Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4306/-1/140/
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Commissioner Speaks Of Fighting Crime
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A large portion of the address by Anguilla’s Commissioner of Police, Keithly Benjamin, opening a week of activities marketing the 35th Anniversary of the police force, related to the handling of crime over the past year.
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Commissioner Benjamin
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“As we reflect on 2006 it can only be described as an unprecedented year in our history,” he stated. “Never before, within three months into the year, did we have to investigate three murders and two very serious assaults involving the use of firearms. The gun has become the weapon of choice and has induced much fear in our communities.”
Mr. Benjamin’s went on: “We swiftly adjusted our strategy which yielded some very quick results with the seizure of eight firearms and over 350 rounds of ammunition. When it appeared that we were in a position to target those persons suspected of firearm offences more strategically, we had yet another unfortunate incident at West End gas station involving a firearm. It became apparent that firearms and drugs would continue to be the remit of a dedicated and trained team to deal specifically with those areas.
“Unfortunately I must report that there was an increase in the murder rate. We recorded four murders, three of which persons have been charged in connection with and are pending before the court. The other is still under investigation.
“There were five serious assaults four of which, save for divine intervention, could have resulted in death. We are still awaiting the final report in one of the assaults to determine the appropriate charge.
“It is very disturbing that charges had to be brought against persons still in their teens in two of the murders. Violence among young persons under the age of 20, but more disheartening, among children 16 and under, has also seen an increase.
“In 2003, 49 criminal offences were committed by persons under 16, seven of which involved violence. In 2004, 21 criminal offences were committed three of which involved violence. In 2005, 59 criminal offences were reported against persons of the same age group, 25 of which involved violence; and in 2006, 63 offences were reported against persons in the same age group, 25 of which involved violence.
“This is an area of concern, as the formation of the gang culture is rapidly growing. We have collaborated with the Department of Education and introduced the Drug Abuse and Reduction Education (DARE) programme in schools to attempt to curtail the temptation to become involved in gangs or drugs. The greater challenge is when the youths are not in school but co-mingle with persons who feel citizens from Blowing Point cannot go to the Valley and vice-versa or youngsters cannot go to South Hill or in the Valley – to highlight some apparent turf areas. This ideology must be curbed.
“Our focus therefore, will also be to disrupt the gang culture through action and community support so that all persons can feel safe and move about freely.
“It is against this background that I remind those who are in a position to assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice in the other incidents that it is not too late to lend that assistance, more importantly to do something positive to minimise the likelihood of our youngsters becoming involved in criminality.
“At every opportunity we appeal to you for your support. It is vital towards a reduction in and the investigation of crime, for we cannot do it alone despite being relentless in our pursuit. It is imperative that you discharge your mortal obligation when you are in a position to do so to ensure that this country is still a safe place to live.”
Mr. Benjamin added that the aim of the police is to control and remove dangerous offenders from the communities, deal swiftly with serious crime, including drug trafficking and trafficking in guns and other firearm incidents and safeguard the island’s tourist industry. The police are also intent on improving their scientific ands technical capability from a law enforcement perspective.