Springer Calls Administration Response To Coki Point Shooting The “Politics Of Public Safety”
CIF President Michael J. Springer, Jr.
Crucians In Focus President Michael Springer today blasted the so called tourist protection program put forth on Thursday by Governor John P. deJongh, Jr, and Police Commissioner Novelle Francis.
Calling it the “Politics of Public Safety,” Springer called the Administration’s comprehensive plan to clean up Coki Point beach after the July 12 shootout in which a tourist was killed “segregationist” and warned that this approach would not have the desired effect.
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In his news conference on Thursday, deJongh outlined the plan that will close Coki Point Beach for 10 days while several significant changes will be made in response to the shooting incident, including an increased police presence, debris removal, landscaping, and bathhouse construction. Pay no mind to the number of critical projects underway by government agencies for the local communities. Apparently no expense, human or monetary, will be spared.
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And although he has been nearly invisible as the previous 44 murders have occurred this year, deJongh now calls for heightened performance from the police In addressing the issue and that there would be three policemen, mobile and on foot, that would be permanently assigned to the Coki Point Beach area.
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Even Police Commissioner Novelle Francis, in speaking of the steps he and his department will make, never once referred to the safety of the local community when making his remarks.
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Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr.
Springer said the strength and intensity of the government response to the death of a tourist, after their indifference to the rash of crime that has been sweeping the Territory shows the disparity in priorities between the well-being of the local population and the tourists.
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Commissioner of Police Novelle E. Francis
Springer sharply criticized Francis for allowing the “bureaucracy” of politics to interfere with the public safety of the community.
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Springer warned that this inconsistent application of public protection and the expanding gap between considerations made for those from the outside while those on the inside suffer will do no more than exacerbate the sharply escalating crime and tension in the community.
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Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent, It takes a touch of genius- and a lot of courage- to move in the opposite direction.
-Albert Enstein