Basseterre, St. Kitts (August 21, 2024) – The Rotary Club of Liamuiga stands in solidarity with the citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis as we face a grave and escalating threat to our nation’s safety and future. With 26 murders recorded thus far in 2024, the majority involving firearms, our beloved nation is in crisis. The rising wave of violence and crime, particularly gun-related incidents, is a serious and immediate threat to the well-being, security, and prosperity of our people.
We at the Rotary Club of Liamuiga are deeply concerned by the surge in violence that threatens to unravel the very fabric of our society. This is not just a government issue; it is a societal one, demanding that each one of us—citizens, organisations, businesses, and communities—step forward to confront this menace with firm resolve.
The Rotary Club of Liamuiga calls on the government to redouble its efforts in combating crime. While we commend the recent announcement of a National Consultation on Crime and Violence, which takes a much-needed public health approach, we stress the urgency of implementing immediate, decisive actions to halt the current wave of violence. Strengthening law enforcement, enhancing community policing, and addressing the underlying social and economic conditions that fuel crime must be prioritized. These measures must be backed by a firm commitment to justice, transparency, and the elimination of corruption at all levels of society.
Corruption, in any form, erodes public trust and undermines the fight against crime. It is essential that our institutions, particularly those charged with upholding the law, operate with the highest standards of integrity. The Rotary Club of Liamuiga demands that transparency and accountability be at the forefront of all governmental operations, especially in law enforcement and public administration.
As we call for action from our leaders, we also acknowledge our responsibility as a civil society organisation. The Rotary Club of Liamuiga is committed to fostering peace and togetherness within our community. In a symbolic gesture of our dedication to this cause, we will be planting a Peace Pole in September 2024, serving as a constant reminder of our collective responsibility to build a safer and more peaceful nation.
We appeal to all civil society groups, religious organisations, businesses, and citizens to join us in this fight against crime. Let us unite with a common purpose—to restore peace and security to our nation. Together, we can create a future where every person in St. Kitts and Nevis can live without fear, where our children can grow up in a society that values life, justice, and harmony.
The Rotary Club of Liamuiga remains committed to working alongside all stakeholders to create a safer, more peaceful St. Kitts and Nevis. We are ready to do our part. We will do our part. Let us all do our part.
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