It is sad that we are currently in a state where we are crippled by the existing crime rate. We have effectively adopted, and are facilitating, a criminal culture. Over the past 24 months, crime, specifically gun-related crime, has escalated to the point where it is out of control. Every single day you wake up, you are greeted with one or several reports of robberies, shootings, or other violent crimes. Because of our welcoming and openness to other nationalities, Antiguans embrace persons migrating to our little piece of paradise, but unfortunately, some of this openness is being exploited to our own demise.

Recently, a particular Facebook page, in an effort to draw the attention of the relevant authorities, posted several images and videos of criminals in possession of illegal firearms, who would have brazenly posted them to their own social media accounts because they felt so comfortable doing so. If you saw the large outcry from persons claiming that the images were manipulated by AI, all in an effort to discredit the page and provide deniable claims of innocence to protect these thugs terrorizing our nation, you would understand the seriousness of the problem. Some young women have adopted a culture where they “love gunmen” and glorify this deviant behaviour. Some even justify their preference by stating that the “gunman” can give them money whenever they ask for it, as opposed to a person who works a 9-to-5 job and has to wait until payday.

In addition, despite many businesses and homes having CCTV cameras that capture 4K-quality video of criminals in the act of committing crimes, these criminals are wrapped in a cloak of protection by family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbours who are unwilling to identify the people terrorizing others. Although face disguises are used, distinguishing marks and other notable attributes are sometimes in plain sight, and persons can identify their brother, cousin, friend, or acquaintance but refuse to do so. We have become a nation that protects criminal elements.

This is further compounded by the surge in the practice of witchcraft. A particular social media personality recently posted that the current state of affairs would not be changed by a Day of Prayer until “due credit” is given to the witchcraft-practitioners. The overwhelming support for this belief was bone-chilling. We have lost God in our society, and we need to put Him back heavily into our schools. We must also address the promotion of violent, deviant, and crime-glorifying music on the airwaves. Yes, persons may be able to play such music on their personal devices, but it should not be permitted to be aired or broadcast on our public airwaves. A hard stance must be taken. This is no time for worrying about stepping on anyone’s toes. Hard decisions must be made.

The issue of illegal tint must also be addressed with extreme prejudice. Almost every vehicle on the road seems to have tint so dark that, from a practical standpoint, it can reasonably affect the effective and safe operation of the vehicle. Yes, vehicles can be tinted; however, excessively dark and full-blackout tints on vehicles that are not authorized should be dealt with immediately. If the tint cannot be removed from the vehicle on the spot, the vehicle should be deemed unfit for operation and removed from the road. There are guidelines that speak to permissible percentages and which windows should maintain visibility, and these guidelines must be enforced.

This also directly contributes to the high accident rates. Big trucks and other operating machinery that require full visibility to operate safely around other road users and their surroundings are sometimes so darkly tinted that drivers are rubbing other people’s vehicles, opening their windows and sticking their heads outside to see clearly, and engaging in all kinds of other foolish practices. This is sometimes even the case while driving these vehicles recklessly at high speeds. How long until they kill innocent road users?

The tints are so dark that, when the sun sets, some persons with heavily tinted vehicles drive around with their high beams on in an effort to illuminate roadways that are already lit by streetlights and other vehicle. This practice causes bright lights to be shone directly into oncoming traffic, blinding innocent road users. Some even go as far as installing unreasonably bright lights that cause other road users to come to a grinding halt until these vehicles pass because they are unable to see. These should be made illegal immediately. I am aware that the Government is actively sourcing tint meters; however, it also needs to acquire equipment to measure excessive light output and take action against vehicles with these ridiculous installations.

This is not a time to appease the public and tiptoe around people’s feelings. As long as people’s fundamental rights are not being abused, a full zero-tolerance approach must be adopted and enforced with an iron fist until the crime situation has been brought under control.

I am appealing to all relevant authorities to ignore the naysayers, the fault-finders, the persons who always make everything a political issue, and those who simply like to hear themselves talk. Do whatever is necessary, within the law, to restore peace, order, and safety to this nation.

We cannot continue to normalize criminality, protect those who commit it, or remain silent while innocent citizens pay the price. The time for decisive and lawful action is now.

– Fed Up Antiguan

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Enough Is Enough: Zero Tolerance, Zero Excuses – It Is Time to Take Back Our Nation.