St Kitts and Nevis senator decries crime and ‘social dysfunction’

An opposition senator in St Kitts and Nevis has rebuked the government for their attitude towards crime in the federation.

Nigel Carty, a member of the St Kitts-Nevis-Labour Party, told WIC News that “the Team Unity government, led by Minister of National Security and Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, continually fails to lead our country, the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, into the bright and prosperous future it so ardently promised the people while in opposition.”

His comments come as the country is experiencing a series of violent crimes.

The 21st murder in the country – and 8th on Nevis – this year occurred earlier this month when Lincoln Liburd was shot.

His death came over a weekend that saw a number of gun-related crimes. On Tuesday a man was shot in Buckley’s Estate, with police confirming yesterday they have launched a attempted murder investigation.

“The federation’s crime rate has risen steadily and rapidly since the change of government in February 2015,” said Carty.

“We have recorded unprecedented increases in key areas of criminal activity, particularly homicides, burglaries, and break-ins.

“This is a clear indication that the social fabric of St Kitts-Nevis has changed drastically for the worst in the last two years.”

Carty has blasted the government, who he says despite a “bleak future” for the nation “remains largely silent on the issues of crime and overall social dysfunction.”

“The government chooses to speak only when it is deemed necessary to reinforce the false perception that crime is trending downward.

“The irony is that such a statement is habitually followed by the commission of some heinous criminal act.”

[caption id="attachment_3019" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Prime Minister Timothy Harris.[/caption]