Marigot: --- The number five community council headed by Paul Whit has organized a meeting with members of the clergy to discuss the crime situation on the French side of the island. In an interview with SMN News Whit said the community council is looking to see what input the churches on the island can give to fight crime. He said while the initiative was taken by the community council of Marigot and St. James (Quartier number 5 Quartier numbers 6 would also be present and would be participating in the ideas put forward.)
Whit said while his community council organized the event, the crime situation is everybody’s concern. He said right now crime is affecting the entire island and they need to see how everyone can help to find a solution. The topic discussed is crime and violence and it is important to see what contribution the religious circle can provide. Whit said there are issues facing the island that would not be solved unless the clergy or religious circle gets involved and becoming partners in society.
Whit said some ten churches have confirmed that they would attend and participate in the meetings. He said their intention is to make sure a commitment is given by the churches where they would work together in fighting crime and violence.
Another objective was to get the churches to see how they can reestablish family values and other moral values to the communities.