RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
ALLAN AFLAK
MY POLITICAL BELIEFS ARE DIFFERENT TO THEIRS. I AM A BORN ANTIGUAN AND
I HAVE NO DESIRE TO LIVE OR DIE ANYWHERE ELSE THAN RIGHT HERE IN
ANTIGUA. I SEE A LOT OF DISCUSSION IN THESE PAGES REGARDING MANY
ISSUES THAT AFFECT OUR SOCIETY BUT I DON'T SEE ANY CALL TO ACTION ON
MANY OF THESE ISSUES. MERELY TALKING ABOUT ISSUES AND BASHING BOTH
SIDES IS HELPING NO-ONE AND DOING NOTHING TO SOLVE THE ISSUES.
IN MY OPINION, THE SINGLE LARGEST PROBLEM FACING THE NATION IS THE
ESCALATION IN VIOLENT CRIME. YOUNG AND OLD, RICH AND POOR HAVE BECOME
VIRTUALLY PRISONERS IN THEIR HOMES AND EVEN THERE THEY ARE NOT SAFE.
BUSINESSES ARE ALREADY SEEING A DECLINE IN ACTIVITY AFTER DARK, AS
PEOPLE ARE MORE RELUCTANT TO LEAVE THEIR HOUSES UN-ATTENDED OR BE
SIMPLY OUT ON THE ROAD AT NIGHT. THE INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES THEY
ARE FORCED TO TAKE COSTS MONEY AND IT IS THE CONSUMERS WHO ULTIMATELY
PAY THE PRICE. WE HAVE SEEN INCREASED ATTACKS ON TOURISTS ON THE
BEACHES, IN ST. JOHN'S AND EVEN IN HOTELS. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK
BEFORE ONE PUTS UP A FIGHT AND IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. CAN
ANTIGUA REALLY AFFORD THE KIND OF PUBLICITY THAT ARUBA GOT WITH THE
HOLLAWAY CASE.
AS BUSINESS PEOPLE WE HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIGUA. WE PAY THE TAXES THAT KEEP THE COUNTRY
RUNNING. WHERE IS THE HOTEL ASSOCIATION? WHERE IS THE CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE, THE EMPLOYERS FEDERATION, THE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, THE
GAS STATION OWNERS? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A COMING TOGETHER OF ALL THE
PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS TO APPROACH THE GOVERNMENT FOR SOME
SATISFACTION AS TO WHAT THEIR PLAN IS TO COMBAT THE CRIME SITUATION
AND HOW WE CAN HELP. THERE NEEDS TO BE A WORKING RELATIONSHIP AND A
PROPER PLAN BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR ALL ANTIGUANS. THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL ISSUE. OUR
FUTURE IS AT STAKE RIGHT NOW.
Gene Shoul
YOU HIT THE NAIL ON ITS HEAD.
EVERYBODY RANTING AND RAVING ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE EXCEPT ABOUT THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE RIGHT NOW IN ANTIGUA.
TALK TALK TALK AND NOTHING BEING DONE ABOUT THE SAFETY
OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY.
WAKE UP, ALL OF YOU AND DO SOMETHING, BEFORE ITS TOO LATE.
GENEVIEVE ISSA - SHOUL
ALISON ARCHER
Alison Archer
blaks...@comcast.net
ALLAN AFLAK
WITH ALL DUE RESPECT I MUST DISAGREE WITH YOU. THE ISSUES YOU RAISE DO
RESULT IN AN IMCREASE IN CRIME, BUT NOT THE TYPES OF CRIMES THAT WE
ARE PRESENTLY EXPERIENCING.
THE SERIOUS CRIMES BEING COMMITTED HERE ARE BEING DONE WITH IMPUNITY.
IT'S NOT FOR NEED OR WANT BUT MORE FOR GREED AND WITH A TOTAL
DISREGARD FOR THE CONSEQUENCES. WE ARE NOT SEEING A SIGNIFICANT RISE
IN PETTY CRIME WHERE PEOPLE ARE STEALING TO SURVIVE. WHAT WE HAVE
HERE IN ANTIGUA IS A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR ALL AUTHORITY. JUST LOOK AT
THE AGE OF MANY OF THE PERPETRATORS.
Anthony Astaphan
All the best for the Season!
blackd...@gmail.com
Sniper
On Dec 16, 2:02 pm, "Anthony Astaphan" <astaph...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Notwithstanding the possible charge of a Pan-Arabic/Caribbean conspiracy, I
> must agree to some extent with Allan's last reply. The significant rise in
> crime in most OECS countries has little resemblence to or indeed no genesis
> in socio- econimics or deprivation. It is sheer gangstarism and wanton
> criminality unassiociated with need. To a large extent it reflects a
> breakdown of the civil order, rising gangstarism and drug trafficking and,
> a sickening need to mimic the garbage on television.
>
> However, that is not the end of the debate. While criminal conduct destroys
> societies so too does naked greed and corruption. Crime destroys lives and
> wrecks societies. But corruption eats at the heart and soul of every
> civilized democratic society. It robs the people of choice, freedom and real
> democracy and undermines good governance. And, when you add to that the
> influence peddling and
> fact that senior policians and some members of some Cabinets are hostage or
> at the very least appear beholden to need and greed,societies will collapse
> and become dysfunctional. That breeds civil unreast and disorder! Very
> different social responses to naked crime!
>
> That said, I disagree fundamentally with the proposition that crime, to the
> exclusion of all else, poses the greatest threat to Antigua or the wider
> OECS! If we do not also eradicate corruption et cetera and create what my
> playing field for all regardless of colour, class or creed*" our societies
>
> All the best for the Season!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > BOMBSHELL,
>
> > WITH ALL DUE RESPECT I MUST DISAGREE WITH YOU. THE ISSUES YOU RAISE DO
> > RESULT IN AN IMCREASE IN CRIME, BUT NOT THE TYPES OF CRIMES THAT WE
> > ARE PRESENTLY EXPERIENCING.
>
> > THE SERIOUS CRIMES BEING COMMITTED HERE ARE BEING DONE WITH IMPUNITY.
> > IT'S NOT FOR NEED OR WANT BUT MORE FOR GREED AND WITH A TOTAL
> > DISREGARD FOR THE CONSEQUENCES. WE ARE NOT SEEING A SIGNIFICANT RISE
> > IN PETTY CRIME WHERE PEOPLE ARE STEALING TO SURVIVE. WHAT WE HAVE
> > HERE IN ANTIGUA IS A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR ALL AUTHORITY. JUST LOOK AT
> > THE AGE OF MANY OF THE PERPETRATORS.
>
> Anthony W Astaphan,S.C.
>
> "Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and...be at peace with God,..it is
> still a beautiful world.."- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
elderman
That rising crime is certainly a foremost concern in Antigua and Barbuda today is almost self-evident. Over the last several years there's been a proliferation in the number of security firms in the country, and they all appear to be doing well. Sales in home and business security systems have ballooned, as frightened residents and business owners try to secure their property and lives. And it's hard to find someone who does not have some form of protective weapon either on their person or under their bed. Moreover, many people are fearful to leave their homes at night, and even during the day. These measures clearly suggest that escalating crime and the need to control it are high on the people's agenda.
It is not without good reason that residents of Antigua and Barbuda have moved to improve their security. Daily headlines of break-ins, rapes, armed robbery, and other forms of crimes have the nation in frenzy. This is further exacerbated by the proliferation of unlicensed firearms on the street and the ease with which anyone can obtain one. And how often do we hear the frantic cries for help of crime victims on the morning and evening talk shows. Even notable public officials have succumbed to this terror, prompting PM and MPs to declare war on crime and criminal activities. Moreover, some criminals are using advanced techniques to perpetrate their criminal activities, often leaving no trail or trace of evidence, and thus many of these crimes go unsolved.
The facts speak for themselves, but what is often left to conjecture is why people are committing these crimes. Some are quick to point to socio-economic imbalances. Others politicize the issue. Still others point to the human defect call greed. And, yes some surmise that it is imported through television, music and magazine—a sub-culture reflected in activities like gansterism and drug trafficking.
There's no doubt that these factors, whether singly or collectively, can conspire to create an environment that is conducive to crime. But while the presence of these elements helps to create the atmosphere for criminal activities, they still do not tell us why people commit crimes. Notice well that these explanations deal with external forces, and place little focus on the individual? In other words, people who argue that these factors cause crime to flourish seek to remove the guilt from the perpetrator to something else.
People commit crimes because they choose to do so. And they choose to do so because they—and us—are inherently selfish. And we are selfish because we have a sinful bent.
Crimes are escalating in Antigua because we have increasingly turned inward. We have elevated self as KING and as GOD. A radical individualism has taken hold of our society and we have only begun to reap its baneful fruits. With self on the throne all moral restraints have been cast off because we have lost sight of transcendental values of life and liberty and human dignity and respect for each other. The way back is to stop looking inward and start looking upward and around as a nation.
Police and politicians and governments will continue to grapple with rising crimes but they will find that their best effort is not enough to rid society of this menace, because in the final analysis, crime is a matter of the heart, not the head.
From: Anthony Astaphan <asta...@gmail.com>
To: Takin...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 2:02:29 PM
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
All the best for the Season!
Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
ALLAN AFLAK
PUBLIC OR PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS IS A CRIME .
blaks...@comcast.net
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "ALLAN AFLAK" <allan...@gmail.com>
>
> BOMBSHELL,
>
> WITH ALL DUE RESPECT I MUST DISAGREE WITH YOU. THE ISSUES YOU RAISE DO
> RESULT IN AN IMCREASE IN CRIME, BUT NOT THE TYPES OF CRIMES THAT WE
> ARE PRESENTLY EXPERIENCING.
>
> THE SERIOUS CRIMES BEING COMMITTED HERE ARE BEING DONE WITH IMPUNITY.
> IT'S NOT FOR NEED OR WANT BUT MORE FOR GREED AND WITH A TOTAL
> DISREGARD FOR THE CONSEQUENCES. WE ARE NOT SEEING A SIGNIFICANT RISE
> IN PETTY CRIME WHERE PEOPLE ARE STEALING TO SURVIVE. WHAT WE HAVE
> HERE IN ANTIGUA IS A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR ALL AUTHORITY. JUST LOOK AT
> THE AGE OF MANY OF THE PERPETRATORS.
>
>
>
> On 12/16/07, blaks...@comcast.net wrote:
> >
> > All an,
> >
> > A national resolution is fundamentally important to focus on the country's
> > inequality,evaluate the deficiency and implement contemporary educational
> > support to oppose domination and aggression.
> >
> > Crime indoctrination arise from the top, and that policy prevail for many
> > decades! And who was sleeping is now wide awake.
> >
> > Because there are enduring and critical discussion on this important and
> > serious issue for several months.
> >
> > From Antigua and Barbuda government procurement to lack of employment
> > opportunities initiate crime: when wealth is concentrated in the hands of a
> > few; and disproportion of the majority is obvious.
> >
> > So, the crying hunger and boiling reality of life's labor, from inadequate
> > income and sweat shop slavery, laboring in homes and workp lace for
> > pennies;and unfair procurement practices multiply the inequality of life's
> > conclusion.
> >
> > Also circumstances from ownership exclusion to lack of opportunities
> > exacerbate crime; and eventually influence the safety of all!
> >
> > Kwame Nkosi Romeo
> > aka Bombshell
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -------------- Original message --------------
> > From: "ALLAN AFLAK"
> >
> > >
> > > I AM NOT ONE TO ATTEMPT TO UNDERMINE A DULY ELECTED GOVERNMENT EVEN IF
> > > MY POLITICAL BELIEFS ARE DIFFERENT TO THEIRS. I AM A BORN ANTIGUAN AND
> > > I HAVE NO DESIRE TO LIVE OR DIE ANYWHERE ELSE THAN RIGHT HERE IN
> > > ANTIGUA. I SEE A LOT OF DISCUSSION IN THESE PAGES REGARDING MANY
> > > ISSUES THAT AFFECT OUR SOCIETY BUT I DON'T SEE ANY C ALL TO ACTION ON
> > > MANY OF THESE ISSUES. MERELY TALKING ABOUT ISSUES AND BASHING BOTH
> > > SIDES IS HELPING NO-ONE AND DOING NOTHING TO SOLVE THE ISSUES.
> > >
> > > IN MY OPINION, THE SINGLE LARGEST PROBLEM FACING THE NATION IS THE
> > > ESCALATION IN VIOLENT CRIME. YOUNG AND OLD, RICH AND POOR HAVE BECOME
> > > VIRTUALLY PRISONERS IN THEIR HOMES AND EVEN THERE THEY ARE NOT SAFE.
> > > BUSINESSES ARE ALREADY SEEING A DECLINE IN ACTIVITY AFTER DARK, AS
> > > PEOPLE ARE MORE RELUCTANT TO LEAVE THEIR HOUSES UN-ATTENDED OR BE
> > > SIMPLY OUT ON THE ROAD AT NIGHT. THE INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES THEY
> > > ARE FORCED TO TAKE COSTS MONEY AND IT IS THE CONSUMERS WHO ULTIMATELY
> > > PAY THE PRICE. WE HAVE SEEN INCREASED ATTACKS ON TOURISTS ON THE
> > > BEACHES, IN ST. JOHN'S AND EVEN IN HOTELS. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK
> > ; > BEFORE ONE PUTS UP A FIGHT AND IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. CAN
> > > ANTIGUA REALLY AFFORD THE KIND OF PUBLICITY THAT ARUBA GOT WITH THE
> > > HOLLAWAY CASE.
> > >
> > > AS BUSINESS PEOPLE WE HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN THE
> > > DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIGUA. WE PAY THE TAXES THAT KEEP THE COUNTRY
> > > RUNNING. WHERE IS THE HOTEL ASSOCIATION? WHERE IS THE CHAMBER OF
> > > COMMERCE, THE EMPLOYERS FEDERATION, THE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, THE
> > > GAS STATION OWNERS? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A COMING TOGETHER OF ALL THE >
> > PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS TO APPROACH THE GOVERNMENT FOR SOME
> > > SATISFACTION AS TO WHAT THEIR PLAN IS TO COMBAT THE CRIME SITUATION
> > > AND HOW WE CAN HELP. THERE NEEDS TO BE A WORKING RELATIONSHIP AND A
> > > PROPER PLAN BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
> > >
> > > THIS IS AN I SSUE FOR ALL ANTIGUANS. THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL ISSUE. OUR
X Rae
As a one who is intimately involved in working with young people. I must agree with Elderman's statements regarding crime.
