🚨 Opposition leader urges government to tackle gang crime

Following a rise in gun crime and gang activity, Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart has called on the government to take action. This comes in the wake of a shooting last month at the Ed Bush Stadium during a football match, where seven people were injured in what appears to be a gang-related incident. McTaggart stressed that the government must prioritize the issues of at-risk youth, disrupt gang activity, and provide the necessary resources to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) to strengthen community policing and capacity. 🚔

McTaggart also emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of violence. He noted that social issues within the community lead some youth towards gangs and criminal paths. He called for unity in confronting these challenges and showing young people the positive opportunities available on the islands. He also advocated for law enforcement agencies to be equipped with the latest technology and strategies to effectively combat gang activities. Despite this, the RCIPS received its largest-ever budget for 2024, with over $60 million allocated for the police this year. 🏝️

In the recent incident of escalating gun violence, a man opened fire on a group of over twenty people at a football match. The shooter used a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and fired around 15 shots at two men believed to be the targets, injuring another five people. McTaggart urged the public to reflect on the incident and not allow crime to become the norm in society. He promised to support the government in their efforts to combat crime and hold them accountable for any lack of progress. 🔫