Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 17, 2010 (SKNIS): Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor emphatically stated at a National Security Press Conference on Tuesday that the safety of citizens remains Government’s number one priority.
 
While outlining a multi-pronged approach to fighting crime, Minister Condor reflected on the importance of the public’s participation as well, giving high commendation for the public’s overwhelming support in assisting with identifying suspects in the most recent event involving a tourist tour charter last weekend.
 
The minister mentioned other facets of the strategy including specific interventions for gangs and troubled youth, job creation for youth, restructuring of the police force and increased social programmes to assist youth in general.
 
Minister Condor mentioned a symposium held at the start of the week which was geared at finalizing a regional approach to crime prevention through a synergy of social and security programmes.
 
The Minister said Government would continue to do all in its power to ensure that perpetrators of violence are caught and remanded; troubled individuals are given opportunities for rehabilitation and to create a paradigm shift among youth in relation to value for human life.