Open letter to Crimestoppers

THE EDITOR: This is an open letter to Crimestoppers; Crimestoppers, you are not telling us something we don’t know. Yes we all know there is crime. It is plastered on the front page of every newspaper, featured on the news and spoken about with almost every breath we take. What I don’t understand is why Crimestoppers must spend in excess of one million dollars in advertising and promoting their organisation. Even more so, why are they spending money that they don’t have in their possession? Granted the government has promised a three millions dollar injection into the programme, but past experience has shown us that, those promises may not always materialise. And to add fuel to the fire, Crimestoppers has enlisted the aid of private enterprise in funding their programme. Crimestoppers in principle is an excellent programme but under this new drive and leadership, it has become a cold calculating organisation. Spending resources that could better be utilised elsewhere — I’m thinking a million dollars could have gone a long way in putting infrastructure and physical resources in place to fight the crime, even as reward money, but please not advertising and promotion. What sort of expertise is there heading this organisation. Hats off to Mr Martin George, as well known, highly proficient member of the bar I applaud your efforts and involvement in this organisation. However, with the recent appointment of your new  General Manager, I must question Crimestoppers judgement and desire to really make a difference. What expertise does Mr Dupigny have in the security or legislative sectors?

Additionally, how secure is the collection of rewards. Crimestoppers’ general manager has been quoted on many occasions as saying that “only the safest and most secure means have been put in place for the collection of any reward. Through alliances forged with Scotiabank and their operations Managers, Crimestoppers can guarantee utmost confidentiality.” I am sorry to say I find this very hard to stomach. In an island as small as this “where everybody knows your business” confidentiality is certainly not guaranteed. Especially not with certain sectors of the banking community coming under scrutiny for alleged involvement in most of these kidnapping cases. Crimestoppers, you have the support of the people, you don’t need to spend unnecessary money to promote your organisation. I am hoping that the above issues will be addressed and in so doing help in moving Crimestoppers forward. I wish your organisation continued success.

RICHARD OUDIT
Valsayn