BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 25TH 2009 (CUOPM) – Officers and ranks of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force were reminded Thursday that their duties demand a high level of competence and consistency as they continue to play a vital role in the country’s development.
Addressing the soldiers at the annual Christmas luncheon at Camp Springfield, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said the country admires the manner in which they execute their tasks in ensuring the safety of the residents and people in collaborate with their partner agencies.
This year, he noted has been quite an eventful, yet challenging, for all of us.
“As members of the Security Forces you, too, have to contend with your expanded role in ensuring that peace reigns in our fair land. On a daily basis, no doubt, your operations are focused on the execution of a strategic plan that is designed to address the increase in those criminal activities that are creating fear in the minds of our residents and threatening the security of the Federation that you have pledged to protect,” said Dr. Douglas, pointing to their collaboration in the fight against crime through joint patrols, in anti-narcotics and search and rescue operations.
“We see you in the streets working side by side with the members of the Police Force. We see you on the parade square demonstrating your skills. We see you in our communities being the watchful eye when all in our towns and villages are fast asleep. I commend your diligence in taking advantage of local and regional training opportunities, designed to strengthen the regional security mechanism,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who is also Minister of National Security.
He noted when there is bending under the the pressures of the global economic crisis, when the families of those soldiers who are at the forefront of the struggle for world peace, are bereaved by the losses of those who fall victims to unrest in war torn communities, St. kitts and Nevis share their pain, pray for their safe keeping and, most of all, are giving thanks, this Christmas for the season of plenty.
Prime Minister Douglas pointed out that while the soldiers are today not on the physical battlefield leaving behind the comforts of their homes and the warmth of their family and loved ones, they have much to be thankful for.
Dr. Douglas reminded them that notwithstanding the frustrations and deliberate attempts by those who have no respect for the rule of law and who spurn true democracy so as to cause instability and unrest in this our fair land, there is also the myriad attempts by those who would prefer that the Defence Force be disbanded and who propagate seeds of division among every rank of the security forces.
