causing more financial pressure. Farmers work very hard in the sun and rain to feed the nation. Although they work very hard to feed the nation, praedial larceny is on the increase causing frustration among farmers. Does any of this make any sense? I grew up in the 90s, in those days, Vincentians had a lot of love in them. Neighbours would look out for each other and criminals were afraid of committing crimes in broad day light. These days criminals would search for their prey in the day and night. The murder rate was very low in the 90s. Where have we gone wrong as a nation? What are the reasons why some Vincentians have gotten extremely evil?
Jealousy is the order of the day for some Vincentians. They would fight and tear each other apart because of the accomplishments of others and for material things. This “crab in a barrel mentality must stop”. Bob Marley said, “One love, one heart. Let’s get together and feel all right”. God spirit would not thrive in a heartless nation.