Spurred by the current rise in crime in the country, Global Bank of Commerce (GBC) has donated $5000 to Crimestoppers Antigua, the crime hotline that enables members of the public to anonymously report crime information or tips.

Chairman and CEO of Global Bank of Commerce, Brian Stuart-Young said after presentation of the cheque “the management of GBC feels a social responsibility to help in the efforts to make the country a safer jurisdiction, and decided that supporting this program was one way to achieve this.”

“We recognise that an organisation such as Crimestoppers aids in gaining information on and identification of criminals on the island and will help stop crime from prevailing.”

He further stated that the unique feature of offering tips anonymously by telephone will help catch criminals who may not otherwise be caught and serve as a deterrent to prevent other crimes from taking place. 

The Chairman also said that Global Bank believes that Crimestoppers, which was officially launched on Independence Day 2008, will play an important role in helping to curb crimes such as rape and abuse, areas which have seen marked increases in Antigua and regionally.

Head of Crimestoppers and General Manager of the Antigua Hotels & Tourist Association, Neil Forrester took the opportunity to thank all the individuals and organisations that have supported the initiative so far.  He also implored other businesses to come on-board.

Money is needed not only to fund operations of the crime tips phone line but also to continue the school and church programmes Crimestoppers has newly embarked upon.

Speaking to the Antigua Sun after the presentation, Forrester informed that Crimestoppers is working, that people are using the hotline and crime information is being reported.

“Recent information thought through Crimestoppers has lead to the seizure of illegal plants and the retrieval of an illegal weapon,” Forrester said.

To contact Crimestoppers call 800 TIPS (8477) or go to www.crimestoppersantigua.com

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