The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis this week recorded its 20th murder of 2008. Many of these killings have been gang-related and because of the threat of gang retaliation, law enforcement officials have said these crimes are hard to bring to trial. It is no mere excuse; the threat is real and people are understandably afraid. To tear down this wall of fear, strong, vigorous public leadership is needed from all persons in positions of responsibility, the kind of leadership that will move people from cowering in a state of peril to living fully in a peaceful society, the kind of leadership that will persuade people to assemble, march and demand that criminals be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, the kind of leadership that can dispel the glamorous television image of crime and portray crime as the squalid, demeaning, sordid enterprise that it really is. It is time for every voice to be raised in a sustained cry for law and justice in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Twenty people have been murdered in our midst, and our country is poorer in so many ways for it. It is time to end this madness. It is time for peace. ” Go Greener The Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority recently took delivery of a tire baler. Not only can this machine bale discarded tires, it can also bale materials like cardboard and aluminum, making it easier to sell these items to recycling firms. As with their efforts to reduce the number of junk cars around the island and their work toward cutting down on the use of plastic bags, the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority is showing leadership on preserving and protecting the environment. These are good steps, but they are only first steps. The Nevis Island Administration and the federal government should be doing much more to promote environmental awareness, anti-litter campaigns and overall beautification of the Federation. Environmental protection can entice more visitors to the Federation, since eco-tourism continues to expand. However, the issue goes beyond money. It is the obligation of all citizens to preserve what can be preserved to pass these two islands intact to future generations. It is the right thing to do. Feeding Young Minds Right now, there is an effort underway to collect enough money to install a commercial-grade stove, refrigerator, cooler and other equipment at St. John’s Primary School so students can receive hot, nutritious meals during the school day. The organizers hope to raise EC$65,000. Mr. Hastings Daniel, who is working on this project, says he expects to collect about half the money in the coming weeks. This project deserves public support. Well-fed children learn better and grow up healthier than those who are unable to get good meals on a regular basis. While a hot school lunch won’t guarantee a classroom full of overachievers, it will give every student a better chance at success ” something that every child deserves. Please, get out your checkbook and make a difference.
