UNODC official discusses technical assistance to combat crime and violence

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MARCH 30TH 2009 (CUOPM) – A top official of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has begun discussions in Basseterre on the technical assistance necessary to combat crime and violence.
 
Responding positively to a request by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, UNODC’s Chief of Law Enforcement in the Organised Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Unit, Mr. Pierre Lapaque arrived here Sunday night.
 
Monday morning Mr. Lapaque held discussions with Prime Minister Douglas, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Dr. the Hon. Dennis Merchant and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mrs. Astona Browne.
 
Mr. Lapaque also met Monday with Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Pauline Hendrickson and the High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force led by Commissioner of Police, Mr. Austin Williams.
 
On Tuesday, the UNODC official will meet with the Commander of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, Lt. Colonel Patrick.
 
Mr. Lapaque, who is based in Austria, is to meet with Prime Minister Douglas on Tuesday afternoon to submit his report prior to his departure on Wednesday morning.