Deputy Speaker calls for greater focus on crime prevention
Deputy Speaker Stacey ‘Buddha’ Mather has called for more preventative measures to address crime in the Virgin Islands, emphasising the need for proactive solutions over reactive measures.
Speaking during the First Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Tuesday, January 7, Mather shared his views while debating the Police Amendment Act 2024. He criticized the current approach, stating that more attention is placed on responding to crimes rather than preventing them.
“We have young people in the street. I said in this House that we need more programs for our young people because there is dealing with the now, but there is also dealing with the cause,” Mather remarked.
“You can’t expect the puzzle to be complete when you haven’t put all the pieces in place,” he added, arguing that societal factors such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and hardship contribute significantly to crime.
Mather, who serves as a Territorial-At-Large Representative and Director of the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), highlighted the importance of initiatives that engage and support the territory’s youth.
Established in 2006, YEP has provided programming and resources to over 3,000 local youths. Most recently, the program received a boost through Disney Cruise Line’s new partnership under its “Treasure Tomorrow” initiative, which focuses on investing in youth education.
Mather’s comments echo broader calls for a holistic approach to tackling crime, addressing its root causes while simultaneously supporting young people in the territory.
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yall saying this but fighting the police bill. i confused asf
They are consistently undermining our intelligence ,sensibility and common sense.They have nay nay the proposed police bill put forth but claimingvthecreality that crime andcseverity of offenses has become more concerning. We have zero occupancy in the proson.Offenders are not being apprehendedxand cases are ongoing as insolved and this factor would haveto be one ofcthe reasons. Wnen are they goingvto address the fact that the BVI needs a place to house criminals,including those reluctantly apprehended illegal immigrants. My guess is that they are hoping and vying for Independence first…Can you imagine what this will be like…open borders to all illegal immigrants and no prison not even for the gun toting,the killers,robbers etc
When is the need for an additional prison going to be addressed??
The police Bill needs restructurng, period! It should not become law as it is.
If you want to prevent crime, create better opportunities for youths. And, lead by example.
I recommend a demographic population with a marry before you carry” mindset. The absence of structured family households results in the collapse of a civil society.
In addition,the dumbing down of the population. The graduating students are never qualified for Community College. Those who go off island to College are accepted at colleges rated at the lower end of educational value.
All facts they only care bout they self
St Barts:: O Poverty.
0 CRIME
Monaco. :; 0 Poverty
0 CRIME
What is their methodology?