BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AS the new Minister of National Security, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor is confident he could successfully tackle the upsurge in gang violence and homicidal activity plaguing the Federation.
Condor also claimed that concerns by some parties about him being “too soft” for the job were unwarranted.
“There are concerns by others about whether I should have been given that portfolio. People were saying that they don’t think my personality suits it. But I think my easygoingness and affability is exactly what the ministry needs right now,” he said exclusively to SKNVibes.
“There are two ways to look at it: second-guess the Prime Minister and attribute ulterior motives with his decision, or see it as confidence he has reposed in you. I choose the latter and I intend to do well, as well as I did with my other ministries.”
St. Kitts-Nevis has recorded increases in its annual homicide rate every year since 2007 (16). There were 23 in 2008 and 28 in 2009, with the 2010 total standing at eight just 11 weeks into the year.
The police have consequently intensified their crime-fighting methods, establishing an Anti-Gang Unit and stepping up operations in known gang hotspots. The reduction of gang violence is also a central feature of the Force’s 2009-2011 policing plan.
Condor admitted he had hoped to retain the Education portfolio but explained how Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas had convinced him to serve in the new role.
“When the PM gave me this ministry, it wasn’t something I put my hand up for. He said the country needed me in a new capacity and I couldn’t serve my own selfish desires, and that I had already made my mark in Education so it was time to move on. I thought long and hard about it, and I decided to accept the position.”
The Deputy PM said he was making the rounds in his new ministry and stressed he was still in the “learning and listening” process. He revealed his first priority would be to develop his own personal team of advisors to begin rebuilding the image of the police force.
“They have issues with their equipment, training and facilities. But the police have to be professional. The best way of improving the Force is to make every officer a better officer. I want people to have confidence in them,” Condor noted.
He stressed that he was “extremely happy and comfortable” in his new role, thanks to the “amazing support” of his wife, family and friends.
Condor has served as a government minister since 1995 and has held several portfolios including International Trade, Social and Community Development, Education, and Youth.
In the February reveal of the 2010 Cabinet, Condor was sworn in as Minister of National Security, Foreign Affairs, Immigration, Labour and Social Security.
