BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PRIME MINISTER Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris believes that in order for community policing to be successful and have the desired effect of providing safer communities, there must be collaboration among families, police officers, individuals and businesses.
The Prime Minister had expressed those comments while addressing a gathering at the Long Service Awards Ceremony for Police Officers at Government House on Sunday (Nov. 26).
Dr. Harris, who is also the Minister of National Security, stated that there is a need to return neighbourhood watches in communities that would work constructively with the security forces.
Additionally, he stated that efforts must be made to establish and strengthen “trusting, respectful and inclusive partnerships between the police and community groups”.
St. Kitts and Nevis, like many other Caribbean islands, is dealing with a growing crime problem, which law enforcement officials are finding some degree of difficulty in grapple with it.
For 2017, the Federation has recorded 22 homicides, a large number of other crimes, including larceny and break-ins.
The Prime Minster has over the last several years been calling for more involvement from communities to assist in stemming the flow of crime, and he explained on Sunday that together the police and community could work together to find solutions “to address those things that are leading to insecurity and criminal activities”.
“And, of course, to deal with conflicts before they escalate into violence,” he added. “We as a people need to positively and aggressively engage the young people. Since becoming the Prime Minister of this beloved land of St. Kitts and Nevis, and have added responsibility of National Security, have become more keenly aware that safer communities and the reduction of crime should not be left to the police and security forces alone.”
He noted that in order to build safer communities, it relies on the support each and every person.
“For this year so far, the police has responded and contained, and in some cases curtailed the upsurge of homicides and related violent incidents in our country… And it is for this I want to thank them.”
The National Security boss noted that they have been able to capitalize on the assistance of valued partners, including the Embassy of the Republic of Taiwan.
Additionally, he pointed out that the police had to rely on the increased budgetary support from the Federal treasury.
“And we have over the last two plus years invested much in needed assets in the security forces – forensics, vehicle, CCTV, international training and organizational development, there and many area we have invested.”
He emphasized that this is the first time in post-independence that so much has been invested in the police.
In this year’s budget, the Government invested over $71M.
