Prime Minister's Statement on Criminal Activity - January 10, 2001

It appears that some criminal elements are bent on terrorising the community, particularly the hotel community, and are becoming bolder in their attempts to do so. I wish to warn those elements to desist immediately. This government will not tolerate any attempts to drag this country into a state of lawlessness. We cannot, and will not, allow law-abiding citizens to live in constant fear of a few unruly individuals, some of whom refuse to engage in honest pursuits to earn a living.

The police have been given special instructions to intensify patrols, particularly in known trouble spots. The police presence on the streets will be felt as never before and I have directed the Police Commissioner to cancel leave to aid this island-wide effort.

Criminals will not be allowed to create a climate of fear and uncertainty. This lawlessness must stop. Those who refuse will face the full consequences.

These measures will come into immediate effect and will complement other efforts the government is making in its holistic approach to dealing with law enforcement, and legal and penal reform. Measures such as the establishment of a National Anti Crime Commission, the revision of the Criminal Code, the establishment of a new Evidence Act, the improvements in the court system, stiffer penalties for drug and gun related crimes, the construction of a modern correctional facility and most recently the creation of a new Rapid Response Unit attached to the Gros Islet police station, and dedicated to the tourist community.

As a society we need to send an unequivocal message to the criminals among us that we are ready to cooperate with the police, because an essential ingredient in reducing crime is reducing tolerance of it.

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