BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Government is working to further enhance safety and security in the Federation for the new year with a number of new strategies that include the completion of infrastructural projects to boost crime detection.
Among the projects set for completion in 2021 is the Sandy Point Police Station at the High Point Commercial Development.
“We have significant capital projects that have been supported in the 2021 Budget, including the completion of the state-of-the-art Police Station, which will serve the town of Sandy Point and surrounding communities,” Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris disclosed.
Work on that facility started in 2019 when the Government broke ground in the Brown Hill area and work is said to be moving apace following the hindrances of the COVID-19 measures taken earlier this year.
The project forms part of the Government’s push to modernise police facilities around the island, which they claimed were met in a dilapidated state after taking office in 2015.
When completed in 2021, the new facility will be a multipurpose one that is located at the High Point Commercial Development and is expected to house the Police Station, the Sandy Point Fire Service, the Magistrate’s Court and the Customs and Excise agency for that area.
The Finance Minister believes that by taking this measure to accommodate the above mentioned agencies within the same facility, it is expected to benefit the entire taxpayers through cost savings.
Prime Minister Harris, during his Budget presentation, reminded that the Ministry of National Security is still focused on its mission of implementing strategies and providing resources to improve the national security architecture and human capital in order for the Federation to remain a safe place for citizens, residents and tourists.
“Mr. Speaker, substantial resources were provided for the construction of the Newcastle Police Station, which was commissioned on the 3rd, December this year. This facility also provides accommodation for St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services as we continue our efforts to create multipurpose outposts,” Dr. Harris said.
Additionally, the Government has provided the Newcastle facility with fire trucks to the tune of $1.3 million.
Currently, St. Kitts and Nevis has seen a decline in the overall number of crimes occurring, but there are several individual categories of criminal activities that have seen increases.
However, of significant decline is the number of homicides recorded for the year thus far - which stands at nine.
