Crime And Punishment

The march against crime two weeks ago, part of a series of activities to commemorate the 32nd Anniversary of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, may have sent some small message to criminals and other would-be law-breakers that the community is angry about their deviant behaviour. The rally was a show of protest mainly by youth and community organisations. It lacked however the involvement of the greater mass of members of the public. They should have gone forward not only to inflate the number of marchers, but to demonstrate their solidarity with the younger folk, their disgust with the acts of crime cropping up in our society and their call for the active pursuit and punishment of offenders.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Illidge Richardson, painted a bleak picture of criminal activity on the island and referred to some incidents where there have been no arrests and no closure. It was pointed out that while the police were doing their utmost to solve the crimes, the silence by persons on the island who are presumed to have some useful information to impart, was a hindrance to investigations and justice. Indeed, it was a matter which featured prominently on some of the placards. One read: “Everyone wants a crime-free society – no one wants to talk.” Another placard carried the inscription: “Break the silence, Stop the violence. Speak up. Speak up now. What can you expect? You may be next.”
One of the concerns being expressed on the island is the brutal murder of Jamida Webster. A cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of her killer(s) has been increased by her family and Government from EC$75,000 – EC$125,000. Nobody has yet come forward. Is the money too little or the would-be informant(s) afraid? Some people and even the police are of the belief that there are persons on the island with information which the forensic tests have unfortunately not revealed and are battling with their consciences to remain silent. Such persons are not only cowards but are themselves a danger to the peace and quiet of the society. If ever they are found out they should be tried, convicted and punished for obstruction of justice.

Next month will be a year since this heinous crime was committed and the hearts of many people – family, friends and everybody else are still bleeding over the incident. They want closure, justice and punishment of the criminal(s). The Anguilla Police have had some initial outside assistance, but even at this late stage petitions are being signed for detectives from the New Scotland Yard, Britain’s elite investigative organisation, to be brought in. Under the circumstances it is difficult not to heed that request. Some useful information may be unearthed or somebody at war with their conscience might break and speak.