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| Constable Irvin Bradshaw receives his awards plaque for being the Best Constable in the Nevis Police Division for 2005 from Deputy Governor General Mr Eustace John. |
CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (February 21, 2006) -- Premier of Nevis Hon Vance Amory has reiterated the Nevis Island Administration's (NIA) commitment to support the Nevis Police Division, as the officers stationed there maintained peace and stability on Nevis, critical elements necessary for a harmonious investment climate.
Mr Amory made the comment during the third annual Police Constables Awards Ceremony, Nevis Division at the Old Manor Hotel in Gingerland. The event, which recognised 11 constables for their dedication to duty, was organised by the Strategic Planning Group of the Nevis Division of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. Constable Irvin Bradshaw of the Special Task Force was named "Best Constable" in the Nevis Division for 2005.
I want to say to you police officers, Commissioner, senior ranks, Superintendent in Nevis and other ranks that you will continue to have the support of the Nevis Island Administration as long as I have anything to do with it. Whether it is through help with soliciting equipment, to give you a word of encouragement or to sweeten your labour by organising a reward we [NIA] are prepared to do whatever is necessary.
"I am satisfied that economic development will not strive in a place or environment that is riddled with crime and we are committed to supporting the police, so that the police can in their turn help us to reduce crime and to rid this country of the criminals to ensure we maintain the peace and stability of this country," he said.
According to Mr Amory, the NIA had also pledged its commitment to assisting with physical contributions to the Police. He said that in keeping with an earlier pledge made by the Administration, construction work on the new Gingerland Police station had commenced. The project is expected to cost the Administration $700,000.
The Premier also commended the Strategic Planning Group for organising an award ceremony which rewarded police officers who had worked diligently to fulfil the purpose of the Police Force in Nevis and congratulated the awardees for their hard work.
Meantime, Acting Superintendent Joseph Liburd, Head of the Nevis Police Division, spoke of the successes of the Division in crime detection which he attributed directly to the formation of the Strategic Planning Group three years ago and the partnership it had formed with the community.
"The public seem to be putting confidence in the police and is giving vital information. Such information has had positive influence on our detection rate&I further speak of donations received by the police in the Division," he said, adding that the NIA and the private sector had answered their calls for road worthy vehicles, a problem the Division had struggled with for some time.
Police Commissioner Mr Robert Jeffers in brief remarks said it was fitting that the officers who had served with distinction be recognised. He also confirmed that Nevis had done better in its detection rate over St Kitts. Notwithstanding, he said measures have been implemented including additional training and equipment to improve the detection rate in the Federation.
He urged the officers present at the ceremony to rededicate themselves to the task at hand and to be diligent in their search for offenders. He warned the officers that that although Nevis was very quiet they should continue to be vigilant.
The Commissioner took the opportunity to award Sergeant Andre Mitchell and Constable Lian Mitchel with a $500 cheque each. They had had been voted outstanding officers among the ranks in the Nevis Division under a programme initiated by Hon Dwyer Astaphans in December 2005 which was designed to motivate police officers in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Keynote speaker Attorney Mr Mark Brantley called on the community to support the police in their fight against crime.
"We as a community need to reengage ourselves and recognise that the security of Nevis is everybody's business. I wish to call on the private sector to do more, "he said adding that the recent contribution of vehicles to Division by the private sector was indicative of a reservoir of good will for the police.
"I therefore say to the members of the Force assembled here today, that it is critical that they conduct themselves in a manner which is above reproach. When the public loses confidence in the Police then all is lost. That confidence must be nurtured and developed with constant contact between members of the Force and the community. I want to see our policemen in the hi-ways and byways of Nevis meeting and greeting in a positive way the people of Nevis. That spirit of cooperation has to be rekindled as without it, you will fail at your task of securing us and we would have failed as community and as a society," he said.
Other officers awarded were WPC Ornette Hendrickson Immigration Department; Constable Ted Brandy - Traffic Department ; Constable Michael - Hobson -Beat and Patrol; Constable Osborne Hweitt - Charlestown Police Station; Constable Leslie Williams - Gingerland Police Station; Constable James Jeffers - Criminal Investigation Department; Constable Shayne James - Cotton Ground Police Station; Constable Valentine Hodge - Charlestown Police Station; Constable Valon Hodge - Newcastle Police Station and Constable Leon Michael - Charlestown Police Station.
Other guests at the ceremony included Governor General Sir Cuthbert Sebastien, Deputy Governor General Mr Eustace John and Mrs John, President of the Nevis Island Assembly Mrs Marjorie Morton and Resident Judge Justice Octave.
