|
Prime
Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell recently met with key Government bodies
to discuss a number of critical issues. These issues centered on
respect for the law and irresponsible behavior in the society.
The Prime Minister raised a number of crucial issues including squatting,
juvenile crime, vagrancy, traffic problems, sand mining, noise pollution,
respect for the flag and other national symbols, and dumping. The
Prime Minister asked the group to give these issues urgent attention
in the interest of the country.
The meeting comprised top members of the Police force; senior representatives
from the Ministries of Health, Legal Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture,
and Works; and senior representatives of the Grenada Solid Waste
Management Authority. Prime Minister Mitchell highlighted in particular
youth crime and violence and the need to protect the country’s
young people.
The Prime Minister noted that young people were vulnerable and needed
to be protected from social ills including the threat of crime and
violence. He noted that Government was putting a number of measures
in place to protect and empower the youth.
He highlighted the work of the National Youth Enterprise to provide
jobs and other opportunities for the young people. However, he also
noted that serious mechanisms needed to be put in place to protect
young people from these and other dangers in society
The Meeting also dealt with the following issues:
The issue of Squatting:
The
meeting agreed that law enforcement needs to be proactive and not
allow permanence to complicate solutions. An anti-squatting committee
has been set up to find solutions to this problem.
The
issue of Juvenile Crime:
The
meeting agreed that plans for a Juvenile Detention Center would
be moved ahead. Plans also are being made to get a contractor to
start the building of the centre and a draft bill has been developed
to give the legal arm the authority to use the centre as a place
where young offenders can be housed.
The
issue of Vagrancy:
The
meeting agreed that the assemblage of these persons, especially
in the town centres and the market places, is a national embarrassment
and must be eradicated. The building of a temporary shelter to house
vagrants will be fast-tracked and a more permanent facility will
soon be started.
The
issue of Traffic Control and Parking:
The
meeting agreed that a traffic court will be urgently set up to deal
with all traffic problems including illegal parking, speeding etc.
The
issue of the Noise Act:
The
meeting agreed that the noise pollution legislation will be fully
passed through parliament to allow the police powers to act.
The
issue of Sand Mining:
The
meeting agreed that a law will be developed to strengthen the present
law and to effect a permanent ban on sand taken from beaches.
|
