For the past several weeks, in particular, the attention of the population of Anguilla has been focused on the unfortunate spate of violence, injury and death which has flawed our small but thriving society. Everybody would like to see this awful turn of events disappear and never to return and, of course, an end to even speaking about it. But, for now, it has become both a serious and casual subject in almost every conversation. It is a preoccupation of the mind and time and, according to one commentator, it is the only thing that should be addressed at this time.
Despite some people in our community not readily providing useful information to the Police to solve and prevent cases of violence on the island, the truth is that the population in general is rising up against this violent behaviour. A number of petitions have already been submitted to Government and, up to this week, persons were seen busily and passionately carrying around letters – for signatures also to be submitted to the authorities – calling for action to put down the violence, find and punish the perpetrators. It is heartening, in the meanwhile, to hear that the Police are making progress in their investigations whether due to public cooperation and information or the ingenuity of the investigators themselves.
Of particular interest, and relief, is the fact that there is unity and cooperation across the political divide with none of the parties really blaming each other for not been able to deal with the violence over the years. There is an acceptance that it did not develop overnight and there is an urgent need to address crime before it overwhelms our fair island. We saw political representatives and the community at West End coming together last week to find ways and means of dealing with the problem. In addition, both Governor Alistair Harrison and Chief Minister, Hubert Hughes, spoke out against violence in separate radio and press statements.
Not to be outdone, the leadership of the Anguilla United Front not only gave assurances of its support and assistance in letters to the Chief Minister, but set out in a public document (also submitted to Government) various recommendations to deal with violence. The text of that document, notwithstanding its length, is published elsewhere in this edition of The Anguillian as a free public service.
As is the case with disaster mitigation with respect to the protection of our national assets – and the awareness and involvement of the population – so is the need to guard national and individual security from the criminal elements within our community. This calls for unity and cooperation among all our people for the common good.
The Anguillian takes this opportunity to thank all of our politicians – in and out of Government – and all our people in general, for uniting on the issue of crime-solving and the protection of Anguilla. We are also grateful to our Police Officers for their work in a difficult situation, and to the Governor for his expressed concern and for any assistance whichmay be forthcoming to boost law enforcement and the security of our island.
