February 11, 2021

PM Tells Citizens: Vigils Alone Not Enough, If You See A Crime, Report It

By Newsroom

While past generations adopted what can be called a ‘hush-hush’ culture surrounding the issue of domestic violence, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says the fact that the problem still persists in today’s society is reflective of the fact that silence will not eradicate this problem. 

Delivering a sobering address during Thursday’s PNM meeting in Belmont, Dr. Rowley recounted that he was exposed to the issue of violence against women from as young as four years old. 

“In my neigbourhood, it was a frequent occurrence. And in  fact, how it was dealt with then was that you turn away and pretend you didn’t hear the screams of the women and you didn’t know what happened last night in your neigbourhood,” he said. 

He added that he has had several conversations with his own daughter about how to begin “fixing” the problem- and derived that it must begin in the way children are taught and socialized.

“I’m coming to the conclusion that it’s all about respect. If we are raising children, both boys and girls- it’s about respect…,”he said.

“We want to be in a situation where we shouldn’t have to call for justice- we  should live justice…to be left alone unbothered, regardless of what your’e wearing or how you look- you should be respected and be allowed to live,” he added, prompting an applause from the small group of supporters gathered. 

He added while he was pleased to see the outpouring of concern from citizens, he believes that must also be exercised by reporting crimes as they happen. 

“I am very sorry that it took another life for all of us to rise up like this… I am saying if we are rising up like this it means that when you know something about a criminal in this country, that same attitude will take you to tell the police whether it’s your neighbour or your family.”
 
“Don’t tell me after you have this vigil and after you express this anger and you make those demands that you will know where a gun is … a gun which the next time it barks would be another life and another news and another Andrea.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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