BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PERMANENT SECRETARY in the Ministry of National Security, Osmond Petty has charged a new batch of Island Constables to provide a safe and secure environment for tourists to and citizens of the Federation.
At a simple but very significant closing ceremony held on Friday (Feb. 15) at the Police Training Complex in Basseterre, Petty delivered the charge to 24 individuals who had successfully completed the three-week Island Constables Training Programme.
Historically, this is the first batch of Island Constables appointed to function specifically in tourism prescribed areas.
He told them that the important measure is not what they learnt on the course, but it is their attitude and interaction with tourists that are critical to the continued success of the island’s product.
“You have been especially trained to patrol and provide additional security at tourists prescribed areas around St. Kitts. The need for such a unit as yours has become necessary because of the great increase in the number of tourist arriving in the country.
“You need to ensure the security of visitors to our shores as well as the continued wellbeing of citizens of this Federation. Henceforth, your special unit will become an integral part of the security system in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
PS Petty explained to the new Island Constables that they are required to patrol the popular spots being frequented by visitors to St. Kitts.
Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Lindsay Grant thanked the Island Constables for participating in the programme, emphasizing that they are making their contribution in the tourism industry.
The Minister, while stating the importance of the tourism industry to St. St. Kitts and Nevis, reminded that it plays a vital role in the continued economic sustainability of the Federation.
“I know that you would have been introduced to the relevant laws to be enforced, and you would have also received training in the softer skills such as customer service excellence; skills which are very, very important and which are to the very heart of who we are and what we do in the tourism industry.
“And this tourism industry ought not to be taken lightly. It accounts for over 25 percent of the country’s GDP, and is ranked the number one industry in St. Kitts and Nevis for the creation of jobs and poverty alleviation.”
Grant reiterated that tourists should have the safest and most enjoyable experience while they are on the island.
On Monday (Feb. 18), The 24 individuals had sworn-in, took the Administration of Oaths and received their Instruments of Appointment as Island Constables at a ceremony held at Government House on Monday (Feb. 18).
Another batch of potential Island Constables will be selected for training as the Ministry of Tourism seeks to bolster the capacity for tourists’ safety.
