It is quite annoying coming to the reality that some parents are failing in their responsibility to play a part in the proper upbringing of their children. Because all these young people engaged in violent crimes in the country are coming from homes.
It is a wise move to allow one’s children to go and learn a profession like driving, welding or carpentry. However, it is the responsibility of parents to ensure the proper supervision and monitoring of how their children are faring at their respective job training.
The recent surge in the number of street-children roaming idly with others engaging in selling all kinds of illegal substances is a cause for concern. Most of these children end up engaging in violent crimes just to make ends meet.
This unfortunate situation doesn’t only stain the reputation of the country, but it also retards development. Infact no genuine investors would want to invest in a country where violent crime is on the rise. To this end, we call on all to jealously safeguard the peace and stability the country is known for and report any suspected or dubious activity to the authorities.
Remember, we all have a duty to make the Smiling Coast a bastion of peace and more attractive to potential investors.
This also reminds us of the need for a serious discussion on this rising crime rate and the involvement of young people. This would help arrive at a decision and come up with tangible solutions to position the country on its past glory.
The Gambia is known for peace and stability thus the moniker - The Smiling Coast of Africa. This attribution is expressed not just for a mere saying, but for a reason. The Gambian hospitality is an understatement and that’s why many concluded that Gambian smile is a genuine smile.
In our Thursday’s edition, we ran a story in which the European Union and Interpol are ready to boost The Gambia’s fight against crime. This comes following the launch of the implementation of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) in The Gambia. The initiative is under the WAPIS (West Africa Police Information System/AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) Project, INTERPOL, and the European Union.
According to officials, implementing AFIS marks a milestone in the European Union and INTERPOL’s commitment to increase the capacity of law enforcement agencies to identify suspects, match fingerprints from crime scenes and link criminal cases through scientifically based evidence. It would also help in bringing biometric data to the existing national police information system implemented under the WAPIS Programme, the AFIS system will consolidate the national database available to law enforcement agencies.
Every Gambian has a role to play in making this great country of ours a bastion of peace and stability. It is apt we ask ourselves why a number of people and tourists flock to this tiny country of ours? The answer is very simple; it is the warm reception, hospitality and peaceful nature of citizens.
Bearing this in mind, let’s always fight against rising crimes in the country. Together we can make the Smiling Coast of Africa great!