"Crimes are escalating in Antigua because we have increasingly turned inward. We have elevated self as KING and as GOD. A radical individualism has taken hold of our society and we have only begun to reap its baneful fruits. With self on the throne all moral restraints have been cast off because we have lost sight of transcendental values of life and liberty and human dignity and respect for each other. The way back is to stop looking inward and start looking upward and around as a nation."
Chalvar Henry
Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:50:59 -0800
From: elde...@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
asta...@gmail.com
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless
-----Original Message-----
From: "ALLAN AFLAK" <allan...@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 19:40:07
To:Takin...@googlegroups.com
asta...@gmail.com
Additionally, I am not yet convinced that our churches have set the untouchable example for our peoples. But, I do not want to start a holy war; so nuff said!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless
-----Original Message-----
Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:59:57
To:<takin...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: RE: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
Good day,
As a one who is intimately involved in working with young people. I must agree with Elderman's statements regarding crime.
"Crimes are escalating in Antigua because we have increasingly turned inward. We have elevated self as KING and as GOD. A radical individualism has taken hold of our society and we have only begun to reap its baneful fruits. With self on the throne all moral restraints have been cast off because we have lost sight of transcendental values of life and liberty and human dignity and respect for each other. The way back is to stop looking inward and start looking upward and around as a nation."
Crime, violent or not, is indeed a matter of choice, at is most certainly a matter of morality than knowledge. I fully endorse his statements. I suggest that prayer and emphasis on moral education or character development is necessary for turning the tide. In the final analysis, all we can do is do well, and teach others to do the same and hope and pray that are efforts are not in vain.
Chalvar Henry
----------------
Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:50:59 -0800
From: elde...@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
To: Takin...@googlegroups.com
That rising crime is certainly a foremost concern in Antigua and Barbuda today is almost self-evident. Over the last several years there's been a proliferation in the number of security firms in the country, and they all appear to be doing well. Sales in home and business security systems have ballooned, as frightened residents and business owners try to secure their property and lives. And it's hard to find someone who does not have some form of protective weapon either on their person or under their bed. Moreover, many people are fearful to leave their homes at night, and even during the day. These measures clearly suggest that escalating crime and the need to control it are high on the people's agenda.
It is not without good reason that residents of Antigua and Barbuda have moved to improve their security. Daily headlines of break-ins, rapes, armed robbery, and other forms of crimes have the nation in frenzy. This is further exacerbated by the proliferation of unlicensed firearms on the street and the ease with which anyone can obtain one. And how often do we hear the frantic cries for help of crime victims on the morning and evening talk shows. Even notable public officials have succumbed to this terror, prompting PM and MPs to declare war on crime and criminal activities. Moreover, some criminals are using advanced techniques to perpetrate their criminal activities, often leaving no trail or trace of evidence, and thus many of these crimes go unsolved.
The facts speak for themselves, but what is often left to conjecture is why people are committing these crimes. Some are quick to point to socio-economic imbalances. Others politicize the issue. Still others point to the human defect call greed. And, yes some surmise that it is imported through television, music and magazine—a sub-culture reflected in activities like gansterism and drug trafficking.
There's no doubt that these factors, whether singly or collectively, can conspire to create an environment that is conducive to crime. But while the presence of these elements helps to create the atmosphere for criminal activities, they still do not tell us why people commit crimes. Notice well that these explanations deal with external forces, and place little focus on the individual? In other words, people who argue that these factors cause crime to flourish seek to remove the guilt from the perpetrator to something else.
People commit crimes because they choose to do so. And they choose to do so because they—and us—are inherently selfish. And we are selfish because we have a sinful bent.
Crimes are escalating in Antigua because we have increasingly turned inward. We have elevated self as KING and as GOD. A radical individualism has taken hold of our society and we have only begun to reap its baneful fruits. With self on the throne all moral restraints have been cast off because we have lost sight of transcendental values of life and liberty and human dignity and respect for each other. The way back is to stop looking inward and start looking upward and around as a nation.
Police and politicians and governments will continue to grapple with rising crimes but they will find that their best effort is not enough to rid society of this menace, because in the final analysis, crime is a matter of the heart, not the head.
----- Original Message ----
From: Anthony Astaphan <asta...@gmail.com>
To: Takin...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 2:02:29 PM
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
Notwithstanding the possible charge of a Pan-Arabic/Caribbean conspiracy, I must agree to some extent with Allan's last reply. The significant rise in crime in most OECS countries has little resemblence to or indeed no genesis in socio- econimics or deprivation. It is sheer gangstarism and wanton criminality unassiociated with need. To a large extent it reflects a breakdown of the civil order, rising gangstarism and drug trafficking and, a sickening need to mimic the garbage on television.
However, that is not the end of the debate. While criminal conduct destroys societies so too does naked greed and corruption. Crime destroys lives and wrecks societies. But corruption eats at the heart and soul of every civilized democratic society. It robs the people of choice, freedom and real democracy and undermines good governance. And, when you add to that the influence peddling and
fact that senior policians and some members of some Cabinets are hostage or at the very least appear beholden to need and greed,societies will collapse and become dysfunctional. That breeds civil unreast and disorder! Very different social responses to naked crime!
That said, I disagree fundamentally with the proposition that crime, to the exclusion of all else, poses the greatest threat to Antigua or the wider OECS! If we do not also eradicate corruption et cetera and create what my fallen Conmrades Roosie and Michael Douglas once described as an " even playing field for all regardless of colour, class or creed" our societies will forever be raked and ravished by uncertainty, fear and anxiety! All the best for the Season!
On Dec 16, 2007 11:40 AM, ALLAN AFLAK <allan...@gmail.com <mailto:allan...@gmail.com> > wrote:
BOMBSHELL,
WITH ALL DUE RESPECT I MUST DISAGREE WITH YOU. THE ISSUES YOU RAISE DO
RESULT IN AN IMCREASE IN CRIME, BUT NOT THE TYPES OF CRIMES THAT WE
ARE PRESENTLY EXPERIENCING.
THE SERIOUS CRIMES BEING COMMITTED HERE ARE BEING DONE WITH IMPUNITY.
IT'S NOT FOR NEED OR WANT BUT MORE FOR GREED AND WITH A TOTAL
DISREGARD FOR THE CONSEQUENCES. WE ARE NOT SEEING A SIGNIFICANT RISE
IN PETTY CRIME WHERE PEOPLE ARE STEALING TO SURVIVE. WHAT WE HAVE
HERE IN ANTIGUA IS A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR ALL AUTHORITY. JUST LOOK AT
THE AGE OF MANY OF THE PERPETRATORS.
----------------
Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=51734/*http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping>
andrea...@yahoo.com
What we need to do is to combat crime. Antigua is fast becoming like Jamaica and it really is a very scary thought. Did anyone listen to our most honourable members of Parliament during the budget debate. When instead of our getting assistance with combatting crime and ensuring that the preventative measures will work we have been told that Canadians have been hired to investigate Mr Michael and Lester Bird.
Why didn't we do it the other way around? We should have hired the Canadians to assist with combatting crime and then investigate those two. Anyhow...
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
From: blaks...@comcast.net
Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:26:23
To:Takin...@googlegroups.com
ethomas
With limited funds priorties must be established. It is becoming clear that
the top priority of the current government is to retain power. Taking care
of the people's business is a distant second.
I am still shocked that the "HELP" from the Canadian police is being used to
pursue ALP politicians; not to stop the maddening increase in rape, murder,
assault, and robbery.
It perfectly illustrates the misplacement of the people's money to take care
of their needs; not ours.
Wow...do they not understand the fear that is gripping the country? Are
they that out of touch with the people? Wow...just call the election
ALREADY!!!....
Eban Thomas.
On Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:44:22 +0000, andreaajacobs wrote
blaks...@comcast.net
The Basics
Social exclusion is often related to crime. Many offenders have experienced poverty or lack of family support, and we know that many prisoners have poor education, housing problems, little job experience, and may have alcohol, drugs and mental health problems. If we want to understand how crime happens, why people end up in prison and how we can break the cycle of re-offending, we need to look at the range and extent of those problems.
Social exclusion suggests that some people can be “left out” of certain parts of society because they are excluded from participating as they would like to. You may not be socially excluded just because you didn’t make the football team, but when multiple problems come together it can be very difficult to make choices and find opportunities. This may seem like a simple concept, but the definition of what it actually means to be socially excluded is often contested.
- In 2004/05, 11.4 million people in Great Britain were living in income poor households.
- A sixth of the population - around 10 million people - experience poverty in at least two years in three.
- In 2005, there were 2.3 million people who wanted to be in paid work but were not.
- Prisoners are over twenty times more likely than the general population to have been excluded from school.
Inside Information
What is social exclusion?
The government describes social exclusion as what “happens when people or places suffer from a series of problems such as unemployment, discrimination, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime, ill health and family breakdown.” One key idea is that social exclusion is about more than income poverty and money problems.
Also, the term social exclusion can refer to different types of exclusion which may not seem “social” at first:
- Economic: such as exclusion from the job market
- Political: such as exclusion from voting or expressing political views
- Spatial: such as exclusion from living in certain neighbourhoods
How is it different from poverty?
In many ways, social exclusion and poverty are closely related. If a family experiences low income, this can lead to difficulties such as paying for adequate healthcare, attending school or getting job training for example. Still, poverty usually measures a static situation (whether or not a family is below a certain income level at a certain time) where social exclusion is thought to be more dynamic, or changing, and multidimensional.
A household is defined as being in poverty if its income is less than 60% of the median (or the middle) household income in Great Britain. Identifying social exclusion takes into account different aspects of disadvantage and their interaction with each other (for example, how a physical disability may lead to unemployment, unemployment may lead to low income, and low income may make it necessary to live in council housing, etc.). Therefore, a family or individual can be socially excluded without being in poverty.
- Disabled adults are twice as likely to live in low income households as non-disabled adults.
- Almost 2 million children live in workless households.
- A half of all lone parents are in low income, two-and-a-half times the rate for couples with children.
- Around 500,000 young adults aged 16 to 24 were unemployed in 2005 (around 10%).
- 4½ million adults aged 22 to retirement were paid less than £6.50 per hour in 2005. Two thirds of these were women.
- In 2004/05, 12% of 16-year old students obtained less than 5 GCSEs.
- 150,000 to 200,000 households are accepted by their local authority as homeless each year.
- Two-fifths of people from ethnic minorities live in low income households. This is twice the rate for white people.
- In 2002/03, around two-fifths of pensioner households entitled to Pension Credit were not claiming it.
- Half of all people in social housing are on low incomes compared to one in seven of those in other housing tenures.
- People without qualifications are three times less likely to receive job-related training compared with those with some qualifications.
- Many prisoners have effectively been excluded from access to services such as healthcare.
How is it measured?
Measuring social exclusion is even less straightforward than measuring poverty. There is no one set indicator, but instead many different factors which must be taken into account. Some measures may use 5 indicators (for example: low income, poor health, social housing, unemployment, and little political involvement). Other measures may use 50 different indicators (including for example: inability to open a bank account, no access to insurance, lacking knowledge of necessary local transportation, etc.). Further measures could even ask the following:
- Does the individual have a hobby if they would like one?
- Are they able to go on holiday?
- Do they see much of their family and friends?
How is it related to crime?
Statistics show that both offenders and victims of crimes often suffer from one or more aspects of social exclusion. For example, an offender may come from a childhood of poverty, or a victim may be a gang member excluded from mainstream security. It is possible to see how combined factors such as family change, drug misuse, or mental health problems could make a person more susceptible to criminal activities.
- Government figures show that the 5% most disadvantaged are 100 times more likely to have multiple problems than the most advantaged 50%, including conduct disorders, police contact, cannabis use, mood disorders and alcohol abuse.
The socially excluded as victims of crime
Some areas are known to have high levels of crime and disorder, yet the people living in them may not be financially or physically able to move out if they want to. They may feel afraid at night, live far from family and friends, or be excluded from the politics of their local community. Fear of crime itself is considered to be a cause of social exclusion. It is also important to remember that many offenders are also victims.
- Among women aged 60 and over, those from lower income households are one and a half times as likely to feel very unsafe out at night as those from higher income households.
- Lone parent households and unemployed people are both twice as likely to be burgled, and to be victims of violence as the average person.
- People on very low incomes, living in inner city areas, in bad health and social renting are all more likely to be very worried about both burglary and being mugged than people on average.
The risk of becoming a victim of violent crime according to the 2005/06 British Crime Survey showed the following:
- Those who are unemployed are at higher risk than those in employment (6.6% vs. 3.9%).
- Those in the ACORN category “Hard Pressed” are at higher risk than those in the “Wealthy Achievers” category (4.7% vs. 2.3%).
- Single people were at higher risk (7.8%) than married (1.6%) or widowed (0.6%) people, and were in particular at risk of stranger and acquaintance violence.
- People living in areas with high levels of physical disorder are also at higher risk of violent victimisation (6.3%).
Domestic violence provides an example of victimisation that can lead to extreme social exclusion. It can be the cause of ill health, poverty and constant fear of physical harm which prevents stable employment or social activities.
- At least 50% of women in prison report being victims of childhood abuse or domestic violence.
Social exclusion and crime at the community level
Some communities or neighbourhoods are more affected than others by financial deprivation, lack of jobs, poor public transport, and low-quality schools and housing. This type of ‘concentration’ of disadvantage can give an area a negative reputation leaving the people in it feeling isolated with limited opportunities.
- Concentrated poverty usually occurs in urban areas, dominated by council housing.
- Illegal income-making prospects may be highly visible to young people in the community.
