The United Progressive Party (UPP) condemns, with shock and horror, the cold-blooded murder of George “Charlie” Barnes, a citizen and longstanding business owner, on Friday night, September 12.
This latest killing is particularly alarming in the face of official police reports telling the Nation that crime is down. Unfortunately, statistics on reported crime do nothing to comfort or compensate those who are the victims, nor do they help others to feel safer in their homes and business places and on the streets.
Let us face the facts: Residents are not satisfied with the level of attention or protection given by the authorities – from the Cabinet to the Legislature to the Police Force. The proliferation of illegal guns and drugs; the inadequacy of street patrols, especially at night; and the insufficiency of crime-fighting and crime-solving tools have combined to make adults prisoners in their homes and young people targets in the places they congregate.
No one feels safe, as even our elders – including former Governor-General Dame Louise Lake-Tack – are being targeted by burglars, while businesses are being forced to curtail operating hours to protect both employees and assets. And all this comes after the late MP Asot Michael was brutally murdered in the sanctity of his own home.
The United Progressive Party calls upon Public Safety Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Acting Police Commissioner Everton Jeffers to do better by the people.
We demand a greater police presence in our neighbourhoods; the reinstallation of CCTV cameras on the highways and in the business districts; the establishment of the long-promised Forensics Lab; the equipping and training of Police personnel; and the updating of laws to tackle modern-day crime.
We also demand better security and preventative measures at our ports to interdict the flow of firearms, ammunition, and illicit drugs into our beleaguered country.
The reported reduction in statistics, at this time, does nothing to reduce the fear and trepidation that grip this Nation. We need ACTION now!
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It’s as if you’re using the man’s death to help boost your political career. Sorry for the tragic death and condolences to his family is all that’s needed.
What does asot murder have to do with this … please don’t compare .. totally different scenario… butt betrayals… please go and campaign on some-other issues..