The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council Friday appealed ‘for calm and urge all concerned to reject retaliation’ as it commented on last weekend’s Quadruple murders.
Four other persons were injured during the September 25 shooting in Green Hill a residential community located in Central Kingstown.
The Council in expressing its ‘profound sorrow’ to the bereaved families as well as praying for the recovery of those injured, and for the ‘comfort and healing of all who witnessed or have been affected by this tragedy.
‘As Christians, we affirm that every human being is created in the image of God. The taking of a human life is a grave assault on that dignity, and we unequivocally condemn this violence,’ the Council said, adding that St. Vincent and the Grenadines must never become numb to acts of bloodshed and that the country should not ‘accept this as a norm in our blessed land.
‘Every such incident demands both a just response and renewed commitment to preventing further loss of life,’ the statement said, adding that ‘at this time, we appeal for calm and urge all concerned to reject retaliation. We encourage anyone with information that may assist the investigation to provide it to the police’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday said that the government is developing a ‘comprehensive plan to deal with crime and violence, especially violent crimes in our country’.
Police have confirmed that Steve King, 22; Antonio Samuel, 32, Shaqueil Peters, 26, as well 23 -year-old Shevern Chandler, were killed in the shooting incident last Friday.
The Christian Council said that it is urging the public to respect grieving families by refraining from circulating graphic images, unverified allegations and speculation.
‘The Council supports a thorough investigation and calls for those responsible to be brought to justice through due process. We recognise the difficult work of the police, medical personnel and other responders, and urge that they receive the support necessary to protect our communities and care for those affected.
‘We believe that building a more peaceful society is a responsibility to be shared by all Vincentians,’ it said, calling on the government, parliamentary opposition, churches, schools, businesses, community organisations and families to work together on sustained measures to reduce gun violence.
‘These measures must include action against illegal firearms; support for people at risk of involvement in violence, help for those seeking to leave violent groups, and counselling and care for victims and their families.’
The Christian Council said that churches here ‘must examine how we can strengthen our presence in communities: listening to young people, supporting parents, offering pastoral care, helping to resolve conflict and creating places of belonging and hope.
‘Prayer must be accompanied by practical expressions of love and service. Although this is a painful moment, the Council is confident that with God’s help, we can overcome this tragedy and position our nation in a place where human life is cherished, justice is upheld and every community can live in peace,’ it added.