CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, Jul. 25.2018 – DESPITE the growing problem of crime and security on the island of Nevis, Premier Mark Brantley is reassuring citizens and residents that they are working to fix the situation.
The assurance comes against the backdrop of a number of robberies in recent weeks on homes and business establishments.
Just recently, bandits committed a daring daylight robbery in Charlestown, when they robbed the Caribbean Lottery Office.
Reports suggests that armed bandits stormed the location in the city and robbed the sales agent of an undisclosed sum of money and personal items, before making their escape.
Prior, a number of other establishments and homes were burglarized across the island.
But while addressing a town hall meeting at the Mount Nevis Hotel in St. James’ last evening (Jul. 24), the Premier told the gathering of businessmen and women, citizens, and residents that the Nevis Island Administration has been investing heavily in safety and security on island.
He pointed to the construction of new police stations in New Castle, Cotton Ground and Gingerland, as signs of the investment. However, the Premier reminded that there are no allocations for national security for the local government, emphasizing the fact that it is the responsibility of the Federal Government on St. Kitts.
“I am here today to try to reassure you and indicate to you that we can address this problem together in a frontal way. And we are not about trying to hide that there is not a problem, we think there is a problem and I think that we need to confront it together.”
While urging the gathering to assist the law men to deal with the problem, Brantley urged them to “do more” for themselves.
“So we are asking residents to be more vigilant and to invest in your own security, Brantley said.
To this end, the government will soon be implementing new initiatives to tackle the problem; chief amongst them is the removal taxes from security items for importation.
“And so, one of the things that the government will shortly announce is that we will be removing all duties, all VAT [and] all Customs Service Charge. In fact, we will be removing all charges that government normally impose,” the Premier added.
A similar position was taken at the federal level, whereby, entities looking to import security equipment to be installed on their premises will not incur taxes.
He said the idea is primarily to have people to invest in “some kind of security system in your home”.
The programme also extends to security firms seeking to purchase equipment for safety on the island.
