BASSETERRE St. Kitts, May 4th 2011 (SKNIS) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Honourable Sam Condor is seeking the assistance of the private sector, civil society and stakeholder groups in playing a more active role in formulating strategies to combat crime.
The appeal was made during a sitting of the Federal Parliament on Tuesday (May 03) as the details of a 10-point anticrime initiative were being outlined.
“Government does not have a monopoly on ideas,” Minister Condor declared, while inviting public recommendations. “Crime affects everyone and we hope this 10-point strategy will become a 25-point strategy or more. We will do whatever it takes.”
The strategy, as it currently stands, first addresses legislative enhancements. The introduction of a modified version of a Racketeering, Influence and Criminal Organization (RICO) Act (common in the United States and some Caribbean territories) will be introduced to enhance the arresting powers of security officials in relation to persons who plot and/or execute criminal activities, as well as those that support, manipulate or benefit from antisocial activities.
New vehicles, weapons and protective gear will also be acquired. Upgraded equipment such as high standard bulletproof vests and MP5 weapons, routinely used by military and law enforcement around the world, is also being considered. Minister Condor explained that partnerships with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and other corporate entities are vital in this area.
Training for local authorities on intelligence gathering and anti gang measures will be sought from the Government of Israel. Other measures include, greater surveillance of territorial waters and borders as well as the full commissioning of the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system to detect and deter illegal activities in urban areas.
Additionally, intensified raids by security forces, liberalized licensing to allow private citizens to acquire self defense tools such as mace or pepper spray in some instances, and offering incentives to promote security alarm systems are all being explored.
Human Resource capacity in the Ministry of National Security is expected to be reorganized to facilitate greater efficiency and a multi-party Parliamentary Select Committee on Crime and Violence will be established.
Minister Condor noted that a series of public discussions will be convened to allow feedback on the outlined proposals, and encouraged persons with ideas or resources to contribute to ensure the rule of law and order is maintained in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
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