The perception of many on the island is that quite a lot of what happens as it relates to criminality goes unpunished or at best is met with consequences that are seemingly inadequate, particularly when that penalty is meant to serve as a deterrent.
That is obviously a perception and not a scientific study and cannot be deemed to posses a factual foundation. However, there may be reason for this type of thinking.
In recent times, there have been criminal matters that have gone before the local courts and upon its conclusion, many were left clamouring for more stringent punishment. One such area is the matter of arrests involving illegal firearms. All this against the backdrop of firearm related murders and gun related crimes generally. With the increased rate of gun related crimes, one can fully appreciate the cry for a more rigorous application of the mantra ‘if you do the crime you have to do the time.’
A few years ago, an individual was arrested for the illegal possession of a high-powered rifle, a weapon used predominantly by law enforcement and reportedly cost in the region of EC$15,000 in illegal circles. How we know the cost is for another day. The individual was let loose, if memory serves, with a bail amount of $5000. That seemed woefully inadequate to most even while admitting that they were lacking when it came to grasping the law relating to such offences.
Most recently, a video which grabbed the attention of the nation involving threats of the worst kind, saw an individual arrested and then released on $500 bail.
And what of heinous crimes particularly against women, of which there have been many of late. One could hardly argue that the perpetrators, when they are caught, receive suitable sanction.
When questioned at a press briefing two weeks ago, Prime Minister Philip Pierre was clear about the separation of powers. He reiterated that matters of the judiciary were out of his hands and his responsibility extended only to providing resources. He reminded, however, that hanging was still on the books, seemingly suggesting that the laws were available and ready to be administered. Some have not agreed with the prime minister’s posture and have called for greater involvement particularly since he also holds the national security portfolio.
St. Lucia is not unique as it relates to rising crime. The entire region is under pressure in this regard. The cry for more stringent punishment is also not unique to this country.
Last month Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, was embroiled in a row with numerous regional legal bodies about comments he made about the handing down of weak sentences. He came under immense fire only to hit back by saying “your weak sentencing is undermining public safety.” The question that arises is, is he correct? Is the problem the administration of the law or is it that our laws are inadequate?
We do not profess to be an authority on the law or even how the legal system works. It may be prudent nonetheless to seriously consider the numerous calls for harsher punishment for repeat offenders and perpetrators of what is considered serious crimes.
This week, the hierarchy of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force {RSLPF} warned that their crime fighting efforts would be elevated and remain consistent going forward. While that is warranted, what good is that if the offenders are back out on the streets in short order?
If we are to realize a relatively crime free society we have to agree that our crime fighting apparatus must, not only, arrest offenders, but also hand them the punishment that will serve both as a suitable penalty and a strong deterrent to would be criminals.
Consider these two quotes.
“Justice is the constant and perpetual will to render to each his due.” Justinian 1
“Men are not hanged for stealing horses, but that horses may not be stolen.” George Savile