Get the criminals

THE EDITOR, Sir: IT IS refreshing to hear that the Government has allotted an additional $5 billion towards the crime fight for this coming year.

This is a massive investment and clearly indicates the Government’s commitment to curbing the monster of crime and violence in our society.

Based on reports, the amount will be spread widely and used to fulfil many pressing needs like securing our borders, improving forensics, and increasing compensation for the police.

For the past few weeks, there have been several damning reports and a steady spate of murders across the island. I have to admit that I, too, am quite concerned, but this is not something we are just now experiencing. The crime rate has been climbing for the past 10 years. I have heard many clamouring for the resignation of the current minister of national security. This, I must admit, came as a surprise to me because no one called for the resignation of the former minister, who in my opinion, failed miserably at managing the security portfolio.

It is my hope that these funds will be properly utilised and that we will begin to see the benefits of it in a lower crime rate in the coming months. I also encourage the police to do their best to prioritise the spend so that the most vital areas are addressed first. SASHA GAYE CHAMBERS St James