Dominica prime minister optimistic about crime-fighting strategy

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said "the whole idea is to let people understand that crime is a societal problem which requires a societal response."

ROSEAU, Dominica, Wednesday April 18, 2012 – In recent months, Dominica has been grappling with a spate of criminal activities including attacks on tourists and the murder of a prominent hotelier.  Police are also searching for suspects in the kidnapping of three men.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit nevertheless says he remains optimistic that a government initiative to deal with crime will bear fruit.

The government has launched the Community Outreach Programme on crime and violence, which allows for meetings with various stakeholders.

According to Skerrit, “What we are trying to do is embrace everybody who is prepared to make a meaningful contribution.  That charge is being led by the attorney general and the minister of national security who are going around the communities ... to curb any violence or criminal behaviour within our society.”

“The whole idea is to let people understand that crime is a societal problem which requires a societal response.  Spending a lot of time blaming others is not going to solve crime,” Skerrit said, adding, “It is about each one of us recognising that we have a part to play towards fighting crime, and this is what we are seeking to do.”

The prime minister said that he is encouraged by the attendance at the meetings held so far “and people are suggesting ways, bringing forth ideas as to how we can fight crime, what is the cause of it from their own perspective”.

“So the whole idea is to underscore the concerted efforts of all concerned in fighting crime,” he explained. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)