Providenciales, 23 Jun 2015 – Answers to the lingering questions of residents were put to the National Security arm of TCIG – The Governor this morning by Premier Rufus Ewing, who today announced that he has met with both Governor and Police Commissioner following a spike in violence in Providenciales which has residents horrified.
“I have asked for an updated briefing on the matters of the deaths which occurred for the year and I have also asked for an immediate update on those cold case files that have yet to be solved. I have asked that the Commissioner implement an immediate strategy for the crack-down and control on the number of guns that are on the streets and that it specifically focuses on the elimination of the point of importation for illegal guns and tighten up on the detection and prosecution of persons found with illegal weapons within their possession.”
While some believe these guns are filtering in on illegal vessels, others are more convinced that the illegal weapons are coming in through legal ports.
Like the Opposition last week, the Premier believes reinstating neighborhood watch is a must-do but added there are other officers who can help in a crime crack-down.
“I have also impressed on the Commissioner the urgent need to reignite the neighborhood watch and community police programs and to establish a retired police and community leaders’ advisory group as immediate measures that can assist with combating crime and thwarting criminal activities.”
The Premier used the moment to speak of his PNP Administration plans for youth too; the outcry has been that there is nothing constructive for young people to do.
“In addition to these measures on which the Commissioner and I have agreed, my government in addition to advancing the development of technical vocational programs at the Community College, will be working closely with multi-national community and religious leaders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), auto mechanic shops, the utility companies and others to seriously look at the apprenticeship programs for young people, starting from the third or fourth form, thereby instilling in them good work ethics and a sense of self-worth and self-pride.”
In the end, the Premier challenged community leaders not to stand to the side and watch but to become an active part of staving off crime and requested that residents help with information to the police in the effort to solve crime.
“We must be responsible in reporting to the police, information that we observe and know that can be of assistance to investigations and bring offenders to justice. There are agencies that we can call on for help for our troubled youth and we need to utilize these avenues to ensure that our children get the help that they need.”
While the remarks from both country leaders – the Governor and the Premier – are reactionary many say they will take it as the comments agitating for these leaders to step up were made in an attempt to get reaction and action.
