Crime, violence a threat to region

All across the Caribbean there is a common appeal for safer societies, as an upsurge in crime and violence is threatening the well-being of the region.

As such, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Warren Smith, has noted that the onus is on commissioners of police across the region to put their heads together to find sustainable, strategic solutions to the crime situation.

“As police commissioners, you lead forces that are charged with creating a feeling of security in our communities, by providing protection against threats to life and property. So you’d also be familiar with surveys that indicate that Caribbean publics regard crime as either the most important or second most important social problem facing our Caribbean region,” Dr. Smith remarked as he addressed regional police commissioners at the opening of a two-day Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police, held at Divi Southwinds Resort recently.

“Across the Caribbean region, the common appeal is for safer societies. Many of us recall the days when we could roam the streets at day or at night; when our night rest was undisturbed by gunfire; when schools were a safe haven for our children; and when the church door remained opened, always a place of refuge,” he reflected.

“Rising crime rates have changed that landscape in a rather remarkable manner. I know that the mushrooming of violent crime causes you very great concern. When people are fearful, the ability of the police to provide adequate protection comes under scrutiny and the Force’s credibility and access to intelligence is undermined,” the CDB President stressed.

Noting that “all of the evidence now points to crime and violence threatening our well-being and certain feelings of insecurity among Caribbean citizens”, Dr. Smith quoted a number of startling statistics:

“Our region accounts for only 8.5% of the world’s population, but an estimated 27% of the world’s homicides. Overall, homicide rates are 34% higher and robbery rates are 26% greater than in countries with comparable macro-economic conditions. Murder rates averaging some 30 per 100 000 population annually are higher than for any other region of the world. New forms of criminality, including organised drug trafficking, gang-related violence, kidnapping and corruption, have emerged. With
advances in technology, the incidences of cybercrime are also increasing,” he stated.

“Just recently, here in Barbados we learnt of customers of a number of banking institutions becoming victims of international ATM banking fraud. We also know of the now infamous scammers in Jamaica, who have been fleecing senior citizens in the United States and elsewhere. Assault rates, especially against women, are significantly above the world average. Three of the top ten recorded rape rates occur right here in the Caribbean,” Smith lamented.

“In general, rising levels of crime and violence lead to a concomitant dampening of the pace of economic growth and development. Empirical research done by the World Bank and the IDB has confirmed this. The economic cost of violence and crime is five to 15 per cent of GDP,” he revealed.

Therefore, he said the ACCP must become natural champions of co-operation in the development of policing strategies and the implementation of protective measures, to prevent crime and allay the fears of Caribbean citizens. (RSM)