Motion on Crime Calling for A Broad-Based National Approach to Address the Problem of Crime

2. Motion on Crime Calling for A Broad-Based National Approach to Address the Problem of Crime

WHEREAS one of the most pressing problems we face today is the epidemic of crime sweeping our country and becoming more prevalent in our communities, including theft on farms, and on our streets;

AND WHEREAS crime affects everyone, directly or indirectly, and undermines our personal safety and peace of mind and economic activity;

AND WHEREAS the first duty of any government is to protect the lives and livelihoods of its people by promoting safety and security throughout the country;

AND WHEREAS last year was one of the most violent periods in recent memory with a record number of forty-two homicides in a year;

AND WHEREAS the police lack the tools to fight crime effectively and many officers feel unsupported and demoralized in part because their creditable efforts are not recognized or rewarded by improved working conditions, training, and promotions;

AND WHEREAS unemployment has increased and poverty has worsened moving from 30.2% of the population in 2008 to over 36% in 2018 and against this backdrop, criminality projects an emboldened face in our country;

AND WHEREAS many young people drop out of school without a certificate or skills and are unable to find jobs or other opportunities for personal advancement;

AND WHEREAS there is a need for positive community-oriented programs that would steer vulnerable young people away from crime towards socially positive behavior;

AND WHEREAS the Leader of the Opposition in a national address on crime recognized the urgency of the problem, outlined measures to address it and, as the Opposition has done over the years, signaled a willingness to cooperate with government, civil society organizations and other social partners in pursuing a national response to the problem of crime;

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House acknowledge the worsening problem of crime, recognize the need for urgent solutions and, accordingly, support a broad-based approach that includes the Government, the Opposition, religious organizations, civil society organizations and other relevant partners to address the problem of crime in our country.