President of the National Youth Council Delroy Williams says the Dominican society has created a favorable environment for drugs and crime to flourish.
Williams made these remarks at a panel discussion in Bath Estate Wednesday night.
“We allow the criminal to go on his merry way and we applaud them by our silence and inability to act,” he said.
Williams said it is very easy for the drug lords to infiltrate the society.
“You hear they are building houses, buying vehicles and motor boats. I don’t understand how these people go to any company and buy these things dry cash and no one asks him a question. The business places should be held accountable too,” he said.
He said the Dominican societies are also showing love to the drug dealers in Dominica while exploiting the “paroes”.
LEGAL SYSTEM
Meantime, William says he is also concerned about the legal system in the country.
“We see murderers walking through our society and young people look at that too. It has changed the mindset of the young people because right now they feel it’s okay to kill because they can then walk,” he said.
PRISONS
Williams also noted that the prison system has failed over the years to adequately assist drug addicts.
“The prison is not serving its’ role. It is an institution which should reform our young persons but it has failed. Most of the offenders are repeat offenders. It is perceived to be a place where people go and get fat. I have heard people saying that they will do their crime and go jail and rest. This is madness,” he added.
MEDIA ATTENTION
Williams said some young people are hyped about committing crime and becoming famous through the media.
“The first thing you see on the newspaper is another crime. I have a family member who is in the state prison and one of the things he always said was that he wanted to hear his name on the radio before he commits a crime. I guess he heard his name,” he said.
Williams told the small audience that there is a need to look at crime from the mindset of the youth.
The police needs to do more
@Mr. Prez:
I appreciate your insight into these problems, but I’d love to hear about solutions. What plans are being made, and actions taken, to attack the problem of rising serious crime in Dominica? What would you/the community NEED to accomplish specific, measurable goals??
@Mr. Prez:
Yes man hit it to them. That is how people these days think, only looking at the superficial instead of going deep down to where the problems really are. Some of the worst criminals are the ones who have the stereotyped so called “upstanding citizen” look.
@Anonymous:
what does my earrings have to do with anything? there are more important issues to be worried about than my earrings. I purchased them legally, last i checked it wasn’t a crime for a man to wear earrings and there are also a number of individuals, locally, regionally and internationally wearing earrings. That is not a reason i wear earrings and doesnt justify that i wear them.
My earrings are a part of my self expression. I also wear clothes as part of my self expression and i’m sure they are different from those that you do wear (I do hope that my clothes dont also offend you my dear.
Stop judging people by what they wear or don’t wear, don’t judge me by my earrings. Judge me by the content of my character please
Delroy Williams
@Anonymous: lol
There are few yet, another courageous youth trying to do something, Great!. Please help our youths, they need help!
Courage Mr Williams and Magistrate Benz….
God bless!
Mr. Delroy Williams as the President of the National Youth Council, i think you should really take a look at yourself; the earrings you have in your ears doesnt potray a good image for the youths out there.
I have to applaud this young man..always positive always for the youth.I know your journey is rough but everyday your message and presence is being felt by the youth..keep up the good work. And thanks for choosing this route instead of the easier ones that most of your follow community members have chosen..keep standing strong and against those whose sole purpose is to destroy our youth. Thanks again Delroy!!!!
I have the hope that at some time the unending talk with no action will cease. The constant lecture of misguided youth without providing realistic solutions to our copycat social problems is also symptomatic of lazy thinking. Let us start to involve the youth in our legal process. All criminals, according to our criminal code, are to be judged by a jury of their peers; but this is never implemented. Let 18 year olds comprise the jury for an 18 year old lawbreaker thereby sensitising the youth to the functioning of the judicial system and the austerity of the law in civilised society.