We have seen an upsurge in crime in recent times that is linked directly to one thing – the weak economy. The economy is in a poor state and failing to provide significant long-term life opportunities for a major section of our population. SVG needs job creation not ULP social engineering.

Crime is being committed out of poverty, ignorance, lack of responsibility and out of grievances. If someone has a grievance and is educated, they are more likely to deal with the issue in a rational and reasonable manner, because other aspects of their lives are going well.

Six years of ULP government has led to many young and poor people feeling disenchanted. ULP government economic and social policies have not helped a large section of the population set realisable and practical goals. The sense of alienation and financial insecurity amongst many people attributes to high crime.

This government’s economic policies have generally lowered people’s expectations and not produced the right circumstances to improve many people’s prospects. A significant amount of poor and young people have not been empowered and they have lost significant long-term life opportunities for a better life.

The ULP government is failing people by not bringing the poor out of poverty and by not providing people with hope and opportunity for a better life in the long-term. People need opportunities that are believable and obtainable. With this, their most rational choice is not to turn to violent crime.

One just needs to look around to know that ULP government economic policies aren’t working. There is a large increase in violent crime, people are more fearful of being a victim of crime and the courts are over run – unbelievable! And the ULP say this is the cusp of economic take off! The ULP government is trying to patch up problems with plasters, but deeper solutions are needed. As suggested by Attorney Bayliss Frederick the problem is ‘deep-rooted’.

The status of women has been severely damaged in SVG society as most violent crime is being committed against women. Under the ULP government respect for women and human life has seriously deteriorated.

The ULP’s weak management of macro economics and ‘begging bowl’ approach makes the economy constantly vulnerable to collapse. Civil society is also suffering shocks with a steep rise in crime.

If people are not offered opportunities and a better alternative to unemployment, we may never solve the problem of crime and the continuation of generational poverty within some families. SVG Green Party can manage the economy better and guarantee all long-term security. We are calling on the nation, especially the poor, unemployed and the young, to call on the Prime Minister to name the date for the much wanted 2007 general election. To wait until 2010 will severely damage many people’s chances of long-term security.

SVG Green Party will bring in an economy run on 20 variables. This will create long-term, secure, full-time jobs not part-time jobs. SVG needs a new economic approach that moves away from dependence on mass tourism for the engine of the SVG economy.

Signed…………………………..
Ivan O’Neal  BSc(Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader and Co-founder of SVG Green Party