Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 18, 2014 (SKNIS): The leadership within the government of St. Kitts and Nevis as well as law enforcement was congratulated for the hard work and determination in tackling criminal elements which has resulted in a reducing crime rate over the past three years.
Residents of Sandy Point and surrounding communities delivered this message at the Conversation for Progress town hall meeting held on Wednesday (September 17) at the auditorium of the Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS).
“Prevention [of crime] has been a priority,” stressed Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, during his presentation to the audience. “Enhanced crime scene analysis … and intelligence gathering and treatment have also been high priorities.”
The Prime Minister stressed that much of the gains have been achieved through the establishment of meaningful relationships between residents and the police.
“This area and others have been doing their part to ensure that crime nationwide has gone down, and it has because community policing has been a priority of this administration and the leadership of the police force as well.”
Officers stationed at Sandy Point will also be operating from an improved base in the future as land has been cleared for the construction of a new state-of-the-art police station.
Commissioner of Police Celvin G. Walwyn revealed that the police have a daily presence at the community high school and the new Teens and Police Service Academy (TAPS) will be launched at the CEMSS. TAPS is designed to bridge the gap between law enforcement and troubled teens through collaboration which fosters a better understanding of each other’s reality and encourage open discussion on topics directly affecting them.
The Commissioner offered the services of the force in establishing neighbourhood watches and reminded citizens that the police are there to serve the public and keep the peace. For persons that break the law, Walwyn reminded them that calls to police stations and Crime Stoppers are confidential and callers are not obligated to give their names.
“The police force is here for you. We have officers in your neighbourhoods who are properly trained,” the Commissioner stressed. “We do have a few challenges but those are being worked out and we are going to make sure that your community stays viable.”
He concluded by appealing to young men to use their reasoning.
“It’s okay to be hotheaded and try to react but if you’re going to be hotheaded and react, think about the consequences,” Commissioner Walwyn said. “Ask yourself is it worth it? Is it worth sitting at 1840 (H.M. Prison) for the rest of my life? Is it worth me taking somebody’s life when I could have just walked away? Is it worth me breaking into my neighbour’s house when they worked so hard …? Think about it because this is your community and nobody but you can make a difference in your community.”
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
