State of emergency needed?

The relatives of some business operators in a certain parish have expressed concerns that the police have been saying, because of violent crimes in the area, there is the likelihood the business places would have to close.

Although residents agree there have been regular shootings and murders in the area, they do not agree that closing businesses is the solution to the problem.

The relatives are concerned about, "what is going to happen to the people's livelihood" if they have to close their shops.

"Who is really in charge of this country? It seems it is the gunmen and the criminals," one of them said.

"I know the police have their job to do, and I respect them but, to me, the step to have the businesses closed is a step in the wrong direction," a woman said.

no control

She said it seemed to her that the police have no control over criminals.

"When the criminals see that the people have to close their business and shops, and run away, that is just going to give the criminals more power," she said.

"I know the police are concerned about public safety and the public interest, but the police must be more forceful in apprehending the criminals. I know that the criminals, without the guns, are mere weaklings. I, as a woman, could hold some of them and give them a good beating.

"Too many guns are floating around the place. The police need to get rid of the guns. Some of the citizens need to stop supporting the criminals and give the police information, about them. I know that some of the police, who used to be fearless crime fighters, are very cautious, and it appears, to me, that they are not as enthusiastic as before, because of certain happenings. The criminals know everything that is happening and they have become more barefaced than before.

"The law-abiding residents are tired of the crime and violence in this country. They, too, have to play their part in helping the police to catch the criminals.

"Anyway, I do not agree with the closure of any shop, or businesses, because the people have their children and families to look after," she said.

state of emergency

A state of emergency can be declared by the government for various reasons. The police are not empowered to close down legitimate business places. However, the security forces can advise the government to declare a state of emergency if crime and violence have escalated in a particular area, and there are serious threats to the safety of lives.

The Cabinet will meet to determine if there should be a state of emergency for a limited period. If the answer is yes, the Cabinet will advise the governor general to issue a Proclamation under the Emergency Powers Act, declaring that a state of emergency exists in a particular section of the country.

The reason will be given for such a declaration. The main effect of the aforementioned state of emergency would be to give the security forces the power to detain and restrict those who are the planners and perpetrators of violence.