by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The message from Premier Mark Brantley’s Press Conference on Thursday, June 29, 2023 suggests that being an upstanding and law-abiding citizen or resident increases one’s chance of living a longer and more fruitful life.
From his monthly platform, Brantley gave a candid speech to the youth of St. Kitts and Nevis, explaining that a life of crime can land a person at the cemetery or at 1840 formally known as His Majesty’s Prison in St. Kitts.
“Crime really doesn’t pay. I know some people say it and some doubt it, but it really doesn’t pay. I tell people, “no matter how successful you think the robbery was, no matter how successful you think the drug that you sold might have been, no matter how successful you think the last housebreaking you committed might have been, crime ultimately lands us is one of two places; it’s either the cemetery and I gather that there is room at Springfield and there’s room here at Britannic; so, if that’s where you want to go, a life of crime will take you there or it lands you at in St. Kitts 1840; 1840, that’s not where you want to be.”
No doubt, the COVID-19 Pandemic cost several people their jobs, caused the incomes of some to be cut; and as such, a lot of families, communities and businesses were significantly affected. However, Brantley said the economy is recovering and people should take advantage of employment opportunities as they become available.
“I’m urging our young people to go out and do things the right way. You want money, go and earn money. Go and work, find a job, sleep better at nights understanding that what you’re doing is legitimate.”
Statistics reveal that the reports of major crimes on Nevis have increased in the first half of 2023 when compared to the same period of 2022. Brantley encouraged citizens and residents to display proper conduct and ensure to refrain from acts of violence.
“These statistics show that for the first six months of this year, we have had 61 reported crimes or what we refer to as major crimes; and that compares unfavourably with last year, the same six month period, when we had 58. So we have had 3 more criminal activities reported this year for the first six months, than we did last year in 2022. Of note, the most heinous of crimes is murder. In the period for last year we had two; one in the first half of the year and one late in the second half of the year. This year thus far, we have had two in the first half of the year; and so, we are hopeful that we have no more loss of life and that the youngsters who might be listening, continue to operate and conduct themselves properly. So that we put away the guns and we put away all efforts and attempts of violence.”
