(L-R) - COP Austin Williams, Cpt. George Harris and ACP Ian Queeley

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HIGH-RANKING members of the local security forces received a sensitisation brief from the Regional Security System (RSS) at National Emergency Management Agency headquarters yesterday (Nov. 4).

A police communiqué indicated that the upper echelon of the Royal St. Christopher-Nevis Police Force, St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, Customs and Excise Department, Fire and Rescue Services, and Her Majesty’s Prison were present for the update.

The presentation was delivered by George Harris, Commanding Officer of the RSS Air Wing, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Ian Queeley, a local lawman who currently serves as RSS Director of Plans, Intelligence and Law Enforcement.

“Captain Harris highlighted the role of the RSS Air Wing as vital to the regional organisation. He stressed that though the successes and capabilities over the past 10 years is of enormous significance to the region, funding the operation continues to mount a challenge,” noted the release.

It continued: “ACP Queeley spoke about the role and responsibilities of the RSS and the obligations of member states. He emphasised that the RSS is always in a state of perpetual alertness and has achieved a high level of success over its 27 years of establishment.”

At the end of the briefing, local Commissioner of Police Austin Williams expressed his appreciation, and stressed that it would facilitate better cooperation throughout member states.

The RSS is a regional mechanism for the safety and security of the Eastern Caribbean. Established in October 1982, its membership comprises of every sovereign OECS state and Barbados.

Past RSS activities include hurricane aftermath assistance programmes and the suppression of prison uprisings in member countries. Kittitian Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas is the current RSS Chairman, having assumed the prestigious position in early 2009.

RSS representatives are currently in St. Kitts for a seminar on arms, narcotics and human trafficking. The weeklong conference, which is a joint initiative between the regional organisation and the US Embassy, concludes tomorrow (Nov. 6) at the Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino.