Former Grenada PM Keith Mitchell questions govt on rising gun violence

Former Prime Minister Keith Mitchell has questioned the Government of Grenada on the rising gun violence on the island. Speaking as the leader of opposition and New National Party (NNP), he called for proactive leadership to address the issue.

While speaking at a public event, he emphasized that “distressing events that unfolded recently in communities”, this could be in reference to the uncontrolled shootings that recently took place in the nation. While sharing some facts, he said that in January 2024, the islkand Grenada experienced five shootings in less than a week, adding that as of this point in time no arrests have been made which has made many including Mitchell concerned about how gun violence is handled in the island nation. Since no arrests or major repercussions have been placed on the assailants of the aforementioned crimes, Mitchell has called for the need and implementation of proactive leadership, suggesting a call for decisive action and preventative measures rather than solely reactive responses to incidents.

He criticized the "deafening silence" from the current government, urging them to demonstrate "action and empathy" in addressing the concerns of the community. The statements acknowledged that the situation goes beyond just controlling illegal firearms. He suggests addressing the deeper root causes of gun violence, potentially including social and economic factors.

He states “The urgency of now demands that we come together, transcending political lines, to forge a future where every Grenadian can live without fear. It also demands strong and decisive leadership at the helm of our national security.”

Mitchell’s observation and comments come in tandem with the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) announcing that it will host a news conference on the 25^th to “address recent criminal offences”. Commissioner of Police Don McKenzie and Assistant Commissioner of Police Vannie Curwen will be leading the media panel, it is expected that outside of the shootings they will also be addressing the recent incident where three prisoners who escaped custody in Grenada were recaptured in St Vincent.