The youth arm of opposition New National Party (NNP) expresses deep concern about what appears to be an increase in reports of gun-related violence in Grenada, particularly among young people.
It has sent out a statement in this regard.
It acknowledges that while Grenada enjoys a relatively peaceful society, individuals must not be naïve about the realization of the illegal importation of arms and ammunition into Grenada and its effects on citizens and the country, as a whole, when used in acts of violence.
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The most direct consequence of gun violence on citizens, especially youth, the statement says, can be disabilities or death.
Moreover, while some victims of gun violence may physically recover, they may still suffer through a range of long-term physical health issues.
Furthermore, the NNP youth arm noted that any physical injuries may require medical treatment, hospitalisation, and even surgeries, further adding to the financial burden on family and state resources and that gun violence also has a severely detrimental effect on young people’s mental health.
It says research has shown that victims of gun violence are particularly vulnerable to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), due to the significant levels of trauma involved with gun violence and that victims may also suffer from other mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or tendencies.
In a recent town hall meeting, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Dickon Mitchell, noted that “The importation of illegal guns threatens Grenada”, an admission resulting from multiple reports of seizures of arms and ammunition from an importer at Grenada’s main seaport .
The NNP Youth Arm is congratulating and thanking the Royal Grenada Police Force and the Customs and Excise division for their vigilance towards ensuring that the country remains a peaceful and violent-free.
It has sent out a reminder to the government that the implementation of effective government policies in tandem with sustainable community-driven initiatives, the implementation of sound youth economic empowerment programmes, the facilitation of economic growth marked by a correlated focus on social responsibility will promote a cooperative law-abiding citizenry.
In this context, the NNP Youth arm calls on the Government to take urgent action to continue projects that supported youth and reduced unemployment.
