We are all saddened and shocked by the terrible acts of violence which occurred in Welches last Saturday evening. Waking up on Sunday morning to hear the news that Leroy Vanterpool had been shot and killed, and Salih Abdul Raheem was suffering from gunshot wounds, sent shock waves throughout the whole of Anguilla. I am saddened beyond words, and take this opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences to the family members who are suffering after these traumatic experiences.
This incident has revived concerns about gun violence, conflict, and the safety and security of our citizens. While the motive for such horrific acts of violence are as yet uncertain, on a broader scale we must realize that our little Anguilla may not be as peaceful as we once considered it to be. I pray it is clear for all to see that we must work together as a community to put this right. We are now at a critical juncture, and the role of the community is paramount to brokering peace. Together we must flush out the criminal elements into the arms of Lady Justice. I urge anyone with information related to this incident to please contact the Royal Anguilla Police Force, as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. Let us not be afraid to speak up and stand up for what is right.
Likewise, it is critical to reflect on the root causes of crime and violence; understanding that conflict has far reaching consequences. If we do not practice effective conflict resolution, giving each party the opportunity to be heard, and find ways to forgive and reconcile past hurts and offences, then acts of violence, revenge and retaliation may become the new normal. Many will argue that we are already entrenched in that reality and too far gone. But whatever our individual experiences and views of reality are, none of us want to live under such circumstances. We can also agree that to get from where we are, we must first acknowledge that we are One. We cannot continue to allow the divisions and inequalities in our society to rob us of the peace and tranquility that has become our mantra.
Our young people need role models; persons to look up to and to exemplify the values and principles of Love, Unity and Respect for each another. This is the foundation of our society, built on the teachings of the Bible. We cannot lose sight of these teachings. They are our moral compass to guide how we live and interact with each other. I urge all our parents to do more this year to install these important biblical values and principles in our children. The scripture says: “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). As adults, let us remember that we are being watched and our words and actions must also reflect these important values and principles.
A vibrant and loving community is the first step to combatting violence and upholding the rule of law. We must reach out to our brothers and sisters and engage in collective dialogue on how we can address the root causes of crime and violence in Anguilla. In addition, we must develop trust between the police and the people whom they have sworn to protect and serve. I urge the authorities to engage more proactively in community policing, and to develop more friendly relationships with citizens that are centred on mutual respect and understanding. I believe this will allow our people to feel more trusting of law enforcement strategies and our judicial system, and to become more willing to come forward to share vital information that will bring criminals to justice.
As politicians, we also have a responsibility to ensure that we do not fan the flames of division, envy, jealousy and strife, as is often the case within our tribal political environment. In a heightened political context, and with elections approaching, we must each subscribe to the highest code of conduct. While we are all passionate about the direction in which we believe our country needs to go, we must do so in a way that promotes civility and respect. I urge the Government to work in tandem with the Royal Anguilla Police Force, civil society organizations, the churches, community groups and ordinary citizens to investigate the root causes of crime and violence and develop a strategic plan of action for swift implementation. The acts of violence that we are witnessing, whether they stem from family conflict, domestic disputes, gang affiliations or drug or sex trafficking, are becoming too frequent. We must take action now to stem the violence and work towards building stronger and safer communities – Communities Leading Change is our mission.
Let us start with a new mantra this year. We are One. One Family, One Love, One Anguilla.
May God bless us all in 2020.
