Providenciales, TCI, February 6, 2017 – Crime continues to be a serious issue in our Country. The most recent reports of criminal activities over the weekend, which includes the robbery and assault on one of our former Premiers, has left many of our residents with little sense of security and deep outrage. As Acting Premier, I want to expressed some of the more immediate actions needed to bring back a sense of normalcy and peace to our residents. One of these actions is the need for more visible police patrols throughout our residential communities and commercial areas and for vigilance on the part of everyone.
These immediate suggestion does not take away from our long-term plan to support the constitutional and operational custodians of national security. This upcoming Budget will show and we have already shown our commitment to providing much needed resources. In fact, our Premier is away in the UK on separate Brexit Talks but organised a bilateral today with the Minister with responsibility for OTs, Baroness Anelay where she spoke mainly on the issue of national security and the need for greater support from the UK.
Over the next few weeks, you will see portions of our 12 Point Crime Plan rolled out through policies that we as a Government can initiate. We have already begun to make representation in the National Security Council and will hold meetings for a pointed dialogue as promised (through a Task Force) in the Throne Speech.
Whilst we will and have called on the Police to play their role more forcefully, in order to effectively reduce crime, we also need the help and cooperation of you, the residents of our Country. We need parents and guardians to set curfews for the minors that reside in your homes. We need you to be knowledgeable of their activities, the persons they associate with, and question the origin of items brought in your homes. We encourage residents to set up neighborhood watches. We ask those of you who have knowledge of some of these criminal acts to utilize 1800 8477 Crime Stoppers and anonymously report crimes and criminals. We cannot continue to allow an atmosphere for criminals to thrive.
Crime is not political and for your Government it will remain a top national concern and issue that requires urgent attention. We remain a well sought out tourist destination and we are committed to ensuring that our country is safe for all our residents and tourists alike. We are all in this together and we must do our part to maintain law and order.
Regards,
Hon Sean R. Astwood
Deputy Premier
Minister of Border Control and Employment
