Last week a group of various professional persons, with no particular member actually pinpointed as the author, wrote a letter to the Deputy Governor which was published in The Anguillian at their request. The letter expressed concern over the recent spate of violence and death in Anguilla and offered a number of recommendations to deal with crime. It was part of the public’s reaction to a very troubling situation which threatened to derail a substantial amount of the tranquillity on the island we so frequently and delightfully proclaim in our tourism promotions.
Situations can be so volatile at times that it is advisable to be on guard always, but it is certainly a welcome relief that the peace and quiet on our island appear to be flourishing once again. While that is the case, the fact is that the aching void in the hearts of the families of the victims of violent death is continuing to affect them with little or no ease until, hopefully, the passage of time brings healing and comfort.
The fervent hope of all of us must be that the callous acts of disregard for human life and dignity, shown by the perpetrators of the violent crimes, will not recur. Our desire must be that tranquillity continues to permeate our society and resonate in the lives of all of our people across the length and breadth ofAnguilla.
In two weeks’ time, the summer festival – the biggest cultural event of the year inAnguilla– will commence. There is already much anticipation among a large percentage of the population for this festive season. In earlier weeks, a number of persons, fearing violence, had suggested that the carnival should be called off.
Since then, many others, have maintained that “the show must go on” as there was no reason to stop it. The supporting reasons advanced are that: a calm atmosphere is prevailing on the island; law and order are under control; and there are many positive benefits to be derived by Anguilla from the cultural publicity in terms of visitor arrivals and associated revenue.
It is important forAnguillato remain a crime-free island and an upmarket tourist destination. Events such as the summer festival can be severely over-shadowed or otherwise compromised by crime and other acts of violence. This can eventually result in much bad publicity from which it may be difficult for Anguilla to quickly recover.
With the settling down of the island – following the crime wave – there is also some relief for our Police officers. Rather than be seen stopping vehicles in search of criminals and weapons, they have been busy this week with the routine of checkingfor unlicensed or uninsured vehicles and drivers.
When it comes to crime, our people must do all in their power to preserve the good name and integrity of Anguilla, and cooperate with the Police in combating violence and other acts of criminality. This cannot be over-stressed or become a boring subject of conversation and action if we want to live in a peaceful and safe environment. The welcome relief we are now experiencing from crime must be ours to have and to enjoy for all time.
