Date: June 4, 2004
Contact: Sandra Brunet
Phone: 340-774-2991
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PLEADS WITH COMMUNITY TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN
FIGHT AGAINST CRIME
Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards expresses his deep concern at
the recent killing of St. Croix student Jahmalie Henry and at the increase
in violent crimes throughout the community.
The Lieutenant Governor extends his sincere and heartfelt condolences
to the family of young Jahmalie and his empathy to the perpetrators'
families stating that, "This is a truly a heart wrenching situation
for all involved. Both families, as well as friends, students, staff
and the entire community are reeling from this unfortunate incident
- a moment of anger and uncontrolled emotion that has snuffed out the
life of a bright young man and that will obviously end any decent future
for the perpetrators."
"My concern, however, and the challenge, as I have underscored
many times, is for the entire community to understand that crime and
lawlessness and disrespect for the law will only continue until and
unless we all share the burden of bringing an end to it. It means becoming
partners in the fight against crime. It means reporting sightings or
having witnessed situations that are against the law. In essence, it
means being vigilant in setting up more neighborhood watches, and other
community crime prevention strategies," Lieutenant Governor Richards
continued.
Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Richards stated, "I believe
that the violence and availability of guns and other weapons in our
schools can only be eradicated by the direct and persistent involvement
of parents. And I urge stricter enforcement and compliance with the
laws already existing with regards to gun possession. I also urge more
parents to become involved in their children's before- and after-school
activities. Question them, listen to them, monitor them closely if you
feel that something is not right. Remember your roles and responsibilities
as parents and remember that there is help in the community should you
need it."
"I also believe that we must 'humanize' the Police Department.
They are trained, willing and available 24 hours to intervene in altercations
and sensitive situations before they become deadly and regrettable.
There are also other organizations manned by individuals who care and
who are willing to help in times of need. I urge parents and all in
the community to utilize these resources. In the end it is better to
practice prevention than to live with the consequences," Richards
bemoaned.
In concluding, Lieutenant Governor Richards asks that the community
become proactive in the fight against crime and school violence. "It
is the only way that we will effectively stem the tide of senseless
violence."
