Analizing rising killings, traffic deaths

HANDWRINGING  and publishing statistics  are not enough to end an acceptance of violence according to public safety experts in Panama, attending the first regional conference on the analysis of crime statistics.

Colombian delegate  Sonia Lucia Orozco Cardona said  it is time that Panamanian and foreign authorities,   analyzed why there is  so much violence and intolerance

Aaccording to Cardona, the focus of rulers should be on educating populations to understand that dialogue is the main tool for resolving conflicts; to create road safety campaigns and reduce femicide” You cannot keep killing because of passion; this is not a justification” she said.

In Panama, according to the coordinator of the Women’s Meeting Space, Nelva Reyes , 25 femicides and 355. homicides, were recorded in Panama up to  October 1,  and the figures climb daily. There were four killings in one area of San Miguelito last week where violence is said to be out of control , and a weekend  shoot out in La Cresta killed one and severely injured three.

Cardona said authorities must do more than just  count homicides. They must analyze the situation. Why so many firearms? Where do the weapons come from? Are they legal or illegal? are questions that the authorities must ask.

The same sort of study should be done to put a stop to the abnormally high accident rate

According to data from the Transit Authority 322 people have died so far this year in highway accidents.