- There may be only a few drug dealers operating in the deprived area, but this means many more people will be coming to the community to buy drugs, intimidating neighbours and perhaps committing other offences while they are there.
- Low income households are more likely than richer households to feel dissatisfied with the area they live in.
- Residents of council estates regard crime as a more serious local problem than any other group, although affluent urban areas, often near council estates, also regard it as the key issue affecting local quality of life.
The social exclusion of prisoners
The disadvantage of offenders is exacerbated by imprisonment. With prisons at capacity, more offenders are facing exclusion from society and crucially from their families.
Compared with the general population people in prison are:
- 13 times as likely to have been in care as a child.
- 13 times as likely to be unemployed.
- 10 times as likely to have been a regular truant from school.
- 2.5 times as likely to have had a family member convicted of a criminal offence.
- 6 times as likely to have been a young father.
- 15 times as likely to be HIV positive.
Income
- 72% of prisoners were in receipt of benefits immediately before entering prison.
- 48% of prisoners came to prison with a history of debt (compared to 10% of households in the general population).
Health
- 60% to 70% of prisoners were using drugs before imprisonment.
- Over 70% suffer from at least two mental disorders.
- 20% of male and 37%of female sentenced prisoners have attempted suicide in the past.
- Around half of prisoners had no GP before they came into custody.
Education
- 49% of male and 33% female sentenced prisoners were excluded from school.
- 89% of men and 84% of women in prison left school at 16 or younger.
- 52% of men and 71% of women in prison have no qualifications (compared to 15% of the general population).
Employment
- 67% of prisoners were unemployed in the 4 weeks before imprisonment (compared to 5% in the general population).
- Around two-thirds of those prisoners who do have a job lose it whilst in custody.
- 63% of young people in prison were unemployed at the time of arrest.
Housing
- 4.7% of prisoners report sleeping rough immediately prior to imprisonment (compared to .001% of the general population).
- 32% of prisoners were not living in permanent accommodation prior to imprisonment.
- 96% of mentally-disordered prisoners were put back into the community without supported housing.
Ethnicity
- Of all those sentenced to custody in the second quarter of 2005, more than one in five were from a minority ethnic group.
- In 2002 there were more African Caribbean entrants to prison than there were to UK universities.
Children
- Just 5% of women prisoners’ children remain in their own home once their mother has been sentenced.
- 7% of school children experience their father being sent to prison.
- Nearly a third (30%) of prisoners’ children experience significant mental health problems, compared with 10% of the general population.
Rehabilitation and re-offending: the social exclusion of ex-prisoners
After imprisonment, for many offenders, their situation on the outside has deteriorated. They may feel more cut off from society, find it difficult to get a job with a criminal record, have lost their home or lost contact with their family and friends. Social exclusion can be so persistent for prisoners they often re-offend soon after leaving prison resulting in reconviction.
- 30% of people released from prison will have nowhere to live.
- Women prisoners are particularly likely not to have accommodation arranged for their release.
- During their sentence 45% of people lose contact with their families and many separate from their partners.
- One study found that between 2 and 12 months after release, only half of ex-prisoners had done some paid work.
- Another survey showed that people with a criminal record are part of the ‘core jobless group’ that more than 60% of employers deliberately exclude when recruiting.
- Of young men released from prison in 2002, 78.4% were reconvicted within two years.
In our current society, imprisonment is the frequent ‘answer’ to crime. As social exclusion is shown to be deeply rooted in the causes of crime and often made worse through the prison experience, it is not surprising that re-offending and reconviction rates are so high.
- Of all prisoners released is 2002, 67.4% were reconvicted within 2 years.
Social exclusion and the criminal justice system
Social exclusion is not only related to offending behaviour, it is also related to the criminal justice system itself. This type of exclusion may include:
- Not having access to information about laws, policies and your rights.
- Being treated a certain way by police, for example because of your ethnicity.
- Being financially unable to obtain legal advice.
“Social exclusion”: an evolving concept
Since the Labour Government started using the term “social exclusion” in the late 90’s, it has popped up more or less at times, and often with a different focus. Some critics believe that the term is simply used as a more popular way to discuss poverty and its consequences.
Inequality
As the concept implies being excluded from mainstream societal aspects or activities, it is closely related to the idea of income inequality. This type of disadvantage- being in poverty compared to those around you- is the result of economic disparities. In relation to crime, we can think of inequality in two key ways:
1) The disadvantage of some may lead to crimes committed in attempt to improve the quality of their life or for material gain. A career in selling drugs, for example, may seem attractive to someone who didn’t have the opportunity to get well-paying and legal job.
2) The wealthy are often isolated in a certain lifestyle which may allow them to be separated from the inequality around them. Harsh punishment for “deviant others” may become publicly acceptable or even desired.
- Inner London is deeply divided: it has by far the highest proportion of people on a low income but also a high proportion of people on a high income.
- The richest tenth of the population have seen their income increase the most over the last decade, while the poorest tenth have seen their incomes increase the least.
Murder: an example of crime and inequality
The risk of being murdered is not equally distributed across society. Instead, the poorer the place you live in, the more likely you are to be murdered.
- People living in the poorest 10% of wards in Britain are about 5.7 times more likely to be murdered than those living in the least poor (richest) 10%.
- This ratio is increasing with time: people living in the poorest 10% of Britain, are 182% more likely than average to be murdered, while the likeliness of those in the richest 20% being murdered has been falling over time.
What is the Government doing about it?
The Government sometimes refers to those who are socially excluded as “hard to reach”. This implies the difficulty in forming policies and programmes that succeed in targeting the people that would benefit from them and in a helpful way.
Social Exclusion Task Force
In 1997, the Labour Government set up the Social Exclusion Unit to deal specifically with social issues such as poverty and crime. In 2002, the unit published an important report which detailed the types and levels of exclusion experienced by prisoners. This unit was dissolved in 2006 and the government created the new Social Exclusion Task Force and also appointed a Social Exclusion Minister (Hilary Armstrong) to oversee it.
- The Task Force published a report entitled: Reaching Out: An Action Plan on Social Exclusion in September 2006 (available at http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/social_exclusion_task_force/publications/reaching_out/reaching_out.asp).
- The Action Plan focuses on “early identification, support and preventative action” to “tackle problems before they become fully entrenched”.
- Examples include: health-led parenting support projects from pre-birth to age 2; or encouraging employment for those suffering from more severe mental health problems.
Policy
There are many difficulties when attempting to address social exclusion and crime through policy, due to the same multidimensional aspect that makes social exclusion unique. How can a policy aim to tackle all of the different areas of disadvantage that an offender might be experiencing?
- Some policy is aimed at certain elements of social exclusion such as the New Deal programmes that help people into work (considered a ‘responsive’ policy).
- Other policy aims to be more ‘preventative’ such as Sure Start which assists in the early care of children such as through healthcare.
Dealing with social exclusion and crime presents a very complex policy task. Some important policy questions might include:
- How can we identify those at risk of becoming socially excluded before it actually happens, and what are the boundaries of policy to intervene?
- Should reducing economic inequality be the main focus of policy with the aim to reduce relative disadvantage and rates of offending?
- How much responsibility should be placed on socially excluded offenders?
Is social exclusion a useful concept?
Since social exclusion itself is difficult to define, we must consider what effect it has on policy and criminal justice. Although social exclusion implies that multiple disadvantages are related to crime, many policies and programmes address only one of these aspects at a time. In some ways, grouping different factors together which influence offending behaviour is useful in recognising the complexity of the causes of crime. In other ways, generalising characteristics in an unequal society can encourage a sort of ‘us and them’ approach to policy, leading to further social exclusion.
Did you know?
- It is estimated that 125,000 children have a parent in prison, adding to the intergenerational effects of custody and the social exclusion that goes with it.
- 65% of adult prisoners have a numeracy level at or below the expected level of an 11 year-old.
- One prison drugs project found that although 70% of those entering the prison had a drug misuse problem, 80% of these had never had any contact with drug treatment services.
Where can I find out more?
http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/social_exclusion_task_force/ - Social Exclusion Task Force
http://www.socialexclusionunit.gov.uk/downloaddoc.asp?id=64 – Reducing Re-offending by Ex-prisoners, Social Exclusion Unit, 2002
http://www.poverty.org.uk/ - Site for statistics on poverty and social exclusion, produced by the New Policy Institute and supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
-------------- Original message --------------
From: andrea...@yahoo.com
It has been empherically proven by both scholars and academia alike that crime has a direct relation with the socio economics. Their has been voluminous writings on this and this relation has been tested and proven time and time
> again.
>
> What we need to do is to combat crime. Antigua is fast becoming like Jamaica and it really is a very scary thought. Did anyone listen to our most honourable members of Parliament during the budget debate. When instead of our getting assistance with combatting crime and ensuring that the preventative measures will work we have been told that Canadians have been hired to investigate Mr
> Michael and Lester Bird.
>
> Why didn't we do it the other way around? We should have hired the Canadians to assist with combatting crime and then inve stigate those two
> . Anyhow...
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blaks...@comcast.net
>
> Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:26:23
> To:Takin...@googlegroups.com
> Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
>
>
> Allan,
>
> A World Bank commissioned report: 'Caribbean Youth Development Issue and Policy Directions' identify three (3) critical conclusive an ecological framework to demonstrate risk and protective factors of C
> aribbean youths:
>
> a- The underlying risk and protective factors of youth behavior
>
> b-Youth outcomes
>
> c-Subsequent adults outcomes
>
>
> The study is termed ecological "{Because} the framework shows the relationship between the individual adolescent and his or her environment
> " and further appe aring in three (3) levels:
>
> 1- Individual
>
> 2-Micro-environment
>
> 3-Macro-environment
>
>
> And further stress that these factors relate to youth outcomes and characterize
> adult life:
>
>
> 1-Sexual and physical abuse
>
> 2-Sexual initiation
>
> 3-HIV/AIDS
>
> 5-Caribbean adolescents males who carry firearm
>
> 6-Social exclusion
>
>
> Social exclusion is probably a main factor of youth severe consequences. But positive resolution and youth involvement, behavioral psychology and progressive educational support are essential elements to
> avert a crisis.
>
> Are youths really the problem? No! according to the report youths are condemned
> without in-depth analysis to evaluate their problem:
> "Youth are not the the problem but a product of their micro-and macro-environment. F or the most part, they rationally react to the situation in which they find themselves. Drug dealing, for example,would be rational for a young person if no
> other forms of employment existed.."
> I appreciate your response and also Astaphan's contribution, whereas you raised some important questions, Astaphan's response is t
> o narrow for the complexities of the issues involved.
>
> Astaphan highlight gangsterism but ignore the political culture of social
> exclusion that created it; and to understand gangsterism and the political power behind the escalation are two important review - Mena Controversy and Dark Alliance, but closer to home analyze the Garrison Comm
> unities in the Caribbean!
>
> Beside the fact young people mimic adults, the structure of
> peace-keeping,compassion,self-esteem and the capacity for young people to make meaning of the world outside of social exclusion have been
> neglected.
>
> Also religious institutions have not done a great job of rescuing our young
> people; and vendetta driven political culture is not exemplary.
> Above all the government must take responsibility in reducing the crime-wave by investing in crime fighting structure and professional training ;and promote the collaboration of neighborhood watch to inspire the confidence of the community'
> s safeguard.
>
> But one must also agree that the lack of past investment lowered the capacity
> for crime solving.
>
> And for Bob Marley 'One Love' to be the signature of Antigua society once again,
> security must be a major factor.
>
>
> Kwame Nkosi Romeo
> aka Bombshell
>
>
>
>
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: "ALLAN AFLAK"
>
> >
> > BOMBSHELL,
> >
> &g t; WITH ALL DUE RESPECT I MUST DISAGREE WITH YOU. THE ISSUES YOU RAISE DO
elderman
From: "asta...@gmail.com" <asta...@gmail.com>
To: Takin...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Monday, December 17, 2007 6:12:40 AM
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
Additionally, I am not yet convinced that our churches have set the untouchable example for our peoples. But, I do not want to start a holy war; so nuff said!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless
-----Original Message-----
From: X Rae <no_no...@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:59:57
To:<takin...@googlegroups.com>
Good day,
As a one who is intimately involved in working with young people. I must agree with Elderman's statements regarding crime.
"Crimes are escalating in Antigua because we have increasingly turned inward. We have elevated self as KING and as GOD. A radical individualism has taken hold of our society and we have only begun to reap its baneful fruits. With self on the throne all moral restraints have been cast off because we have lost sight of transcendental values of life and liberty and human dignity and respect for each other. The way back is to stop looking inward and start looking upward and around as a nation."
Crime, violent or not, is indeed a matter of choice, at is most certainly a matter of morality than knowledge. I fully endorse his statements. I suggest that prayer and emphasis on moral education or character development is necessary for turning the tide. In the final analysis, all we can do is do well, and teach others to do the same and hope and pray that are efforts are not in vain.
Chalvar Henry
----------------
Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:50:59 -0800
From: elde...@yahoo.com
That rising crime is certainly a foremost concern in Antigua and Barbuda today is almost self-evident. Over the last several years there's been a proliferation in the number of security firms in the country, and they all appear to be doing well. Sales in home and business security systems have ballooned, as frightened residents and business owners try to secure their property and lives. And it's hard to find someone who does not have some form of protective weapon either on their person or under their bed. Moreover, many people are fearful to leave their homes at night, and even during the day. These measures clearly suggest that escalating crime and the need to control it are high on the people's agenda.
It is not without good reason that residents of Antigua and Barbuda have moved to improve their security. Daily headlines of break-ins, rapes, armed robbery, and other forms of crimes have the nation in frenzy. This is further exacerbated by the proliferation of unlicensed firearms on the street and the ease with which anyone can obtain one. And how often do we hear the frantic cries for help of crime victims on the morning and evening talk shows. Even notable public officials have succumbed to this terror, prompting PM and MPs to declare war on crime and criminal activities. Moreover, some criminals are using advanced techniques to perpetrate their criminal activities, often leaving no trail or trace of evidence, and thus many of these crimes go unsolved.
