Dominica’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Hon. Vince Henderson says any excuse for criminal behavior is unacceptable.
“[Those persons] seeking to provide [reasons] for [criminals] by talking about idleness and unemployment are simply making excuses. Ninety per cent of the people here knew me when I was growing up. I grew up under difficult circumstances. I had one pair of pants while attending I.T.S.S (Isaiah Thomas Secondary School); I ironed it in the morning and washed it in the afternoon. I never stole anybody’s things, I never [stabbed or cut] anybody.”
Hon. Henderson feels that despite the number of economic challenges that may affect citizens, honest people are managing to survive without resorting to illegal activity.
“The majority of our people have their own difficulties. We work hard, we try our best and we live good lives. So I think it is very important that as we discuss the issue of crime and violence that we seek not to encourage it by making more excuses and adding onto what already is a challenge for us.”
The Ambassador was speaking at a recently held Crime, Violence and Anti-Social Behaviour panel discussion in his home community of St. Joseph.