BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AFTER years of brooking deplorable working conditions, members of the Federation’s security forces can now look forward to an improved environment, as promised by Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas.
While speaking at his first press conference since his administration began its new term in office, Dr. Douglas affirmed his government’s commitment to the fight against crime and noted that it will work speedily to improve the officers’ working environment.
“We want to make it very clear that we shall move expeditiously to improve the physical infrastructure where the men who serve the country, who protect our citizens, where they live, where they work. We want to make sure that these are improved dramatically.”
Over the past couple of years, members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force have, through various media, expressed their frustration with what some described as atrocious working conditions. And while some improvements have been made, much more work is needed.
Dr. Douglas, former Minister of National Security, said a plan was implemented which saw the refurbishment or reconstruction of police stations on both St. Kitts and Nevis. Notwithstanding the nation’s economic limitations, Dr. Douglas explained, the refurbishment would continue and it would include improved conditions for the Defence Force and Coast Guard officers.
“The Dieppe Bay Police Station is completed. We have improved the police headquarters that is downstairs. The barracks in Basseterre still need to be dramatically improved. The government is now going to take a much more aggressive stance in getting whatever resources are absolutely necessary and get off that particular programme as quickly as possible, as part of our support to the police and security forces generally in fighting crime.
“Not only those who are policemen in terms of the police stations, but those men and women who are soldiers at the barracks and those who are also down at the Coast Guard. They are also living in bad conditions and they will now have to be done almost immediately…despite our financial constraints that we have. A new strategy will have to be employed in this regard.”