The facts speak for themselves, but what is often left to conjecture is why people are committing these crimes. Some are quick to point to socio-economic imbalances. Others politicize the issue. Still others point to the human defect call greed. And, yes some surmise that it is imported through television, music and magazine—a sub-culture reflected in activities like gansterism and drug trafficking.
There's no doubt that these factors, whether singly or collectively, can conspire to create an environment that is conducive to crime. But while the presence of these elements helps to create the atmosphere for criminal activities, they still do not tell us why people commit crimes. Notice well that these explanations deal with external forces, and place little focus on the individual? In other words, people who argue that these factors cause crime to flourish seek to remove the guilt from the perpetrator to something else.
People commit crimes because they choose to do so. And they choose to do so because they—and us—are inherently selfish. And we are selfish because we have a sinful bent.
Crimes are escalating in Antigua because we have increasingly turned inward. We have elevated self as KING and as GOD. A radical individualism has taken hold of our society and we have only begun to reap its baneful fruits. With self on the throne all moral restraints have been cast off because we have lost sight of transcendental values of life and liberty and human dignity and respect for each other. The way back is to stop looking inward and start looking upward and around as a nation.
Police and politicians and governments will continue to grapple with rising crimes but they will find that their best effort is not enough to rid society of this menace, because in the final analysis, crime is a matter of the heart, not the head.
----- Original Message ----
From: Anthony Astaphan <asta...@gmail.com>
To: Takin...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 2:02:29 PM
However, that is not the end of the debate. While criminal conduct destroys societies so too does naked greed and corruption. Crime destroys lives and wrecks societies. But corruption eats at the heart and soul of every civilized democratic society. It robs the people of choice, freedom and real democracy and undermines good governance. And, when you add to that the influence peddling and
fact that senior policians and some members of some Cabinets are hostage or at the very least appear beholden to need and greed,societies will collapse and become dysfunctional. That breeds civil unreast and disorder! Very different social responses to naked crime!
That said, I disagree fundamentally with the proposition that crime, to the exclusion of all else, poses the greatest threat to Antigua or the wider OECS! If we do not also eradicate corruption et cetera and create what my fallen Conmrades Roosie and Michael Douglas once described as an " even playing field for all regardless of colour, class or creed" our societies will forever be raked and ravished by uncertainty, fear and anxiety! All the best for the Season!
On Dec 16, 2007 11:40 AM, ALLAN AFLAK <allan...@gmail.com <mailto:allan...@gmail.com> > wrote:
BOMBSHELL,
RESULT IN AN IMCREASE IN CRIME, BUT NOT THE TYPES OF CRIMES THAT WE
ARE PRESENTLY EXPERIENCING.
THE SERIOUS CRIMES BEING COMMITTED HERE ARE BEING DONE WITH IMPUNITY.
IT'S NOT FOR NEED OR WANT BUT MORE FOR GREED AND WITH A TOTAL
DISREGARD FOR THE CONSEQUENCES. WE ARE NOT SEEING A SIGNIFICANT RISE
IN PETTY CRIME WHERE PEOPLE ARE STEALING TO SURVIVE. WHAT WE HAVE
HERE IN ANTIGUA IS A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR ALL AUTHORITY. JUST LOOK AT
THE AGE OF MANY OF THE PERPETRATORS.
>
> Allan,
>
> support to oppose domination and aggression.
>
> Crime indoctrination arise from the top, and that policy prevail for many
> decades! And who was sleeping is now wide awake.
>
> Because there are enduring and critical discussion on this important and
> serious issue for several months.
>
> From Antigua and Barbuda government procurement to lack of employment
> opportunities initiate crime: when wealth is concentrated in the hands of a
> few; and disproportion of the majority is obvious.
>
> So, the crying hunger and boiling reality of life's labor, from inadequate
> pennies;and unfair procurement practices multiply the inequality of life's
> conclusion.
>
> Also circumstances from ownership exclusion to lack of opportunities
> exacerbate crime; and eventually influence the safety of all!
>
> Kwame Nkosi Romeo
> aka Bombshell
>
>
>
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: "ALLAN AFLAK" <allan...@gmail.com <mailto:allan...@gmail.com> >
>
> >
> > I AM NOT ONE TO ATTEMPT TO UNDERMINE A DULY ELECTED GOVERNMENT EVEN IF
> > MY POLITICAL BELIEFS ARE DIFFERENT TO THEIRS. I AM A BORN ANTIGUAN AND
> > I HAVE NO DESIRE TO LIVE OR DIE ANYWHERE ELSE THAN RIGHT HERE IN
> > ANTIGUA. I SEE A LOT OF DISCUSSION IN THESE PAGES REGARDING MANY
> > MANY OF THESE ISSUES. MERELY TALKING ABOUT ISSUES AND BASHING BOTH
> >
> > IN MY OPINION, THE SINGLE LARGEST PROBLEM FACING THE NATION IS THE
> > BUSINESSES ARE ALREADY SEEING A DECLINE IN ACTIVITY AFTER DARK, AS
> > PEOPLE ARE MORE RELUCTANT TO LEAVE THEIR HOUSES UN-ATTENDED OR BE
> > SIMPLY OUT ON THE ROAD AT NIGHT. THE INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES THEY
> > ARE FORCED TO TAKE COSTS MONEY AND IT IS THE CONSUMERS WHO ULTIMATELY
> > PAY THE PRICE. WE HAVE SEEN INCREASED ATTACKS ON TOURISTS ON THE
> > BEACHES, IN ST. JOHN'S AND EVEN IN HOTELS. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK
> > BEFORE ONE PUTS UP A FIGHT AND IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. CAN
> > ANTIGUA REALLY AFFORD THE KIND OF PUBLICITY THAT ARUBA GOT WITH THE
> > HOLLAWAY CASE.
> >
> > AS BUSINESS PEOPLE WE HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN THE
> > DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIGUA. WE PAY THE TAXES THAT KEEP THE COUNTRY
> > GAS STATION OWNERS? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A COMING TOGETHER OF ALL THE >
> PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS TO APPROACH THE GOVERNMENT FOR SOME
> > SATISFACTION AS TO WHAT THEIR PLAN IS TO COMBAT THE CRIME SITUATION
> > AND HOW WE CAN HELP. THERE NEEDS TO BE A WORKING RELATIONSHIP AND A
> > PROPER PLAN BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
> >
> > FUTURE IS AT STAKE RIGHT NOW.
> >
> >
> >
>
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Debbie Douglas
Season's greetings to all my fellow bloggers. I have been reading the various emails of each of you re: the crime situation in Antigua. I must say I agree with the last two authors that there is indeed a casual link between crime and socio-economic (i.e. poverty). I attended a youth symposium in Antigua in July 2007 and one of the major topics discussed was the high level of crime in the country especially among the youth. Judging from the volume of emails on the blog, the crime situation is getting out of control. We need to find solutions to this crime problem a.s.a.p. Since, we agree that poverty and unemployment are one of the major causes of crime, government and the private sector need to create jobs for some of the unemployed youth who engage in crime. The old saying that "the devil finds work for idle hands" is so true. Some of the youth feel a sense of hopelessness and alienation that is why they turn to crime. They (the youth) need to be re-directed into chanelling their energies into pursuing constructive activities, eg. employment, education etc. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the government, private sector, and all of us concern to help create opportunities for our youth.
Antigua is not unique in facing rising crime level, several other Caribbean countries (e.g. Jamaica, Trinidad, St. Lucia, St. Vincent etc) are faced with the same problem. If we don't start to find solutions to stop this crime wave, by addressing the root cause of the problem - life will becoming unbearable and unliveable in these islands. Since most of our countries depend on tourism to survive, it is not an option to continue to talk about the crime situation without seriously employing methods to cure the problem. Not only will tourist stop coming to the islands, because, they no longer feel safe there. But, investors and other business persons will stay away. Recently, I read that the medical school in St. Vincent that was operating on the island for 25 years closed its doors, because of the high level of crime in that country. This clearly an unacceptable situation that cannot continue.
Since crime is a problem that affects all of us and does not discriminate base on race, political affiliation, religion, class and creed. Then, we all have a stake in ensuring that the problem is solved and that all methods must be used to ensure that the situation does not continue to deteriorate.
Regards,
Johnson Matthews
Please note that this crime wave is a very recent thing in Antigua and Barbuda; and as Eban Thomas has pointed out, this is not related in any way to what is going on in the wider caribbean. We have criminal elements every where, including Antigua and Barbuda. However, structures were in-place here to control their criminal activities.
Some very specific decisions were made in Antigua and Barbuda recently by PM Baldwin Spencer that have removed these structures:
1) upon becoming PM, Baldwin Spencer fired all the senior persons in the Antigua and Barbuda police force.
2) we have allegations that the justice minister colin derrick assaulted a female police officer.
3) As a priority for PM Spencer's government in dealing with crime, canadian mounties were brought to antigua and barbuda to "hound" members of the previous government. This decision is taken while (1) the murder rate has gone from an average of three per year prior to 2004 to 10 per year in the last three years; (2) the crime of rape in now off the charts in little Antigua.
While i agree that crime generally in the caribbean has escalated; this surge in crime in Antigua and Barbuda is due to mis-management and mis-guided priorities.
JM
From: dougl...@hotmail.com
To: takin...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:33:51 +0000
> </html
Debbie Douglas
Thanks for your personal response, yes, I am the daughter of the late PM, Douglas of Dominica.
I did not realize that the crime situation in Antigua had gotten so bad. In the past, I have visited and spent alot of time in Antigua and it was always a peaceful and nice place to have fun. It is unfortunate that the government would waste tax payers dollars to pay the Canadian mounties to hunt the ALP. Surely, they must realize that fighting crime should be their first priority. How long do they think people will put up with their needs being neglected? I do hope and pray that this issue will be given the attention that it deserves. Otherwise, the situation will get worse and of course, I need not point out the consequences.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Let's all hope and pray for a more peaceful and prosperous 2008.
From: johnsonm...@hotmail.com
To: takin...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:27:05 -0500
</html
ALLAN AFLAK
I READ WITH GREAT INTEREST SOME OF THE STUDIES THAT HAVE BEEN DONE AND SOME OF THE SOCIAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN GIVE RISE TO THE LEVELS OF CRIME THAT WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING. HOWEVER TOO MANY OF THEM SOUND LIKE POLITICIANS' EXCUSES AND GENERIC CAUSES FOR CRIME IN POORER COUNTRIES.
ANTIGUA IS A UNIQUE SITUATION. WE ARE NOT LIKE MANY OF THE OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS. ANTIGUA HAS PROBABLY THE LARGEST MIDDLE CLASS IN THE CARIBBEAN. IN NO OTHER ISLAND DO PEOPLE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND MEANS TO OWN THEIR OWN BUSINESS. THIS HAS PROBABLY BEEN TO OUR DETRIMENT BECAUSE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE USUALLY MANAGED BY THEIR OWNERS AND PROVIDE LITTLE OPPORTUNITY FOR MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL MANAGERS AND OTHER BETTER PAID STAFF. WE ARE ALSO FURTHER DISADVANTAGED BY AN EDUCATION SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ADEQUATELY PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR THE WORKPLACE. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PROGRAM OF GETTING STUDENTS ACQUAINTED WITH THE WORK ENVIRONMENT. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR SOMEONE LEAVING SCHOOL AND WORKING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIFE. AN EFFECTIVE SUMMER JOB PROGRAM IS AN ESSENTIAL FIRST STEP IN GIVING OUR YOUTH THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SKILLS THEY WILL REQUIRE AND AT THE SAME TIME EARN SOME MONEY THAT THEY CAN CALL THEIR OWN. YOUTHS NEED SOME SORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT THEY CAN USE TO BUILD THEIR SELF CONFIDENCE AND WORTH. THIS CAN BE A SMALL STEPPING STONE.
NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY WE SPEND ON EDUCATION AND ON PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, IT WILL ALL FOR NAUGHT IF WE DO NOT ADDRESS THE SINGLE LARGEST PROBLEM THAT HAS EVOLVED AND TAKEN OVER ANTIGUA IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS; THAT IS, "RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY".
WE HAVE BEEN BOMBARDED WITH RADIO TALK-SHOWS, TV PROGRAMS AND EVEN FROM PARLIAMENT WITH THE MOST VILE ATTACKS AGAINST PEOPLE OF AUTHORITY. NO-ONE HAS BEEN SPARED, WHETHER JUDGES, LAWYERS,GOVERNOR GENERAL,PRIME MINISTER,GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, POLICE, EVEN MINISTERS OF RELIGION AND PROMINENT BUSINESS PERSONS. IF YOU CHECK THE AGE OF THE YOUTH WHO ARE COMMITTING SUCH VIOLENT CRIMES AND WHOSE BEHAVIOR IS UN-ACCEPTABLE TO MANY IN THE SOCIETY, YOU WILL FIND THAT THEY WERE IN THEIR FORMATIVE YEARS WHEN THEY STARTED BEING BOMBARDED WITH THIS SYSTEMATIC ATTACK ON ALL AUTHORITY FIGURES. BOTH SIDES ARE GUILTY OF THIS AND IT MUST STOP. WE HAVE TO RE-DEFINE OUR POLITICS IN ANTIGUA. YOU CAN CRITICIZE YOUR OPPONENTS WITHOUT VILIFYING THEM IN PUBLIC. NOT EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE TRIED IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION.
WE NEED OUR POLITICIANS ON BOTH SIDES TO DISCUSS AND DEAL WITH ISSUES ON THEIR MERIT AND LEAVE THE PERSONAL ATTACKS FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGNING IF THEY HAVE TO GO DOWN SUCH A PATH. ANTIGUA IS IN DIRE STRAITS. WE NEED TO INSTILL A SENSE OF WORTH ON YOUTH BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. RESPECT FOR PEOPLE OF AUTHORITY MUST RETURN OR WE WILL BE DOOMED TO A WORST CRISIS THAN EXISTS IN TRINIDAD AND JAMAICA.
