Commissioner Wescot-Williams says upgrading of island judicial and law enforcement system in line with UNODC goals of rule of law
Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, says that the promised upgrading of the St. Maarten judicial and laws enforcement system, is in line with the goals of the United Nations Office on drugs and Crime (UNODC) with respect to the rule of law which is key in attaining global development goals.
The UNODC has called on nations to give priority to the rule of law which it says is one of the keys to achieving the set of anti-poverty targets world leaders have pledged to achieve by 2015, known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
"It is a fact that where the rule of law is weak or absent, crime and corruption holds back the development and democracy of a nation. We appeal to the Federal Government to provide all necessary assistance to law enforcement agencies to fight the current wave of criminal activities.
"St. Maarten will do all what is necessary within its own sphere of influence and responsibility to upgrade the judicial system in preparation for country status," Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The Leader of Government added that she is very cognizant that global issues are also very pertinent to the island which is part of the world community of nations.
"Global issues that impact world security also impacts the security of our island-nation. We therefore have a stake in the affairs of the world and support any and all initiatives and efforts that would improve global security and positively impact the lives of the peoples of world community," Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams pointed out from an international perspective.
Some of the issues that the UNODC has been focusing on are the prevention of violence against women; dangerous links between drugs, crime and terrorism across Africa; the illegal trade in weapons; and green (environmental) crimes.
The UNODC points out that the fight against crime requires the mobilization of all segments of society. These include schools, places of work, religious groups, the media, and the film and entertainment industries.
The most important thing according to the UNODC is curbing the demand for illicit goods and services that are an incentive for criminal activity.