Namba Wants Crime Under Control

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Tuesday, 22 May 2012 02:30

By Alex Holder

Antigua St John's - Parliamentary Representative for St Paul’s Eleston "Namba" Adams said he has taken a proactive approach to the crime situation plaguing residence of his constituency, which has long been eyed as a premier spot for robberies and burglaries.

The minister of state told Caribarena.com that he has already engaged his constituency, and has written to Commissioner of Police Vere Browne, the prime minister, and the National Security minister demanding that something be done to curb the rising crime in the area. He will also be looking to reorganize community watches and other initiatives.

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“This is something that we have always been talking about. We have had meetings before in the area about the security matters there,” Minister Adams said. He noted that the rising crime in the area will always be a concern of his and added, “one person robbed is one person too many.”

The parliamentary representative said he understands that the authorities has been trying over the past few years to curb the situation, but the time has come for a major overhaul of the security approach, particularly in English Harbour.

“The sudden rise in crime is something that worries me. It worries those who are affected by it," he said. "It should be a concern of the entire nation. I believe we will have to call another meeting of the community to decide on a way forward. It has always been under my radar and security is a serious matter as far as I’m concerned.”

Certain sections of the constituency have already implemented their own security initiatives in the form of electronic surveillance and armed guard presence.

Community watches in the area are not new ,and the minister believes that the new spate of crime will only serve to revive the spirits of those involved in these groups.

“I have written to the commissioner of police on the matter. Letters have also been sent to the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Security as well as the Attorney General. That's how serious I have taken it. And we hope that something is done very shortly,” the minister said.

Residents in the area have expressed concern that the police stations in the area close between midnight to 6:00 AM.

But Adams says such matters fall outside of his hands and sit with National Security Minister Dr Errol Cort and the Comissioner of Police Vere Browne.

He said in the past requests have been tabled for additional officers in the area and the community had even opted to provide the ranks with transportation to suit their needs.

Namba also expressed his own perspective and implied that the facilities officers need to be modernized to provide some level of comfort and incentive for officers to operate.

“We have done quite a number of things in the past including community watches, townhall meetings, and more. When things like these happen there will be renewed energy and focus from these groups to ensure that everyone is on their Ps and Qs.



"Now that there is a sudden rise I believe the neighbourhood would reorganize themselves and come together and put whatever measures they have to in place.”

See related stories:

Community Break-Ins Need Better Policing

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