Philipsburg:--- The community of St. Maarten and the island government must do more if they are to prevent the rising crime rate says Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba in an interview with SMN News on Monday.
Jacoba said while the number of murders on St. Maarten is not huge it is a lot for a small island like St. Maarten. She felt that the justice system, the island government, and the community of St. Maarten have to do something if they are to reduce crime on the island.
Minister Jacoba agreed the Police Force KPSSS needs more men in blue including a new chief and the assistance that is coming from Holland is very much needed to curb crime. However, she made clear that the police do not stop crime, they are the ones who are brought in to solve crimes, and St. Maarten in particular has to begin looking at crime preventative measures especially for their youths.
The Minister of Justice said government has to first identify the problems they are having with the community prior to addressing the crime related issues. She said youths have a great deal of problems and something has to be done very soon. She said while St. Maarten thinks they are the world and it is good for their identity they should also need to deal with their problems. Asked if she addressed her concerns with the leader of government on St. Maarten, Jacoba said on several occasions she brought the matter up and made it clear that St. Maarten has to begin dealing its problems now especially since they are looking towards to 10/10/10. She said that currently discussions are underway for Curacao to assist St. Maarten with the youth related problems as they set up various justice departments to deal with youth related problems. Jacoba said it is her opinion that everyone must work together if they are to target the crime situation. She said the community should not look at young convicts as criminal when they are released from prison instead they should find ways and means to help these youngsters integrate into society.
