Statement by Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. on
Tuesday's Shooting Incident at Tutu Park Mall

We are mindful that unfortunate shootings such as what we witnessed on St. Thomas Tuesday have occurred especially when our young people are exacting street justice once they find themselves at odds with each other. Our dual objectives continue to be, on a daily basis, carrying out those anti-crime initiatives that have netted favorable results such as saturated patrols in high crime areas of the two districts, roadblocks and aggressive enforcement against those who are determined to carry out street justice and making an investment in our children while warning our young people about the dangers of gangs and criminal activity. There is no ignoring the aggressive stance for these present acts that we are taking to ensure that those who commit a crime are captured and prosecuted and that investing in the family circle and paying attention to our children will go a long way to strengthening our community.

We have initiated more programs and renovated many of our recreational outlets so that parents and guardians have options for their children and young people have choices. Right now, in at least five departments of government, there are a number of programs, recreational activities, training sessions and camps to provide an outlet. We will continue to provide these programs and initiatives as a means of steering our young people into meaningful and wholesome activities and away from gangs and life styles of criminal activity.

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