BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PRIME MINISTER and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris declared that his Government is in support of any initiative that would yield success in the fight against crime.
Dr. Harris made this declaration earlier today (May 11) at the Opening Ceremony of the 30th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
“My administration is ready to support any initiative that brings together all sectors of the National Security system and our communities in the fight against crime. If this can be achieved through implementation of Community Policing, my Government is prepared to bring all the available resources that it can reasonably be expected to provide to ensure that our Police Force have what is required for the successful implementation of community policing as part of its strategic actions in the fight against crime.”
The Conference, themed ‘Community Policing: Delivering Quality Policing Service’, is being held over a five-day period at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort with a large contingent of Senior Police Officers from the Caribbean Region and a high-powered delegation, including security experts from the FBI, the NCIS, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the UK.
Prime Minister Harris told the large gathering that his Government is also in support of international law enforcement agencies collaborating with their regional counterparts in the fight against crime.
“My administration is also always willing and ready to support international collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies to assist in shaping the policy, legislative and structural, technical and operational frameworks for the police to do their job.”
He however added that though those factors would have been implemented, the results must reflect safety for the citizens and residents.
“But at the end of the day, results are measured by the extent to which our people feel safe at home, at work, on the streets, in the parks, on the beaches, on strips, at our hospitals and elsewhere. These expectations flow naturally from your mandate to protect and to serve.”
Dr. Harris told the Commissioners and security experts that he knew they have a lot to discuss and expressed confidence that the Conference would be fruitful.
“You have a lot to discuss and a tremendous amount of resources and expertise here under one roof. This Conference can provide bold and innovative strategic approaches to the new and emerging security and policing challenges facing our societies. I have every confidence that you will do just that in the coming days.”
Earlier in his address, the Prime Minister said that he considered the Conference timely, because it comes during the transition phase of the Team Unity Administration as it embarks on a new course to make the people of the Federation safer and more prosperous.
He however pointed out that currently there are many unresolved issues in the twin-island Federation.
“There are many political, economic, social and legal issues that command our attention at this time. But implementing structural and operational changes so that the police can better serve our communities is among our critical priorities.”
The country’s political leader intoned that such reform is necessary in response to changes in the society and the problems that might emerge as a consequence.
“That response,” he emphasised, “requires new approaches to building stronger collaborative linkages and partnerships with civil society and of necessity must take on board issues raised with regard to performance, conduct, professionalism and accountability of the members of the Police Force. The police, like any public service-oriented organisation, has its share of challenges and achievements. But, it is always easier to forget achievements when there are prevailing matters that affect the public good.”
Dr. Harris noted that one such prevailing matter is violent crime, specifically homicides.
As a critical branch of the national security apparatus, the Prime Minister said the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force must design and deploy plans, strategies and tactics to meet the new challenges in “this fast changing social environment”.
He therefore said in his charged to the High Command that “you must confront them with the determination and resolve that will allow you to deliver the services that citizens and residents expect and deserve”.
Among those in attendance were: Governor-General His Excellency Sir Edmund Lawrence; former Governors-General Sir Cuthbert Sebastian and Sir Kennedy Simmonds; Nevis' Premier Hon. Vance Amory; former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas; Attorney-General Hon. Vincent Byron; a number of Retired Commissioners of Police including Robert Jeffers and Calvin Fahie; and members of the Diplomatic Corps, including Taiwan’s Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis His Excellency George Gow Wei Chiou.
