Former National Security Minister Dwyer Astaphan is calling for a national discussion on crime. Astaphan told local radio that in light of the recent increase in homicides and with a new administration in power, the time is nigh for a national dialogue on the issue of crime.
Astaphan says the new Team Unity Government will call for a shift in the mental approach to create a more holistic and integrated solution in the fight against crime.
Astaphan referenced his tenure as national security minister when he made concrete attempts to engage gang members. He feels gang members need to be given opportunities to have noble lives by offering them hope, love and assistance in terms of their career choices.
Astaphan said he met with ridicule from society and very little help from his SKNLP cabinet colleagues and was perceived as soft on crime.