Published: Saturday 29th April, 2017
By: Contributor
The upsurge in gun related incidents have increased in frequency over the years in both St. Kitts and Nevis.
The failure of the agents of the state to introduce a youth command department, initiate awarness campaigns and implement effective social programs in hot spot areas hampers the efforts to tackle the crime situation.
Added to this, there has been no new legislation or amendments to the existing laws or any facilitation of options or safety mechanisms to improve the social welfare of the island.
As a result, it begs the question, should citizens be allowed to carry guns, pepper spray or tasers to protect themselves and their families in St. Kitts and Nevis?
Unfortunately, the brutality that has occured indicates that no one is safe.
The existing legal and administrative systems and procedures need to be streamlined so that the balance can be tipped in favour of law-abiding citizens.
People should have a right to be able to defend themselves and their loved ones in the face of the State’s demonstrated inability to guarantee safety and protection.
It’s no secret, our country is slipping away!
The time has come for us to now consider allowing citizens the right to legally carry and use pepper spray and tasers to defend themselves.
The status quo has to change.
An extraordinary sitting of the Parliament to discuss the crime issue, gun legislation, border control, gang violence, safety mechanisms and possible long term strategies is a must.
