PARAMARIBO, Suriname, Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk has warned that the government “will not allow criminals to take over the country,” calling for more decisive action from law enforcement agencies to stem the rise in criminal activities in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
Brunswick, flanked by Justice and Police Minister Kenneth Amoksi, Defence Minister Krishna Mathoera, Commander Werner Kioe A Sen, and acting Chief of Police Ruben Kensen, warned that the authorities would be implementing more roadblocks as well as adopt a zero tolerance to crime.
“Strong action, lock those people up,” Brunswick told the police, adding that domestic violence will also be addressed.
Brunswick said that crime is a concern for the government and that perpetrators must be caught and brought to justice.
“Those criminals also need to know that wherever they are, we will get them, trace them, arrest them. In the past, people just robbed, but now they shoot people. You are not safe in your own house,” the Vice President said, noting that strict action would be taken dismissing complaints of alleged police brutality.
“But when they shoot those people, everyone’s watching. But starting today, on behalf of the President, I want increased surveillance and more police officers visible. And crack down on the criminals. We’re worried. We can do it. Don’t let criminals do whatever they want in the country,” Brunswick said.
He told reporters that he is very emotional about the situation, adding, “it cannot be the case that you work hard for your money and then get robbed. We will no longer accept that”.
Amok said the police are going “to act hard without regard to persons. It’s enough. We’ve had drive-by shootings, murders, and robberies. We’re only losing Surinamese (people).
“Police, I call on you. We must control the streets, protect the people in their homes and all other public places,” Amoksi said, adding that the police bike unit must become active again and police are more active near schools.
The Police and Justice Minister said that domestic violence is also getting more attention, especially in the security services.
“There are plenty of cases where partners have been shot with service weapons,” Amoksi said, noting it may be time to leave service weapons at work after duty.
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