Dear Editor,
Too often we read in the local newspapers about robberies, rape, kidnapping, car theft, burglaries and so forth. It is often said that a worrisome financial situation of an individual is the main reason to commit a crime for monetary gain. Unfortunately, we do have poverty on our beautiful island, but not everybody who lives in poverty goes out to steal, rob or even murder. There are many families who are having trouble making ends meet, but are holding on fast to being responsible citizens.
We often see pictures displayed in the media of these robbers, many of them wearing jewelry and expensive brand clothing and shoes. Didn't they have money to pay their rent or food? If not, why spend their money on material things instead of necessities? Another excuse is that the reason for not having money is not having a job. This makes one wonder: how desperate can someone really be that someone rather steals and robs somebody who worked for their money than that someone is willing to work for minimum wage in a job that someone doesn't like? Newsflash! Thousands of people have come to Sint Maarten over the last couple of years to look for employment and found employment and people are still coming to Sint Maarten for the same reason. Granted, among the thousands who came to Sint Maarten there are many misfits who should not be allowed on our shores. Point is, our youth who are without a job could have taken these positions.
We believe that the reason for the current crime situations goes further than the links with poverty. Let there be no mistake: we need to fight poverty. We also need to get our educational system compatible with our labor market. Trade schools and co-operation with the private sector are of the utmost importance. We do need to get our youth to work. But what is even more important is how we go about being an example for our children and that we actually care for them. They see enough violence on TV, computer games and listening to violent music and now they are witnessing it "life" as well. When growing up on Sint Maarten in the year 2013 it is normal to see young adults hanging around doing nothing, hearing about criminal activities from government officials, high ranked civil servants and break-ins in the neighbourhood. Not to mention those young adults who are involved in criminal activities and have children themselves. Besides the chance of getting locked up or being killed, they are setting the worse example for their children thinkable.
What about the victims of crime? Their life can change drastically from living care-free into living in a dark and dangerous world, continuously on the look-out for lurking dangers. Every action has a reaction, some visible and mostly invisible when it comes to criminal acts. The trend set for our next generation and the destruction of lives of victims are immeasurable. The impact of crime in our small community is tremendous. Crime is more than statistics. #sxmmovement.
Soualiga Social Movement
