Public supports curfew

Enforcing the new curfew will take more than just police muscle. Success rests on the cooperative shoulders of the adults in the community. News Five got a sampling of public opinion today. Those we spoke to, including a few children, felt the move by government was the right one. Rather than seeing the curfew as taking away children’s freedom most felt it would protect them and keep them out of trouble.

Citizen #1

“I think it is a good idea. There have been too much killings, robberies and stuff like that. It would be better if everybody keep in their houses.”

Citizen #2

“That’s good because no one could stay out late. I think being out after 10, 11, 12, even for me a grownup, is bad because trouble come for you.”

Citizen #3(pictured above)

“I think it’s a good idea to keep them off the streets at night. Mothers would not have to worry about us. I know a lot of things have been going on with little girls being kidnapped and Michael Williams and stuff. I have my hours that I have to be home but I like to keep out and have fun.”

Citizen #4

“Something like this should have been done a long time ago. People are concerned about it now but the question is how long will it last?”

Citizen #5

“Curfew was around from the beginnings of my life time and after Hurricane Hattie everyone went loose. I think it is good because too much children in the streets at night. I have no problem with it.”

Citizen #6

“The main age that children are being abused, especially girls, is around that age so they’d better get in at that hour.”

Citizen #7

“It will be safer for children. I think it is very good for children and adults.”

Citizen #8

“It’s a good idea because kids would die.”

Citizen #9

“We should have programs set up to teach children ways and means of being valuable to the community. We should keep them occupied. I agree that we should get them off the streets but will this be the right way? Let’s try it.”

In related news, the Ministry of National Security says it will also be enforcing a 1998 law which allows the court to issue a sex offense order against anyone convicted of rape, attempted rape, carnal knowledge, forcible abduction, unnatural offense of indecent assault. To help curb gang violence they will also enforce the 1992 law that makes it an offense for anyone to wear clothing which supports gangs or displays gang insignia.