Marchand resident Shervon James, the main organiser of Sunday’s planned anti-crime event in the community, is concerned that some people say there’s a political motive behind the activity.
However, the owner of the Royal Oak Restaurant and Sports Bar has declared that there’s no politics involved in the event, dubbed a Stop the Violence Fun Walk.
“My main goal is assisting the youth,” James told St. Lucia Times.
He declared that young people are getting out of hand, recalling that earlier this month, there was a double homicide in the community.
James emphasized the community’s role in addressing these issues, stating that nothing would change if everyone simply relied on the Prime Minister.
“So somebody has to step up to help address the crime problem in the community. If we give the youth something constructive to do, there could be a change,” the Marchand businessman told St. Lucia Times.
James lamented that the fear of crime was negatively impacting community businesses.
“I am the only person that has a restaurant. It is affecting me badly. My customers don’t want to come to Marchand anymore. No matter what I tell them, I have to find a way to take food to them, or they are not coming,” he explained.
James revealed that he had partnered with owners of other small businesses to organise Sunday’s anti-crime march.
Participants plan to carry placards and wear tee shirts with the slogan ‘Stop the Violence.’
The march will proceed to the Marchand field, where there will be soccer, cricket, and fun games, including lime and spoon races involving the youth.
“We are trying out something, and our focus now is on the youth. We are getting the youth to do something and get them off the streets,” James observed.
The Marchand businessman has already implemented a programme to provide meals to people in need every Sunday, although some sponsors did not come forward as expected.
James, a Youth and Sports Officer, also discussed plans with coaches and sponsors to provide thirty young people with training, clothing, and gear for on-field sports sessions every Saturday.
He expected the sessions to start when school closes.
“They go on the field for about 8 am. By 4:00 pm, I bring them back home. By that time, they’re tired. They’ll talk about what happened and think about going and rest,” James told St. Lucia Times.
The anti-crime march begins at 9:00 am.
Dude Marchand has been a “bad” area for as long as I can remember. Obviously now it is infinitely worse. I used to visit friends in the boulevard as a youngin. Won’t dare set foot in that spot again. Years ago I’m driving down by poule bois, traffic a bit slow. See some guy running through cars with a gun in his hand. Around the corner you heard several gunshots. Took a right turn down by the field and that was that. I rather not chance it going there. Very little good in that place. If you had any brains left you would move your restaurant there. Dusinesses left for a reason.
No doubt about it, Shervon is well-intentioned. I have no doubt, that he is sincere about keeping out the politicians, who are circling like buzzards. Everyone knows those opportunistic bastards can derail anything with their poison. The problem with marches, prayers, fastings and the like, is that someone in authority has to give a sh*t. Not just platitudes and talking the talk, but taking concrete steps to address the problem at hand. Some people think by budgeting for vehicles, personnel and equipment is the answer. It’s a good try, however, it’s a partial waste of time. This is the classic mistake by people not trained in the field of security. The biggest factor in containment is STRATEGY. Throwing money at a problem is exactly what it is. Our local strategy cannot withstand rigorous review.
Who says the owners of the problem can fix the problem? Aren’t we observing the same thing in Vieux Fort? The very same people who fostered dependency and irresponsibility are the ones directing a failed campaign against crime. If I were a representative of any of these two constituencies, serving for decades, I would be deeply embarrassed. I would cover my head with a paper bag and punch two holes in it to see outside. Such would be my humiliation.