His statement begs the question however as to whether any incumbent administration or political party should deliberately try to score political points by using crime intervention to do so. This question is especially relevant in an emerging political culture in the Federation that is increasingly belligerent and polarized. (Perhaps it is time for a bit of analysis as we enjoy this wonderful respite from the violence at the moment.)

In point of fact, if the stakes remain as high as they clearly are and who one votes for continues to remain such an obsession, then this atmosphere will be an easy breeding ground for corruption, criminal activities and continued violence. Spiritual or psychological violence in a highly charged political atmosphere sends a signal of indiscipline, disorder and poor leadership from our leaders to those most likely to engage in anti-social and corrupt activities. When two parents bitterly fight, (whether both parents are living under the same roof or not) children feel insecure and necessarily act out through their behaviors this conflict between their parents and the accompanying feelings of discomfort and fear. Clearly the energy and time needed to properly supervise, manage and properly raise them, are absorbed in the struggle. The same principle applies to political leaders in a country.

In any system, regardless of its nature, one cannot divorce physical violence from the emotional violence which always precedes it. The best place to look for an analogy or an example is the home since that is exactly where every youth and person has their foundation. Physical violence toward a spouse (or partner) usually follows circumstances in which there has been first a pattern of disrespect, aggressive put-downs, hostile words of all kinds and general intolerance. While physical violence doesn't necessarily follow in every single instance in which these other acts of flagrant disrespect and emotional abuse occur, when physical violence does occur, one can always trace it back to these negative power plays. There is a difference between a home and a country, but when political leaders fight and the citizens never see them talking or cooperating in any way, the exact same dynamics will play out in the country.

It has often been said that there are two things of which one can be certain if you are an American citizen (by extension a world citizen): taxes and death. In Nevis there is a third thing and that is, unless it is clearly known what your political behavior is, you can count on party faithfuls from either side waiting on your every word to take back a report and an assessment to 'headquarters' for the party decision makers to figure out how to treat you. The company you keep becomes an important footnote in this game. Politics in the country is entirely too all consuming. It has been this way for a very long time but the rhetoric has never been this sharp and civility between rivals never more absent.

In fairness to the Premier on his leadership on crime, he said in the same recent interview on the Barbados based Caribbean Media Cooperation's (CMC's) Newsmakers, as represented by the Leeward Times, March 5-11 Edition, "with regard to crime, Premier Parry noted that his Administration continued to work very closely with the Police." He says further, "we have a short term and a long term plan. The long term plan has to do with education and training within the schools from Kindergarten up to Secondary School in an effort to end gang activity". This he hopes to achieve by informing the young people of the 'insignificance' of joining a gang and through values education according to the statement. Additionally, the Premier says through the same medium that, "his Administration continues to construct barracks in various areas in Nevis, in order to house more policemen on the Island in a comfortable setting." He then goes on to mention one other initiative, funded by the Taiwanese Government, that of installing close circuit television cameras in Charlestown (presently underway) and of his intention to expand the K-9 Unit and add additional police vehicles.

Well, the Premier deserves a heartfelt congratulations for his intentions and for these stated initiatives. Very good ideas indeed and once achieved, will certainly enhance his legacy on crime as Premier of Nevis during an extremely volatile and criminally spiked four years on his watch. Apart from ensuring that these things do happen, and not just saying them because they sound good to say, there is but only one thing left to do Mr Premier.

I call on the Premier of Nevis to truly LEAD on this issue of crime and security by doing something that may be unpopular in his camp and among his more rabid supporters. He needs to make a genuine statesman overture to the Opposition and invite them to the constructive table for dialogue and planning. He would have the opportunity to look bigger than them, share with them his plans for dealing with the problems of our security, share the challenges he faces and then invite their feedback and ideas. Let the local and if they are interested, regional media cover this. I can't think of anything better than this initiative that would gain him more political points and secure his place in history as a good leader. Of all the crime initiatives, this one would be the most important. If leaders fight, argue, and allow wounds to fester ad infinitum, we can be certain that every single dollar spent and every ounce of energy expended on security will be for nought. We have many challenges to be certain, but there is no greater achievement and no bigger gain than for leaders to demonstrate by specific actions, civility, forgiveness and harmony. This Mr Premier Sir, is what leadership is all about!