A large and passionate group of public and private sector representatives met at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium on Tuesday evening, February 12, in a public forum on crime in Anguilla.
The event was presided over by Bishop Errol Brooks, Chairman of the Anguilla Christian Council, and Methodist Supernumerary Minister, Rev. H. Clifton Niles, who earlier addressed a separate meeting at Blowing Point which also dealt with crime.
The forum was attended by representatives of Government; the Christian Council; the Evangelical Association; the Police Force; Chamber of Commerce; Tourist Board; the National Youth Council; the Hotel and Tourism Association and two reformed young men.
In chairing the forum, Bishop Brooks said that there was a need to pay attention to the level of crime in Anguilla and to take the necessary steps to prevent a further escalation of the situation. “Crime affects every citizen and it is therefore necessary that we let our voices be heard and that actions be taken – not only to protect the tourism product – but also to protect the Anguillian citizenry on a whole,” he stated. “We believe that it is God’s will that all people should live in love, peace and harmony. This includes respect for human life and respect for property.”
Reverend Niles said the forum was intended to identify some of the issues facing the Anguillian community and what the responses should be not only to mitigate crime and violence, but also to intervene in the existing situation.
The various representatives [except the Government’s] made short presentations on crime and violence on the island, some of whom gave graphic insights into a number of incidents.
Of particular interest were the presentations by two young men who reformed their lives and are finding productive ways in which to engage themselves and other youngsters. They spoke at length about matters relating to youth violence, drugs and other forms of deviant behaviour. Drawing from their own past experience, exposure and involvement, they were able to warn their listeners about the frustrations of a number of youth across the island and some of the things they might do.
They were commended for their boldness and sincerity and for reforming their lives – steps that many other young men in Anguilla should take.
The forum was held against a background of a spate of armed robberies in various parts of the island, adding another alarming nuisance to other forms of serious criminal activities on the island.
