TOUGHEN DRUG LAWS

Dear Editor:

I find it simply amazing that a little country like St. Kitts/Nevis
can have a total of 17 murders in each of the last two years.

Everyone is probably keeping fingers crossed that it does not get
any worse than it is now. It is a clear indication that as much as
the security forces of the country are trying to keep a lid on
violent crime the thing continues to bubble over.

There is no doubt in anybody's mind that all of this started with
something that is a scourge to many countries, illegal drugs. Once
this is prevalent anywhere near the country, things like this will
continue to happen. It therefore means that the authorities of St.
Kitts/Nevis have to come up with a strategy that will effectively
combat the activities of drug traffickers, local dealers and those
who use drugs.

It may seem sad that people who are victim of the drug dealers will
also have to spend time in prison or pay large fines if they are
caught with drugs. All of this, however, should serve as a deterrent
to all the young people who see some sort of glamour in this
lifestyle. They can be assured that there is nothing glamorous in
drugs sale or use and will only be a matter of time before the law
catches up with illegal activity.

Now, the government has some hard thinking to do and some of it must
include what they will do as far as increasing sentences and fines
for people who are into drugs, especially those who are traffickers.

These people have to be fined out of existence so that when they
come to court they know they are going to lose big time and will not
just be able to walk out with a small fine which they know they will
be able to pay without as much as breaking a sweat and be back into
the business before the expiration of 24 hours.

Drugs and violence can not be separated and, unless St. Kitts/Nevis
does something to toughen drug laws, the violence will continue and
probably even get worse.

Glen Francis (via e-mail).