IT WAS REFRESHING FOR ME TO HEAR THE PRIME MINISTER IN PARLIAMENT LAST WEEK DEMANDING RESPECT FOR THE OFFICE THAT HE HOLDS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES PROVIDE AND AFFORD THE SAME RESPECT TO EACH OTHER IN PARLIAMENT AND THE SENATE. IT WILL GO A LONG WAY TO MAYBE STARTING A TURNAROUND IN THE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR OF PEOPLE IN ANTIGUA.
BEHAVIOR IS LEANED. NO AMOUNT OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS OR POLICE PRESENCE WILL BRING ABOUT A SIGNIFICANT OR SUSTAINED REDUCTION IN CRIME IF WE DO NOT FIRST EDUCATE OUR PEOPLE. "THE MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE."
blaks...@comcast.net
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "ALLAN AFLAK" <allan...@gmail.com>
I AM HAPPY TO SEE THAT A FEW OTHER PEOPLE SHARE MY CONCERN FOR WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR COUNTRY. I WOULD STILL LIKE TO SEE SOME RESPONSE FROM SOME WHO REPRESENT ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE IN A POSITION TO BRING GREATER PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE AND IMPLEMENT A POLICY ON CRIME REDUCTION.
I READ WITH GREAT INTEREST SOME OF THE STUDIES THAT HAVE BEEN DONE AND SOME OF THE SOCIAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN GIVE RISE TO THE LEVELS OF CRIME THAT WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING. HOWEVER TOO MANY OF THEM SOUND LIKE POLITICIANS' EXCUSES AND GENERIC CAUSES FOR CRIME IN POORER COUNTRIES.
ANTIGUA IS A UNIQUE SITUATION. WE ARE NOT LIKE MANY OF THE OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS. ANTIGUA HAS PROBABLY THE LARGEST MIDDLE CLASS IN THE CARIBBEAN. IN NO OTHER ISLAND DO PEOPLE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND MEANS TO O WN THEIR OWN BUSINESS. THIS HAS PROBABLY BEEN TO OUR DETRIMENT BECAUSE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE USUALLY MANAGED BY THEIR OWNERS AND PROVIDE LITTLE OPPORTUNITY FOR MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL MANAGERS AND OTHER BETTER PAID STAFF. WE ARE ALSO FURTHER DISADVANTAGED BY AN EDUCATION SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ADEQUATELY PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR THE WORKPLACE. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PROGRAM OF GETTING STUDENTS ACQUAINTED WITH THE WORK ENVIRONMENT. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR SOMEONE LEAVING SCHOOL AND WORKING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIFE. AN EFFECTIVE SUMMER JOB PROGRAM IS AN ESSENTIAL FIRST STEP IN GIVING OUR YOUTH THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SKILLS THEY WILL REQUIRE AND AT THE SAME TIME EARN SOME MONEY THAT THEY CAN CALL THEIR OWN. YOUTHS NEED SOME SORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT THEY CAN USE TO BUILD THEIR SELF CONFIDENCE AND WORTH. THIS CAN BE A SMALL STEPPING STONE.
NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY WE SPEND ON EDUCATION AND ON PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, IT WILL ALL FOR NAUGHT IF WE DO NOT ADDRESS THE SINGLE LARGEST PROBLEM THAT HAS EVOLVED AND TAKEN OVER ANTIGUA IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS; THAT IS, "RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY".
WE HAVE BEEN BOMBARDED WITH RADIO TALK-SHOWS, TV PROGRAMS AND EVEN FROM PARLIAMENT WITH THE MOST VILE ATTACKS AGAINST PEOPLE OF AUTHORITY. NO-ONE HAS BEEN SPARED, WHETHER JUDGES, LAWYERS,GOVERNOR GENERAL,PRIME MINISTER,GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, POLICE, EVEN MINISTERS OF RELIGION AND PROMINENT BUSINESS PERSONS. IF YOU CHECK THE AGE OF THE YOUTH WHO ARE COMMITTING SUCH VIOLENT CRIMES AND WHOSE BEHAVIOR IS UN-ACCEPTABLE TO MANY IN THE SOCIETY, YOU WILL FIND THAT THEY WERE IN THEIR FORMATIVE YEARS WHEN THEY STARTED BEING BOMBARDED WITH THIS SYSTEMATIC ATTACK ON ALL AUTHORITY FIGURES. BOTH SIDES ARE GUILTY OF THIS AND IT MUST STOP. WE HAVE TO RE-DEFINE OUR POLITICS IN ANTIGUA. YOU CAN CRITICIZE YOUR OPPONENTS WITHOUT VILIFYING THEM IN PUBLIC. NOT EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE TRIED IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION.
WE NEED O UR POLITICIANS ON BOTH SIDES TO DISCUSS AND DEAL WITH ISSUES ON THEIR MERIT AND LEAVE THE PERSONAL ATTACKS FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGNING IF THEY HAVE TO GO DOWN SUCH A PATH. ANTIGUA IS IN DIRE STRAITS. WE NEED TO INSTILL A SENSE OF WORTH ON YOUTH BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. RESPECT FOR PEOPLE OF AUTHORITY MUST RETURN OR WE WILL BE DOOMED TO A WORST CRISIS THAN EXISTS IN TRINIDAD AND JAMAICA.
IT WAS REFRESHING FOR ME TO HEAR THE PRIME MINISTER IN PARLIAMENT LAST WEEK DEMANDING RESPECT FOR THE OFFICE THAT HE HOLDS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES PROVIDE AND AFFORD THE SAME RESPECT TO EACH OTHER IN PARLIAMENT AND THE SENATE. IT WILL GO A LONG WAY TO MAYBE STARTING A TURNAROUND IN THE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR OF PEOPLE IN ANTIGUA.
BEHAVIOR IS LEANED. NO AMOUNT OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS OR POLICE PRESENCE WILL BRING ABOUT A SIGNIFICANT OR SUSTAINED REDUCTION IN CRIME IF WE DO NOT FIRST EDUCATE OUR PEOPLE. "THE MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WA STE."
On Dec 15, 2007 1:51 PM, ALLAN AFLAK <allan...@gmail.com> wrote:
I AM NOT ONE TO ATTEMPT TO UNDERMINE A DULY ELECTED GOVERNMENT EVEN IF
MY POLITICAL BELIEFS ARE DIFFERENT TO THEIRS. I AM A BORN ANTIGUAN AND
I HAVE NO DESIRE TO LIVE OR DIE ANYWHERE ELSE THAN RIGHT HERE IN
ANTIGUA. I SEE A LOT OF DISCUSSION IN THESE PAGES REGARDING MANY
ISSUES THAT AFFECT OUR SOCIETY BUT I DON'T SEE ANY CALL TO ACTION ON
MANY OF THESE ISSUES. MERELY TALKING ABOUT ISSUES AND BASHING BOTH
SIDES IS HELPING NO-ONE AND DOING NOTHING TO SOLVE THE ISSUES.
IN MY OPINION, THE SINGLE LARGEST PROBLEM FACING THE NATION IS THE
ESCALATION IN VIOLENT CRIME. YOUNG AND OLD, RICH AND POOR HAVE BECOME
VIRTUALLY PRISONERS IN THEIR HOMES AND EVEN THERE THEY ARE NOT SAFE.
BUSINESSES ARE ALREADY SEEING A DECLINE IN ACTIVITY AFTER DARK, AS
PEOPLE ARE MORE RELUCTANT TO LEAVE THEIR HOUSES UN-ATTENDED OR BE
SIMPLY OUT ON THE R OAD AT NIGHT. THE INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES THEY
ARE FORCED TO TAKE COSTS MONEY AND IT IS THE CONSUMERS WHO ULTIMATELY
PAY THE PRICE. WE HAVE SEEN INCREASED ATTACKS ON TOURISTS ON THE
BEACHES, IN ST. JOHN'S AND EVEN IN HOTELS. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK
BEFORE ONE PUTS UP A FIGHT AND IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. CAN
ANTIGUA REALLY AFFORD THE KIND OF PUBLICITY THAT ARUBA GOT WITH THE
HOLLAWAY CASE.
AS BUSINESS PEOPLE WE HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIGUA. WE PAY THE TAXES THAT KEEP THE COUNTRY
RUNNING. WHERE IS THE HOTEL ASSOCIATION? WHERE IS THE CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE, THE EMPLOYERS FEDERATION, THE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, THE
GAS STATION OWNERS? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A COMING TOGETHER OF ALL THE
PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS TO APPROACH THE GOVERNMENT FOR SOME
SATISFACTION AS TO WHAT THEIR PLAN IS TO COMBAT THE CRIME SITUATION
AND HOW WE CAN HELP. THERE NEEDS TO BE A WORKING RELATIONSHIP AND A
PROPER PLAN BEFOR E IT IS TOO LATE.
Claude Ford
What is it with you? Why do you always have to resort to personal attacks?
I am traveling to the States in the next few days and i will engage you in verbal debate to hi-light your short comings by presenting a lot of data which have no applicability to our domestic situation. Studies of Darfur, Haiti, Mexico even Jamaica cannot be applied to us.
You very rightfully suggested to Allan to spearhead the initiative in starting a NGO to deal with the current crisis facing our country as it relates to violent crime instead of waiting on dormant organizations. His intervention on this topic i most welcome because if you notice only after he did, that we got a lot of new bloggers giving their opinion on the matter. I know a few of us have in the pass tried unsuccessfully to start the debate on crime and violence in Antigua, I must say we had limited or no success in terms of response.
That said let us try and stop the personal attacks and stick with the issue at hand. Allan is very correct in most of what he has said especially in Antigua having a very large middle class. You have a valid point in terms of your take on SOCIAL INCLUSION, but narrow it down as it relates to our particular circumstance.
The opportunities that exist in Antigua is really better than in most third world countries. On the weekend i visited a friend who has completed studies in Cuba as a Medical Doctor. Their living conditions right now is nothing short of dismal but on the horizon exist great things.These expectations is as a result of their PERSONAL CHOICE, they rejected the urge of quick fixes or lust for material things as a PERSONAL driving force. Thus their life will not be one of crime. It is this very STATE and the GOVERNMENT OF CUBA that provided the enabling environment that facilitated their studies, so we do have alternatives even for the very poor.
I make this analogy to demonstrate that what we are seeing here is a crime wave that is self motivated. It is driven not by poverty but by a desire for material things
mostly. And it is from this angle that we must start our approach.
We must look at the ROOT CAUSES motivating youths towards a life of ORGANIZED CRIME and FLAGRANT DISRESPECT for AUTHORITIES or even the threat of punishment if they are caught.
I am going to give some example of one such motivator for the youths.
On April 23rd 2004 most of the representatives of the Now Administration had one vehicle, in some cases very humble vehicles. Less than a month into their term some were in possession of the most expensive SUV,s until now they have millions of dollars of vehicles sitting idly in their garages and strewn all over their lawns. They change these vehicles more than their underwear's to go on their immoral journeys wooing teenage girls and others sometimes even boys with these badge or trophies - combined with wads of cash that far exceeds their monthly remittances. They teach our daughters how to disrespect themselves. When the teenage boys and young men look on helplessly to see what is the standard of courtship for a young lady, do you blame him for taking up a gun to compete?
We are all responsible when we sit idly saying nothing about immoral, unethical and even illegal behaviors exhibited by those in authority who should show and live by example.
The example i gave is not confined to PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVES and GOVERNMENT MINISTERS. It also exist in the POLICE FORCE, CUSTOMS, IMMIGRATION, LEGAL DEPARTMENT and even amongst MINISTERS OF RELIGION. Then you wonder why the perpetrators of crime have no respect for authority?. It is because the ones who are suppose to be honorable persons have no respect for themselves. They have sowed the seeds of destruction and now the crop is being harvested.
That said, the question now is who among us is willing to take the challenge to bring back morality, to lead by example; so that when we condemn crime we are talking about it in every facet. Will it be you Allan or you Bombshell? Don't be fooled the motivation for the youths to do wrong is overwhelming, they have little role models to look up to so very few of them are going to take the road of my little doctor friend who rejected our standards of 'BADGE OF HONORS'.
First my friends, even Astaphan, let us bow our head in contrition as we approach the end of a turbulent year, asking for forgiveness for our sins for making our own personal wants cloud our eyes to wrong thus leading our youths astray. Let us pledge that going into 2008 we will not accept these behaviors anymore, that we will personally lead by example and sound of voices loudly in condemnation of wrong. Then and only then we can declare war on crime and violence.
I will be back with practical solutions to tackling especially violent crimes.
CLAUDE
blaks...@comcast.net wrote:
ALLAN AFLAK
THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY. I DID NOT TAKE BOMBSHELL'S CRITICISM PERSONALLY. THAT ONLY MEANS THAT HE GIVES A DAMN ABOUT ANTIGUA AND ITS' PEOPLE. IT IS PRECISELY THAT TYPE OF OUTRAGE I AM TRYING TO ILLICIT THAT WILL HOPEFULLY BRING A FEW OF US TOGETHER TO DO WHAT HE IS SUGGESTING, FORMING OUR OWN ORGANIZATION. I HAVE A DEGREE IN PSYCHOLOGY BUT I DO NOT PROFESS TO KNOW IT ALL. BY MYSELF I CANNOT CURE ALL THE ILLS OF SOCIETY. I AM HOPING TO ATTRACT A CROSS SECTION OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFERENT IDEAS AND DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS TO BRING TO THE TABLE. LET'S CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AND INVITE SOME MORE PEOPLE WHO ARE TRULY INTERESTED IN ANTIGUA AND OUR PEOPLE.
Claude Ford
Readers, our country is sick our youths are dying at an ex-potentially alarming rate, we border on the edge of a precipice and time has come for a total reversal of this scourge or curse that has befallen us.
I am calling on the COMMISSIONER OF POLICE to solve these murders. To solve at least 60% of all murders and rapes that has happened over the last 3 years. No excuses, just solve them. Police Forces all over the world have standards for an acceptable percentage of solving of violent crimes and we here in Antigua must say now we are not accepting any less.
If THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE does not possess the ability to do the job; then we will have to organize ourselves in a massive storm and march through our streets demanding her resignation along with those who are suppose to protect us. We should not wait, this problem is now pass unbearable.
