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HomeNewsArchivesAn Open Letter About Crime to the Residents of St.Croix

An Open Letter About Crime to the Residents of St.Croix

Aug. 25, 2006 – We all know that crime is high so none of us need to be reminded of that, but what we do need to be reminded of is that we are the key element for the reduction of crime. Yes, the police department needs an infusion of capital to bring on line the modem technology that can improved its crime fighting capabilities, but if we the citizens do not say enough is enough and get involved all the technology will be for naught.
I believe crime prevention programs must be a key element in any crime fighting initiative. Neighbors looking out for neighbors. I am old enough to remember when locking the door to ones home was something that was just not done. Yet, I am young enough to remember when it all started to change! Do you remember that hurricane shutters were once our windows and when the house was open it was open all day and closed only to weather a rain storm and to sleep at night. Do you remember that when you left the house the windows were wide open and the doors were just pushed in? No louvers, no locks, just neighbors looking out for neighbors.
In fact, when the rare burglary occurred the police were told immediately who, when and how by neighbors. Today, the responses the police get are I no see, I no hear and I no know! Yes, it is the job of the police department to prevent and detect crime, but I beg an answer to these questions, who are the police protecting? Is it not you? Aren't you part of the community? I have heard things, such as I can't trust the police, the police and the criminals are friends and they are going to tell them it was I who told on them. Not me I fraid the police. I beg an answer to another set of questions, who is killing our children? Is it the police! Do you really believe that?! Who is breaking into your homes?! Who is robbing you on the street?! Who took away your way of life?! Was it the police?! Aren't you afraid of the wrong people? When is Enough going to be Enough, this is the real question!!
As parents, we want to protect our children, however, some of us do so at the expense of other people's children and refuse to see that correction is necessary to protect the community on a whole and instead, they hide their children's criminal activities. Here lies problem number two! I too, would rather not see our prison filled with our young men and in theses times, young ladies, but I would also rather not have to lock myself in my home because of fear of my neighbor's children. So until the community say enough, is enough and report all criminal activities, we will continue to have the results we have now, an out of control crime problem. I ask how many mothers must cry for their child, how many mothers must bury their sons, how many children must become orphans. How many wives must become widows, before enough is enough?
I can tell you that one of the most damaging obstructions to putting away the criminals that roam our streets and please don't be delusional, we have criminals roaming our streets, and in fact they are on the verge of taking over our streets. They kill and rob and break into our homes in broad daylight, all with no fear of reprisal, no fear of conviction! They know that you have resolved to yourself that you are not getting involved. So now I ask, when the guns are turned on your child is enough then going to be enough? Tell me what is it going to take to get you, the community on a grand scale to say I have had enough!
I have worn the badge for 21 years and every time I arrive on a homicide scene, I cry for the mother who have to bury her son and every time and I ask a neighbor who was home and saw what happen what did you see and get not me, me ain't getting involved with that, it grieves my heart to see what my community has become. A community of deaf, blind and mute people.
Residents of St.Croix please remember your history remember that it here that the slaves demanded and won their freedom, this is where Queen Mary, Queen Mathilda, Queen Bottom Belly and General Budhoe got tired of being oppressed, revolted and forced change. When are you going to revolt against the criminals? It is time for a fire burn against the oppressors. Get involved and let's get them off our streets and where they belong. Help your police department help you!

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