Minister Jamell Robinson Speaks in Parliament on Crime and Holistic , Societal Approach to Reduction

File photo of Minister Jamell Robinson

 Today, I stand before you with a heavy heart, deeply concerned about the recent surge in crime that has taken a toll on our community.

The alarming increase in incidents involving innocent bystanders being shot and targeted shootings has left us all grappling with fear and uncertainty. Criminal activities demand not just a response from law enforcement but a collective effort from every citizen.

Our first responsibility is to express solidarity with the victims and their families. Each life lost or altered by violence is a stark reminder of the fragility of human existence.

Our streets should be safe havens, not battlegrounds. It's time for each of us to shoulder our responsibility in reclaiming the security that every citizen deserves. We cannot stand idle, hoping for change; instead, we must actively engage in the fight against crime.

The very essence of community and shared safety is under threat.

Citizenship is not a passive role; it's an active duty. We must be the eyes and ears of our neighbourhoods, reporting suspicious activities and fostering a community where crime finds no shelter. It's time to break the silence and build a network of vigilance that protects us all.

Education and opportunity are the antidotes to crime. As a government, we will continue to invest in programs that empower our people.

We are confident that well-educated, engaged citizens are the backbone of a crime-free society.

It would be remiss of me if I didn’t highlight the crucial role played collectively by our Ministries of Government in contributing to the reduction of crime through targeted initiatives and programs.

National Security - focusing on law enforcement, and overall public safety.

Border Services continues to ensure that the entry of individuals with criminal intent is prevented.

Social services and rehabilitation work together to offer support to individuals at risk.

Education and Sports working to educate and engage a young population and teach them lessons of discipline, dedication, and competition that doesn’t end in deadly conflict. After-school initiatives, mentorship programs, and vocational training are designed to engage youth positively, reducing the likelihood of involvement in criminal activities.

Finance with a mandate through it’s MSME program to foster and harness the entrepreneurial spirit of the young and not so young amongst us.

And of course, my Ministry, PPID will continue to utilize every resource in our engagement with various ministries, the Informal Settlements Unit, and other agencies as we work towards developing and providing critical and necessary infrastructure to ensure and enhance safer communities across these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.

During a joint press statement by H.E. The Governor and our Premier, on Saturday, Feb 3, several initiatives were announced in response to a call for action. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will assist the TCI within the next few days with the following personnel: Firearms Commander and Officers, Operations Planner, Investigators and a Criminal Act and Intelligence Analyst                        

Each role mentioned plays a crucial and specialized role in the fight against crime. Firearms Officers, Operations Planner, Commander, and Investigators are essential for strategic planning, forensic techniques, and effective response. While a Criminal Act and Intelligence Analyst will assist in identifying trends, and provide intelligence.

In conclusion, the battle against crime is a whole of society responsibility. We must unite in our determination to make our streets safe, our homes secure, and our community a place where every citizen can thrive. Together, with compassion as our driving force, we can create a future free from the shadows of crime.