CLAUDE
Anthony Astaphan
- We lack moral authority to speak and have no merituous issues; but we want to talk and lash out.
- We attack someone personally because that person's moral authority is bankrupt, so we expose him for what he is;
- We do not understand the other side's argument so what the hell;, let fly;
- We have, in mid stream, ran out of ideas so we start shooting from the hip!
- Frustration.
blaks...@comcast.net
-------------- Original message --------------
From: Claude Ford <wadadl...@yahoo.com>
Bombshell:
What is it with you? Why do you always have to resort to personal attacks?
I am traveling to the States in the next few days and i will engage you in verbal debate to hi-light your short comings by presenting a lot of data which have no applicability to our domestic situation. Studies of Darfur, Haiti, Mexico even Jamaica cannot be applied to us.
You very rightfully suggested to Allan to spearhead the initiative in starting a NGO to deal with the current crisis facing our country as it relates to violent crime instead of waiting on dormant organizations. His intervention on this topic i most welcome because if you notice only after he did, that we got a lot of new bloggers giving their opinion on the matter. I know a few of us have in the pass tried unsuccessful ly to start the debate on crime and violence in Antigua, I must say we had limited or no success in terms of response.
That said let us try and stop the personal attacks and stick with the issue at hand. Allan is very correct in most of what he has said especially in Antigua having a very large middle class. You have a valid point in terms of your take on SOCIAL INCLUSION, but narrow it down as it relates to our particular circumstance.
The opportunities that exist in Antigua is really better than in most third world countries. On the weekend i visited a friend who has completed studies in Cuba as a Medical Doctor. Their living conditions right now is nothing short of dismal but on the horizon exist great things.These expectations is as a result of their PERSONAL CHOICE, they rejected the urge of quick fixes or lust for material things as a PERSONAL driving force. Thus their life will not be one of crime. It is this very STATE and the GOVERNMENT OF CUBA that pro vided the enabling environment that facilitated their studies, so we do have alternatives even for the very poor.
I make this analogy to demonstrate that what we are seeing here is a crime wave that is self motivated. It is driven not by poverty but by a desire for material things
mostly. And it is from this angle that we must start our approach.
We must look at the ROOT CAUSES motivating youths towards a life of ORGANIZED CRIME and FLAGRANT DISRESPECT for AUTHORITIES or even the threat of punishment if they are caught.
I am going to give some example of one such motivator for the youths.
On April 23rd 2004 most of the representatives of the Now Administration had one vehicle, in some cases very humble vehicles. Less than a month into their term some were in possession of the most expensive SUV,s until now they have millions of dollars of vehicles sitting idly in their garages and strewn all over their lawns. They change these vehicles more than the ir underwear's to go on their immoral journeys wooing teenage girls and others sometimes even boys with these badge or trophies - combined with wads of cash that far exceeds their monthly remittances. They teach our daughters how to disrespect themselves. When the teenage boys and young men look on helplessly to see what is the standard of courtship for a young lady, do you blame him for taking up a gun to compete?
We are all responsible when we sit idly saying nothing about immoral, unethical and even illegal behaviors exhibited by those in authority who should show and live by example.
The example i gave is not confined to PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVES and GOVERNMENT MINISTERS. It also exist in the POLICE FORCE, CUSTOMS, IMMIGRATION, LEGAL DEPARTMENT and even amongst MINISTERS OF RELIGION. Then you wonder why the perpetrators of crime have no respect for authority?. It is because the ones who are suppose to be honorable persons have no respect for themse lves. They have sowed the seeds of destruction and now the crop is being harvested.
That said, the question now is who among us is willing to take the challenge to bring back morality, to lead by example; so that when we condemn crime we are talking about it in every facet. Will it be you Allan or you Bombshell? Don't be fooled the motivation for the youths to do wrong is overwhelming, they have little role models to look up to so very few of them are going to take the road of my little doctor friend who rejected our standards of 'BADGE OF HONORS'.
First my friends, even Astaphan, let us bow our head in contrition as we approach the end of a turbulent year, asking for forgiveness for our sins for making our own personal wants cloud our eyes to wrong thus leading our youths astray. Let us pledge that going into 2008 we will not accept these behaviors anymore, that we will personally lead by example and sound of voices loudly in condemnation of wrong. Then and onl y then we can declare war on crime and violence.
I will be back with practical solutions to tackling especially violent crimes.
CLAUDE
blaks...@comcast.net wrote:
Allan,Why not a Private Sector Organization (PSO) business programme to assist Antigua and Barbuda government in correcting the injustice of a social order that contribute to a few and sideline many people over several decades?Many business people and supporters were tongue-tied when political vendetta was flagrant, tyrannical, barefaced , unjust ; and Parliament was theater of the absurd!Probably the PSO can put forward a detailed plan and provide the necessary support instead of your offensive condemnation that reinforces criminal tendencies and promote social exclusion.How many business people participate in Antigua and Barbuda promoting the social good, to discourage social collapse, probably there are a few.But some still throw pennies from their balconies,with discord and contempt ,according to your words:"No matter how much money we spend on education or providing employment for young people it will all for naught"And insert "respect" to cover your appalling diatribe grunt after opposing their inclusion in the growth of the country.You have not demonstrated any meaningful commitment towards change but prejudice and misunderstanding of the studies you have read!Nuff said.Kwame Nkosi Romeoaka Bombshell
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "ALLAN AFLAK" <allan...@gmail.com>
I AM HAPPY TO SEE THAT A FEW OTHER PEOPLE SHARE MY CONCERN FOR WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR COUNTRY. I WOULD STILL LIKE TO SEE SOME RESPONSE FROM SOME WHO REPRESENT ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE IN A POSITION TO BRING GREATER PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE AND IMPLEMENT A POLICY ON CRIME REDUCTION.
I READ WITH GREAT INTEREST SOME OF THE STUDIES THAT HAVE BEEN DONE AND SOME OF THE SOCIAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN GIVE RISE TO THE LEVELS OF CRIME THAT WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING. HOWEVER TOO MANY OF THEM SOUND LIKE POLITICIANS' EXCUSES AND GENERIC CAUSES FOR CRIME IN POORER COUNTRIES.
ANTIGUA IS A UNIQUE SITUATION. WE ARE NOT LIKE MANY OF THE OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS. ANTIGUA HAS PROBABLY THE LARGEST MIDDLE CLASS IN THE CARIBBEAN. IN NO OTHER ISLAND DO PEOPLE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND MEA NS TO O WN THEIR OWN BUSINESS. THIS HAS PROBABLY BEEN TO OUR DETRIMENT BECAUSE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE USUALLY MANAGED BY THEIR OWNERS AND PROVIDE LITTLE OPPORTUNITY FOR MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL MANAGERS AND OTHER BETTER PAID STAFF. WE ARE ALSO FURTHER DISADVANTAGED BY AN EDUCATION SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ADEQUATELY PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR THE WORKPLACE. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PROGRAM OF GETTING STUDENTS ACQUAINTED WITH THE WORK ENVIRONMENT. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR SOMEONE LEAVING SCHOOL AND WORKING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIFE. AN EFFECTIVE SUMMER JOB PROGRAM IS AN ESSENTIAL FIRST STEP IN GIVING OUR YOUTH THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SKILLS THEY WILL REQUIRE AND AT THE SAME TIME EARN SOME MONEY THAT THEY CAN CALL THEIR OWN. YOUTHS NEED SOME SORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT THEY CAN USE TO BUILD THEIR SELF CONFIDENCE AND WORTH. THIS CAN BE A SMALL STEPPING STONE.
NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY WE SPEND ON EDUCATION AND ON PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, IT WILL ALL FOR NAUGHT IF WE DO NOT ADDRESS THE SINGLE LARGEST PROBLEM THAT HAS EVOLVED AND TAKEN OVER ANTIGUA IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS; THAT IS, "RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY".
WE HAVE BEEN BOMBARDED WITH RADIO TALK-SHOWS, TV PROGRAMS AND EVEN FROM PARLIAMENT WITH THE MOST VILE ATTACKS AGAINST PEOPLE OF AUTHORITY. NO-ONE HAS BEEN SPARED, WHETHER JUDGES, LAWYERS,GOVERNOR GENERAL,PRIME MINISTER,GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, POLICE, EVEN MINISTERS OF RELIGION AND PROMINENT BUSINESS PERSONS. IF YOU CHECK THE AGE OF THE YOUTH WHO ARE COMMITTING SUCH VIOLENT CRIMES AND WHOSE BEHAVIOR IS UN-ACCEPTABLE TO MANY IN THE SOCIETY, YOU WILL FIND THAT THEY WERE IN THEIR FORMATIVE YEARS WHEN THEY STARTED BEING BOMBARDED WITH THIS SYSTEMATIC ATTACK ON ALL AUTHORITY FIGURES. BOTH SIDES ARE GUILTY OF THIS AND IT MUST STOP. WE HAVE TO RE-DEFINE OUR POLITICS IN ANTIGUA. YOU CAN CRITICIZE YOUR OPPONENTS WITHOUT VILIFYING THEM IN PUBLIC. NOT EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE TRIED IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION.
W E NEED O UR POLITICIANS ON BOTH SIDES TO DISCUSS AND DEAL WITH ISSUES ON THEIR MERIT AND LEAVE THE PERSONAL ATTACKS FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGNING IF THEY HAVE TO GO DOWN SUCH A PATH. ANTIGUA IS IN DIRE STRAITS. WE NEED TO INSTILL A SENSE OF WORTH ON YOUTH BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. RESPECT FOR PEOPLE OF AUTHORITY MUST RETURN OR WE WILL BE DOOMED TO A WORST CRISIS THAN EXISTS IN TRINIDAD AND JAMAICA.
IT WAS REFRESHING FOR ME TO HEAR THE PRIME MINISTER IN PARLIAMENT LAST WEEK DEMANDING RESPECT FOR THE OFFICE THAT HE HOLDS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES PROVIDE AND AFFORD THE SAME RESPECT TO EACH OTHER IN PARLIAMENT AND THE SENATE. IT WILL GO A LONG WAY TO MAYBE STARTING A TURNAROUND IN THE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR OF PEOPLE IN ANTIGUA.
BEHAVIOR IS LEANED. NO AMOUNT OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS OR POLICE PRESENCE WILL BRING ABOUT A SIGNIFICANT OR SUSTAINED REDUCTION IN CRIME IF WE DO NOT FIRST EDUCATE OUR PEOPLE. "THE MIND IS A TERRIBLE TH ING TO WA STE."
PROPER PLAN BEFO R E IT IS TOO LATE.
THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR ALL ANTIGUANS. THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL ISSUE. OUR
FUTURE IS AT STAKE RIGHT NOW.
blaks...@comcast.net
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Anthony Astaphan" <asta...@gmail.com>
I will pray with you Claude! On the question of personal attacks an old political friend once gave explanations this way. He said we attack personally because
- We lack moral authority to speak and have no merituous issues; but we want to talk and lash out.
- We attack someone personally because that person's moral authority is bankrupt, so we expose him for what he is;
- We do not understand the other side's argument so what the hell;, let fly;
- We have, in mid stream, ran out of ideas so we start shooting from the hip!
- Frustration.
I cannot speak for Kwame or anyone else but I have been accused and found guilty of transgressing rule 2 above several times.Merry Xmas every one!
On Dec 19, 2007 1:16 PM, Claude Ford <wadadl...@yahoo.com> wrote:
Bombshell:
What is it with you? Why do you always have to resort to personal attacks?
I am traveling to the States in the next few days and i will engage you in verbal debate to hi-light your short comings by presenting a lot of data which have no applicability to our domestic situation. Studies of Darfur, Haiti, Mexico even Jamaica cannot be applied to us.
You very rightfully suggested to Allan to spearhead the initiative in starting a NGO to deal with the current crisis facing our country as it relates to violent crime instead of waiting on dormant organizations. His intervention on this topic i most welcome because if you notice only after he did, that we got a lot of new bloggers giving their opinion on the matter. I know a few of us have in the pass tried unsuccessfully to start the debate on crime and violence in Antigua, I must say we had limi ted or no success in terms of response.
That said let us try and stop the personal attacks and stick with the issue at hand. Allan is very correct in most of what he has said especially in Antigua having a very large middle class. You have a valid point in terms of your take on SOCIAL INCLUSION, but narrow it down as it relates to our particular circumstance.
The opportunities that exist in Antigua is really better than in most third world countries. On the weekend i visited a friend who has completed studies in Cuba as a Medical Doctor. Their living conditions right now is nothing short of dismal but on the horizon exist great things.These expectations is as a result of their PERSONAL CHOICE, they rejected the urge of quick fixes or lust for material things as a PERSONAL driving force. Thus their life will not be one of crime. It is this very STATE and the GOVERNMENT OF CUBA that provided the enabling environment that facilitated their studies, so we do have alternatives even for the very poor.
I make this analogy to demonstrate that what we are seeing here is a crime wave that is self motivated. It is driven not by poverty but by a desire for material things
mostly. And it is from this angle that we must start our approach.
We must look at the ROOT CAUSES motivating youths towards a life of ORGANIZED CRIME and FLAGRANT DISRESPECT for AUTHORITIES or even the threat of punishment if they are caught.
I am going to give some example of one such motivator for the youths.
On April 23rd 2004 most of the representatives of the Now Administration had one vehicle, in some cases very humble vehicles. Less than a month into their term some were in possession of the most expensive SUV,s until now they have millions of dollars of vehicles sitting idly in their garages and strewn all over their lawns. They change these vehicles more than their underwear's to go on their immoral journeys wooing teenage girls and othe rs sometimes even boys with these badge or trophies - combined with wads of cash that far exceeds their monthly remittances. They teach our daughters how to disrespect themselves. When the teenage boys and young men look on helplessly to see what is the standard of courtship for a young lady, do you blame him for taking up a gun to compete?
We are all responsible when we sit idly saying nothing about immoral, unethical and even illegal behaviors exhibited by those in authority who should show and live by example.
