Surely few would disagree that we are currently in the midst of a national economic crisis, although there are several differences of opinion as to what should be done to address the situation.

However, we are also facing another national emergency in the shape of the escalation of violent crime, especially involving firearms.

And, in addition to the social costs in increased crime, there are also substantial economic costs that will make it far more difficult to recover from our financial difficulties than might otherwise be the case.

Potential visitors reading about the abduction, rape and murder of a well-known local woman outside a restaurant or the latest death by shooting in a local nightclub are going to think long and hard about coming to the Cayman Islands at the very time our tourism sector is desperate to attract more stay-over visitors.

Residents are also going to be hesitant about venturing out at night, thus exacerbating the effect of the economic situation.

The Cayman Islands has long been noted as a place that was relatively crime-free and residents and visitors felt safe roaming around the islands at any time of day or night. However, it seems to us that unless and until everyone starts actively to participate as a community in addressing the issue of violent crime, we will forever look back and relish the good old days when it was safe to go out in the streets at any time.

People want solutions, and there is no doubt more than one answer. Sometimes, however, in what seems quickly to have become a country of denial in many areas of life, politics and business, the problems of violence and crime in our communities can best be resolved by the acknowledgment that they exist and taking firm, proactive steps to head off any further deterioration of the situation.

Commissioner of Police David Baines said the right things in this respect not too long ago but the country is still anxiously waiting to see whether words are translated into effective action. Night club shootings to our mind are not indicative of such effective action.

As we have remarked before, it seems clear that the availability and use of illegal firearms in the Cayman Islands is increasing at a pace that should be cause for major concern and it is of no comfort that we are not alone in having to face this problem. One obvious question is where are the guns coming from?

With increased security, including baggage x-rays, at airports, it seems improbable that firearms are arriving in significant quantities through this means.

That only leaves smuggling by boat, and the likely source is our closest neighbour, Jamaica from whence there is already a history of drugs smuggling by boat …and it is known that drugs and guns are typically found together – as well as from other close countries including Latin America and even the US.

At this point, it seems that businesses such as night clubs are going to have to be a lot more proactive in beefing up their own security systems and, if it means having to invest in equipment such as metal detectors and other security measures with competent people of integrity to run them, then so be it.

The time for any kind of laid back approach is long gone and the Cayman people have to get serious about the issue of crime and firearms. We absolutely must get tough with the situation and the criminals that are causing it – at this point there is no other way….even if it means going the route of a special ‘gun’ court or enhanced tariffs of jail time for possession and use of a gun.

And while they are at it, the authorities should consider offering rewards for ‘whistle blowers’ who will report on knowledge of persons who are known to be carrying firearms and also peer pressure.

If it takes a zero tolerance approach to breaking the law, no matter how minor, throughout our society, then that’s what needs to happen. Whether it’s a serious crime such as the illegal possession of a firearm or a comparatively minor offence such as utilising illegal used car lots or parking in a handicapped space, the law needs to be enforced to its full extent and the public needs to get involved in its enforcement.

Make no mistake; this is a national emergency and adequate resources must be found from somewhere to confront it. If the law enforcement authorities are lacking support, manpower or equipment, then they must tell us. And if the message doesn’t sink in the first time, they need to tell us over and over again until the public at large realises what needs to be done and the generally silent majority adds its voice to those calling for effective action to eradicate this cancer in our society.