Member of Parliament for St. Paul, E.P. Chet Greene, has condemned the robbery of Cynthia Thwaites and the shooting of Vere “Pele” Joseph in Liberta, declaring that the community must unite against the growing threat of crime and violence.

Greene described the attack, which reportedly occurred Saturday night, as cowardly and brazen, saying it had left residents of the constituency shocked and outraged.

“Let me be unequivocal: crime has arrived at our doorstep and it will not be tolerated,” Greene said. “The growing scourge of criminality now threatens the very peace, safety and security of our community, and it demands an immediate, unified and uncompromising response from every one of us.”

The MP said he has written formally to Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers requesting sustained police patrols in Liberta, with particular attention given to businesses that have increasingly become targets of criminals.

Greene also urged residents and business owners to strengthen security around their homes and properties by installing surveillance cameras, joining or establishing community-watch groups and promptly reporting suspicious activity to the police.

“Do not remain silent. Silence emboldens criminals. Cooperation defeats them,” he warned.

In response to the incident and wider concerns about security in the community, Greene has called a town hall meeting for Thursday, October 8, at the Liberta Primary School. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.

“This is not optional; this is essential. Every resident, every business owner, every family must be represented. We will confront this crisis together,” Greene declared.

The St. Paul MP is presently overseas on national assignment at the United Nations General Assembly. However, he assured constituents that his commitment to their safety remains “absolute and unwavering.”

Greene said community improvement efforts would continue in his absence, including clearing overgrown areas, improving lighting and demolishing abandoned and derelict buildings where permission has been granted by property owners.

He appealed to residents of all ages to work together without fear to reverse what he described as an emerging problem of crime and violence.

“We will not be intimidated. We will not retreat. We will reclaim our community,” Greene said.