The example i gave is not confined to PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVES and GOVERNMENT MINISTERS. It also exist in the POLICE FORCE, CUSTOMS, IMMIGRATION, LEGAL DEPARTMENT and even amongst MINISTERS OF RELIGION. Then you wonder why the perpetrators of crime have no respect for authority?. It is because the ones who are suppose to be honorable persons have no respect for themselves. They have sowed the seeds of destruction and now the crop is being ha rvested.
That said, the question now is who among us is willing to take the challenge to bring back morality, to lead by example; so that when we condemn crime we are talking about it in every facet. Will it be you Allan or you Bombshell? Don't be fooled the motivation for the youths to do wrong is overwhelming, they have little role models to look up to so very few of them are going to take the road of my little doctor friend who rejected our standards of 'BADGE OF HONORS'.
First my friends, even Astaphan, let us bow our head in contrition as we approach the end of a turbulent year, asking for forgiveness for our sins for making our own personal wants cloud our eyes to wrong thus leading our youths astray. Let us pledge that going into 2008 we will not accept these behaviors anymore, that we will personally lead by example and sound of voices loudly in condemnation of wrong. Then and only then we can declare war on crime and violence.
I will be back w ith practical solutions to tackling especially violent crimes.
CLAUDE
blaks...@comcast.net wrote:
Allan,Why not a Private Sector Organization (PSO) business programme to assist Antigua and Barbuda government in correcting the injustice of a social order that contribute to a few and sideline many people over several decades?Many business people and supporters were tongue-tied when political vendetta was flagrant, tyrannical, barefaced , unjust ; and Parliament was theater of the absurd!Probably the PSO can put forward a detailed plan and provide the necessary support instead of your offensive condemnation that reinforces criminal tendencies and promote social exclusion.How many business people participate in Antigua and Barbuda promoting the social good, to discourage social collapse, probably there are a few.But some still throw pennies from their balconies,with discord and contempt ,according to your words:"No matter how much money we spend on education or providing employment for young people it will all for naught"And insert "respect" to cover your appalling diatribe grunt after opposing their inclusion in the growth of the country.You have not demonstrated any meaningful commitment towards change but prejudice and misunderstanding of the studies you have read!Nuff said.Kwame Nkosi Romeoaka Bombshell
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "ALLAN AFLAK" <allan...@gmail.com>
I AM HAPPY TO SEE THAT A FEW OTHER PEOPLE SHARE MY CONCERN FOR WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR COUNTRY. I WOULD STILL LIKE TO SEE SOME RESPONSE FROM SOME WHO REPRESENT ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE IN A POSITION TO BRING GREATER PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE AND IMPLEMENT A POLICY ON CRIME REDUCTION.
I READ WITH GREAT INTEREST SOME OF THE STUDIES THAT HAVE BEEN DONE AND SOME OF THE SOCIAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN GIVE RISE TO THE LEVELS OF CRIME THAT WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING. HOWEVER TOO MANY OF THEM SOUND LIKE POLITICIANS' EXCUSES AND GENERIC CAUSES FOR CRIME IN POORER COUNTRIES.
ANTIGUA IS A UNIQUE SITUATION. WE ARE NOT LIKE MANY OF THE OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS. ANTIGUA HAS PROBABLY THE LARGEST MIDDLE CLASS IN THE CARIBBEAN. IN NO OTHER ISLAND DO PEOPLE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND MEANS TO O WN THEIR OWN BUSINESS. THIS HAS PROBABLY BEEN TO OUR DETRIMENT BECAUSE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE USUALLY MANAGED BY THEIR OWNERS AND PROVIDE LITTLE OPPORTUNITY FOR MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL MANAGERS AND OTHER BETTER PAID STAFF. WE ARE ALSO FURTHER DISADVANTAGED BY AN EDUCATION SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ADEQUATELY PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR THE WORKPLACE. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PROGRAM OF GETTING STUDENTS ACQUAINTED WITH THE WORK ENVIRONMENT. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR SOMEONE LEAVING SCHOOL AND WORKING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIFE. AN EFFECTIVE SUMMER JOB PROGRAM IS AN ESSENTIAL FIRST STEP IN GIVING OUR YOUTH THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SKILLS THEY WILL REQUIRE AND AT THE SAME TIME EARN SOME MONEY THAT THEY CAN CALL THEIR OWN. YOUTHS NEED SOME SORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT THEY CAN USE TO BUILD THEIR SELF CONFIDENCE AND WORTH. THIS CAN BE A SMALL STEPPING STONE.
NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY WE SPEND ON EDUCATION AND ON PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, IT WILL ALL FOR NAUG HT IF WE DO NOT ADDRESS THE SINGLE LARGEST PROBLEM THAT HAS EVOLVED AND TAKEN OVER ANTIGUA IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS; THAT IS, "RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY".
WE HAVE BEEN BOMBARDED WITH RADIO TALK-SHOWS, TV PROGRAMS AND EVEN FROM PARLIAMENT WITH THE MOST VILE ATTACKS AGAINST PEOPLE OF AUTHORITY. NO-ONE HAS BEEN SPARED, WHETHER JUDGES, LAWYERS,GOVERNOR GENERAL,PRIME MINISTER,GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, POLICE, EVEN MINISTERS OF RELIGION AND PROMINENT BUSINESS PERSONS. IF YOU CHECK THE AGE OF THE YOUTH WHO ARE COMMITTING SUCH VIOLENT CRIMES AND WHOSE BEHAVIOR IS UN-ACCEPTABLE TO MANY IN THE SOCIETY, YOU WILL FIND THAT THEY WERE IN THEIR FORMATIVE YEARS WHEN THEY STARTED BEING BOMBARDED WITH THIS SYSTEMATIC ATTACK ON ALL AUTHORITY FIGURES. BOTH SIDES ARE GUILTY OF THIS AND IT MUST STOP. WE HAVE TO RE-DEFINE OUR POLITICS IN ANTIGUA. YOU CAN CRITICIZE YOUR OPPONENTS WITHOUT VILIFYING THEM IN PUBLIC. NOT EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE TRIED IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION.
WE NEED O UR POLITICIA NS ON BOTH SIDES TO DISCUSS AND DEAL WITH ISSUES ON THEIR MERIT AND LEAVE THE PERSONAL ATTACKS FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGNING IF THEY HAVE TO GO DOWN SUCH A PATH. ANTIGUA IS IN DIRE STRAITS. WE NEED TO INSTILL A SENSE OF WORTH ON YOUTH BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. RESPECT FOR PEOPLE OF AUTHORITY MUST RETURN OR WE WILL BE DOOMED TO A WORST CRISIS THAN EXISTS IN TRINIDAD AND JAMAICA.
IT WAS REFRESHING FOR ME TO HEAR THE PRIME MINISTER IN PARLIAMENT LAST WEEK DEMANDING RESPECT FOR THE OFFICE THAT HE HOLDS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES PROVIDE AND AFFORD THE SAME RESPECT TO EACH OTHER IN PARLIAMENT AND THE SENATE. IT WILL GO A LONG WAY TO MAYBE STARTING A TURNAROUND IN THE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR OF PEOPLE IN ANTIGUA.
BEHAVIOR IS LEANED. NO AMOUNT OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS OR POLICE PRESENCE WILL BRING ABOUT A SIGNIFICANT OR SUSTAINED REDUCTION IN CRIME IF WE DO NOT FIRST EDUCATE OUR PEOPLE. "THE MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WA STE."
< BR>
On Dec 15, 2007 1:51 PM, ALLAN AFLAK <allan...@gmail.com> wrote:
I AM NOT ONE TO ATTEMPT TO UNDERMINE A DULY ELECTED GOVERNMENT EVEN IF
MY POLITICAL BELIEFS ARE DIFFERENT TO THEIRS. I AM A BORN ANTIGUAN AND
I HAVE NO DESIRE TO LIVE OR DIE ANYWHERE ELSE THAN RIGHT HERE IN
ANTIGUA. I SEE A LOT OF DISCUSSION IN THESE PAGES REGARDING MANY
ISSUES THAT AFFECT OUR SOCIETY BUT I DON'T SEE ANY CALL TO ACTION ON
MANY OF THESE ISSUES. MERELY TALKING ABOUT ISSUES AND BASHING BOTH
SIDES IS HELPING NO-ONE AND DOING NOTHING TO SOLVE THE ISSUES.
IN MY OPINION, THE SINGLE LARGEST PROBLEM FACING THE NATION IS THE
ESCALATION IN VIOLENT CRIME. YOUNG AND OLD, RICH AND POOR HAVE BECOME
VIRTUALLY PRISONERS IN THEIR HOMES AND EVEN THERE THEY ARE NOT SAFE.
BUSINESSES ARE ALREADY SEEING A DECLINE IN ACTIVITY AFTER DARK, AS
PEOPLE ARE MORE RELUCTANT TO LEAVE THEIR HOUSES UN-ATTENDED OR BE
SIMPLY OUT ON TH E R OAD AT NIGHT. THE INCREASED SECURITY MEASURES THEY
ARE FORCED TO TAKE COSTS MONEY AND IT IS THE CONSUMERS WHO ULTIMATELY
PAY THE PRICE. WE HAVE SEEN INCREASED ATTACKS ON TOURISTS ON THE
BEACHES, IN ST. JOHN'S AND EVEN IN HOTELS. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK
BEFORE ONE PUTS UP A FIGHT AND IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. CAN
ANTIGUA REALLY AFFORD THE KIND OF PUBLICITY THAT ARUBA GOT WITH THE
HOLLAWAY CASE.
AS BUSINESS PEOPLE WE HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIGUA. WE PAY THE TAXES THAT KEEP THE COUNTRY
RUNNING. WHERE IS THE HOTEL ASSOCIATION? WHERE IS THE CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE, THE EMPLOYERS FEDERATION, THE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, THE
GAS STATION OWNERS? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A COMING TOGETHER OF ALL THE
PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS TO APPROACH THE GOVERNMENT FOR SOME
SATISFACTION AS TO WHAT THEIR PLAN IS TO COMBAT THE CRIME SITUATION
AND HOW WE CAN HELP. THERE NEEDS TO BE A WORKING RELATIONSHIP AND A
PROPER PL AN BEFOR E IT IS TOO LATE.
THIS IS AN ISSUE FOR ALL ANTIGUANS. THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL ISSUE. OUR
FUTURE IS AT STAKE RIGHT NOW.
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
asta...@gmail.com
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-----Original Message-----
From: blaks...@comcast.net
Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2007 19:45:57
The only appropriate Moral Authority is JAH!
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
Kwame Nkosi Romeo
aka Bombshell
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Anthony Astaphan" <asta...@gmail.com>
I will pray with you Claude! On the question of personal attacks an old political friend once gave explanations this way. He said we attack personally because
* We attack someone personally because that person's moral authority is bankrupt, so we expose him for what he is;
* We do not understand the other side's argument so what the hell;, let fly;
* We have, in mid stream, ran out of ideas so we start shooting from the hip!
* Frustration.
I cannot speak for Kwame or anyone else but I have been accused and found guilty of transgressing rule 2 above several times.
Merry Xmas every one!
On Dec 19, 2007 1:16 PM, Claude Ford <wadadl...@yahoo.com <mailto:wadadl...@yahoo.com> > wrote:
Bombshell:
What is it with you? Why do you always have to resort to personal attacks?
I am traveling to the States in the next few days and i will engage you in verbal debate to hi-light your short comings by presenting a lot of data which have no applicability to our domestic situation. Studies of Darfur, Haiti, Mexico even Jamaica cannot be applied to us.
You very rightfully suggested to Allan to spearhead the initiative in starting a NGO to deal with the current crisis facing our country as it relates to violent crime instead of waiting on dormant organizations. His intervention on this topic i most welcome because if you notice only after he did, that we got a lot of new bloggers giving their opinion on the matter. I know a few of us have in the pass tried unsuccessfully to start the debate on crime and violence in Antigua, I must say we had limi ted or no success in terms of response.
That said let us try and stop the personal attacks and stick with the issue at hand. Allan is very correct in most of what he has said especially in Antigua having a very large middle class. You have a valid point in terms of your take on SOCIAL INCLUSION, but narrow it down as it relates to our particular circumstance.
The opportunities that exist in Antigua is really better than in most third world countries. On the weekend i visited a friend who has completed studies in Cuba as a Medical Doctor. Their living conditions right now is nothing short of dismal but on the horizon exist great things.These expectations is as a result of their PERSONAL CHOICE, they rejected the urge of quick fixes or lust for material things as a PERSONAL driving force. Thus their life will not be one of crime. It is this very STATE and the GOVERNMENT OF CUBA that provided the enabling environment that facilitated their studies, so we do have alternatives even for the very poor.
I make this analogy to demonstrate that what we are seeing here is a crime wave that is self motivated. It is driven not by poverty but by a desire for material things
mostly. And it is from this angle that we must start our approach.
We must look at the ROOT CAUSES motivating youths towards a life of ORGANIZED CRIME and FLAGRANT DISRESPECT for AUTHORITIES or even the threat of punishment if they are caught.
I am going to give some example of one such motivator for the youths.
On April 23rd 2004 most of the representatives of the Now Administration had one vehicle, in some cases very humble vehicles. Less than a month into their term some were in possession of the most expensive SUV,s until now they have millions of dollars of vehicles sitting idly in their garages and strewn all over their lawns. They change these vehicles more than their underwear's to go on their immoral journeys wooing teenage girls and othe rs sometimes even boys with these badge or trophies - combined with wads of cash that far exceeds their monthly remittances. They teach our daughters how to disrespect themselves. When the teenage boys and young men look on helplessly to see what is the standard of courtship for a young lady, do you blame him for taking up a gun to compete?
We are all responsible when we sit idly saying nothing about immoral, unethical and even illegal behaviors exhibited by those in authority who should show and live by example.
The example i gave is not confined to PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATIVES and GOVERNMENT MINISTERS. It also exist in the POLICE FORCE, CUSTOMS, IMMIGRATION, LEGAL DEPARTMENT and even amongst MINISTERS OF RELIGION. Then you wonder why the perpetrators of crime have no respect for authority?. It is because the ones who are suppose to be honorable persons have no respect for themselves. They have sowed the seeds of destruction and now the crop is being ha rvested.
That said, the question now is who among us is willing to take the challenge to bring back morality, to lead by example; so that when we condemn crime we are talking about it in every facet. Will it be you Allan or you Bombshell? Don't be fooled the motivation for the youths to do wrong is overwhelming, they have little role models to look up to so very few of them are going to take the road of my little doctor friend who rejected our standards of 'BADGE OF HONORS'.
First my friends, even Astaphan, let us bow our head in contrition as we approach the end of a turbulent year, asking for forgiveness for our sins for making our own personal wants cloud our eyes to wrong thus leading our youths astray. Let us pledge that going into 2008 we will not accept these behaviors anymore, that we will personally lead by example and sound of voices loudly in condemnation of wrong. Then and only then we can declare war on crime and violence.
I will be back w ith practical solutions to tackling especially violent crimes.
CLAUDE
blaks...@comcast.net <mailto:blaks...@comcast.net> wrote:
Allan,
Why not a Private Sector Organization (PSO) business programme to assist Antigua and Barbuda government in correcting the injustice of a social order that contribute to a few and sideline many people over several decades?
Many business people and supporters were tongue-tied when political vendetta was flagrant, tyrannical, barefaced , unjust ; and Parliament was theater of the absurd!
Probably the PSO can put forward a detailed plan and provide the necessary support instead of your offensive condemnation that reinforces criminal tendencies and promote social exclusion.
How many business people participate in Antigua and Barbuda promoting the social good, to discourage social collapse, probably there are a few.
But some still throw pennies from their balconies,with discord and contempt ,according to your words:
"No matter how much money we spend on education or providing employment for young people it will all for naught"
And insert "respect" to cover your appalling diatribe grunt after opposing their inclusion in the growth of the country.
You have not demonstrated any meaningful commitment towards change but prejudice and misunderstanding of the studies you have read!
Nuff said.
Kwame Nkosi Romeo
aka Bombshell
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "ALLAN AFLAK" <allan...@gmail.com <mailto:allan...@gmail.com> >
I AM HAPPY TO SEE THAT A FEW OTHER PEOPLE SHARE MY CONCERN FOR WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR COUNTRY. I WOULD STILL LIKE TO SEE SOME RESPONSE FROM SOME WHO REPRESENT ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE IN A POSITION TO BRING GREATER PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE AND IMPLEMENT A POLICY ON CRIME REDUCTION.
I READ WITH GREAT INTEREST SOME OF THE STUDIES THAT HAVE BEEN DONE AND SOME OF THE SOCIAL CONDITIONS THAT CAN GIVE RISE TO THE LEVELS OF CRIME THAT WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING. HOWEVER TOO MANY OF THEM SOUND LIKE POLITICIANS' EXCUSES AND GENERIC CAUSES FOR CRIME IN POORER COUNTRIES.
ANTIGUA IS A UNIQUE SITUATION. WE ARE NOT LIKE MANY OF THE OTHER CARIBBEAN ISLANDS. ANTIGUA HAS PROBABLY THE LARGEST MIDDLE CLASS IN THE CARIBBEAN. IN NO OTHER ISLAND DO PEOPLE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND MEANS TO O WN THEIR OWN BUSINESS. THIS HAS PROBABLY BEEN TO OUR DETRIMENT BECAUSE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE USUALLY MANAGED BY THEIR OWNERS AND PROVIDE LITTLE OPPORTUNITY FOR MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL MANAGERS AND OTHER BETTER PAID STAFF. WE ARE ALSO FURTHER DISADVANTAGED BY AN EDUCATION SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT ADEQUATELY PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR THE WORKPLACE. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PROGRAM OF GETTING STUDENTS ACQUAINTED WITH THE WORK ENVIRONMENT. IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR SOMEONE LEAVING SCHOOL AND WORKING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIFE. AN EFFECTIVE SUMMER JOB PROGRAM IS AN ESSENTIAL FIRST STEP IN GIVING OUR YOUTH THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SKILLS THEY WILL REQUIRE AND AT THE SAME TIME EARN SOME MONEY THAT THEY CAN CALL THEIR OWN. YOUTHS NEED SOME SORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT THEY CAN USE TO BUILD THEIR SELF CONFIDENCE AND WORTH. THIS CAN BE A SMALL STEPPING STONE.
NO MATTER HOW MUCH MONEY WE SPEND ON EDUCATION AND ON PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, IT WILL ALL FOR NAUG HT IF WE DO NOT ADDRESS THE SINGLE LARGEST PROBLEM THAT HAS EVOLVED AND TAKEN OVER ANTIGUA IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS; THAT IS, "RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY".
WE HAVE BEEN BOMBARDED WITH RADIO TALK-SHOWS, TV PROGRAMS AND EVEN FROM PARLIAMENT WITH THE MOST VILE ATTACKS AGAINST PEOPLE OF AUTHORITY. NO-ONE HAS BEEN SPARED, WHETHER JUDGES, LAWYERS,GOVERNOR GENERAL,PRIME MINISTER,GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, POLICE, EVEN MINISTERS OF RELIGION AND PROMINENT BUSINESS PERSONS. IF YOU CHECK THE AGE OF THE YOUTH WHO ARE COMMITTING SUCH VIOLENT CRIMES AND WHOSE BEHAVIOR IS UN-ACCEPTABLE TO MANY IN THE SOCIETY, YOU WILL FIND THAT THEY WERE IN THEIR FORMATIVE YEARS WHEN THEY STARTED BEING BOMBARDED WITH THIS SYSTEMATIC ATTACK ON ALL AUTHORITY FIGURES. BOTH SIDES ARE GUILTY OF THIS AND IT MUST STOP. WE HAVE TO RE-DEFINE OUR POLITICS IN ANTIGUA. YOU CAN CRITICIZE YOUR OPPONENTS WITHOUT VILIFYING THEM IN PUBLIC. NOT EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE TRIED IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION.
WE NEED O UR POLITICIA NS ON BOTH SIDES TO DISCUSS AND DEAL WITH ISSUES ON THEIR MERIT AND LEAVE THE PERSONAL ATTACKS FOR ELECTION CAMPAIGNING IF THEY HAVE TO GO DOWN SUCH A PATH. ANTIGUA IS IN DIRE STRAITS. WE NEED TO INSTILL A SENSE OF WORTH ON YOUTH BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION. RESPECT FOR PEOPLE OF AUTHORITY MUST RETURN OR WE WILL BE DOOMED TO A WORST CRISIS THAN EXISTS IN TRINIDAD AND JAMAICA.
IT WAS REFRESHING FOR ME TO HEAR THE PRIME MINISTER IN PARLIAMENT LAST WEEK DEMANDING RESPECT FOR THE OFFICE THAT HE HOLDS. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDES PROVIDE AND AFFORD THE SAME RESPECT TO EACH OTHER IN PARLIAMENT AND THE SENATE. IT WILL GO A LONG WAY TO MAYBE STARTING A TURNAROUND IN THE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR OF PEOPLE IN ANTIGUA.
BEHAVIOR IS LEANED. NO AMOUNT OF SOCIAL PROGRAMS OR POLICE PRESENCE WILL BRING ABOUT A SIGNIFICANT OR SUSTAINED REDUCTION IN CRIME IF WE DO NOT FIRST EDUCATE OUR PEOPLE. "THE MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WA STE."
----------------
Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=51734/*http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping> --
The Onlooker
statistics on crime. For the third year crime is down in NYC. As a
matter of fact this year some crimes were at a all time low since the
1960s. Murder, robbery and rape are down the only thing that went up
was felony. In Antigua we are expiring massive rise in murder,
robbery and rape.
In Harlem a place that usually has over 300 murders in some years
today only had about a 100 comparing our 70,000 population with about
19 murders that not good.
Another serious crime that is seriously on the rise that goes un
reported for different reasons such as fear, influence and shame. For
the number of rapes that are been reported the numbers are
outrageous.
The focus of the discussion is on the Youth ( 15-29 yrs) the official
definition of youth. Should we be blaming the youth only?
I am no great statistical person but many of you can make comparison
and ratios based on our miniscule population. I would think that our
percentages are much greater than of the big city of New York.
Our authorities should definitely be seeking the assistance of the NYC
Police Department if they have not already done so, to find out what
has caused the drastic reduction in crime in such a large city of
millions.
I would like to hear the views of the various blogers on the annual
statistics of CRIMES in Antigua and Barbuda. Given that one blogger
said that crime is happening all over that I agree but it like
comparing apples to oranges if the population (numbers ) and the
development are different. If any comparison is to be made I can only
see us comparing our selves wit the island or courtiers that have a
similar population St. Kitts etc. but not with Jamaica , Guyana, and
even Barbados which have much larger populations.
Happy New Year to all.
*************************************************************************************************************
On Dec 16, 1:02 pm, "Anthony Astaphan" <astaph...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Notwithstanding the possible charge of a Pan-Arabic/Caribbean conspiracy, I
> must agree to some extent with Allan's last reply. The significant rise in
> crime in most OECS countries has little resemblence to or indeed no genesis
> in socio- econimics or deprivation. It is sheer gangstarism and wanton
> criminality unassiociated with need. To a large extent it reflects a
> breakdown of the civil order, rising gangstarism and drug trafficking and,
> a sickening need to mimic the garbage on television.
>
> However, that is not the end of the debate. While criminal conduct destroys
> societies so too does naked greed and corruption. Crime destroys lives and
> wrecks societies. But corruption eats at the heart and soul of every
> civilized democratic society. It robs the people of choice, freedom and real
> democracy and undermines good governance. And, when you add to that the
> influence peddling and
> fact that senior policians and some members of some Cabinets are hostage or
> at the very least appear beholden to need and greed,societies will collapse
> and become dysfunctional. That breeds civil unreast and disorder! Very
> different social responses to naked crime!
>
> That said, I disagree fundamentally with the proposition that crime, to the
> exclusion of all else, poses the greatest threat to Antigua or the wider
> OECS! If we do not also eradicate corruption et cetera and create what my
> playing field for all regardless of colour, class or creed*" our societies
>
> All the best for the Season!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > BOMBSHELL,
>
> > WITH ALL DUE RESPECT I MUST DISAGREE WITH YOU. THE ISSUES YOU RAISE DO
> > RESULT IN AN IMCREASE IN CRIME, BUT NOT THE TYPES OF CRIMES THAT WE
> > ARE PRESENTLY EXPERIENCING.
>
> > THE SERIOUS CRIMES BEING COMMITTED HERE ARE BEING DONE WITH IMPUNITY.
> > IT'S NOT FOR NEED OR WANT BUT MORE FOR GREED AND WITH A TOTAL
> > DISREGARD FOR THE CONSEQUENCES. WE ARE NOT SEEING A SIGNIFICANT RISE
> > IN PETTY CRIME WHERE PEOPLE ARE STEALING TO SURVIVE. WHAT WE HAVE
> > HERE IN ANTIGUA IS A TOTAL DISREGARD FOR ALL AUTHORITY. JUST LOOK AT
> > THE AGE OF MANY OF THE PERPETRATORS.
>
> Anthony W Astaphan,S.C.
>
ab...@antigua.gov.ag
-----Original Message-----
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:37:33
To:TakingSides <Takin...@googlegroups.com>
Cc:newt...@hotmail.com, eth...@digitalmqc.com, johnsonm...@hotmail.com, takin...@googlegroups.com
ab...@antigua.gov.ag
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless
-----Original Message-----
From: The Onlooker <allan...@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:37:33
To:TakingSides <Takin...@googlegroups.com>
Cc:newt...@hotmail.com, eth...@digitalmqc.com, johnsonm...@hotmail.com, takin...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
ab...@antigua.gov.ag
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless
-----Original Message-----
From: The Onlooker <allan...@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:37:33
To:TakingSides <Takin...@googlegroups.com>
Cc:newt...@hotmail.com, eth...@digitalmqc.com, johnsonm...@hotmail.com, takin...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
ab...@antigua.gov.ag
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless
-----Original Message-----
From: The Onlooker <allan...@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:37:33
To:TakingSides <Takin...@googlegroups.com>
Cc:newt...@hotmail.com, eth...@digitalmqc.com, johnsonm...@hotmail.com, takin...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
ab...@antigua.gov.ag
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless
-----Original Message-----
From: The Onlooker <allan...@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:37:33
To:TakingSides <Takin...@googlegroups.com>
Cc:newt...@hotmail.com, eth...@digitalmqc.com, johnsonm...@hotmail.com, takin...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
ab...@antigua.gov.ag
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless
-----Original Message-----
From: The Onlooker <allan...@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:37:33
To:TakingSides <Takin...@googlegroups.com>
Cc:newt...@hotmail.com, eth...@digitalmqc.com, johnsonm...@hotmail.com, takin...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
ab...@antigua.gov.ag
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless
-----Original Message-----
From: The Onlooker <allan...@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:37:33
To:TakingSides <Takin...@googlegroups.com>
Cc:newt...@hotmail.com, eth...@digitalmqc.com, johnsonm...@hotmail.com, takin...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: RISING RATE OF VIOLENT CRIME
ALLAN AFLAK
I would agree that the ABPF force needs the technical support to fight crime as it is seemingly the order of the day. I also wish to suggest that the needs to be more stringent penalties in Antigua Barbuda. JUST MY VIEW
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from Cable & Wireless
-----Original Message-----
From: The Onlooker <allan...@gmail.com >
Date: Thu, 27 Dec 2007 05:37:33
To:TakingSides <Takin...@googlegroups.com>
Hugh Marshall Jnr
Alan
The Ladies and Gents that comprise this administration (not to mention the Dames and Sirs now in abundance) are not concerned any more or less than you or I with the rising crime within our Nation. It is just that having not generated any new jobs, sending home hundreds of employed and generally demoralizing and reshaping the Police Force, though they genuinely share our concerns, they Know not what to do. So they concentrate on that which they are familiar with. Cussing ALP, Bird and all them that they does cuss when in opposition. After all it worked for them then. That’s what got them in power. Three years later and one may say thats all they Know!