Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 15, 2010 (SKNIS): Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas has challenged the Security Forces in St. Kitts and Nevis to redouble their efforts and be consistent in implementing the Strategic Crime Reduction Plan, as he announced additional resources to fight crime.
In his Budget Address to the National Assembly on Tuesday (December 14), the Prime Minister indicated that “law and order remains a top priority for his Government” and outlined a 7.2 percent increase in the allocation for the Ministry of National Security, Immigration and Labour – the largest increase given to any one Ministry for 2011.
“The Ministry has an extremely serious role to play in helping to secure the economic gains we have made in transforming our economy into a service economy led by tourism. The present situation with respect to crime has the potential to erode the high standard of living we have grown accustomed to,” Prime Minister Douglas stressed, adding that a multifaceted approach involving domestic, regional and international stakeholders is being taken.
One strategy to combat antisocial elements includes greater application of technology to crime detection. The introduction of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in strategic areas in Basseterre and Charlestown will help authorities to get a clearer picture of any incidents that may take place. Additionally, improved information technology applications in law enforcement have seen police officers trained in cyber forensic techniques and the processing of crime scenes.
Another strategy involves formalizing partnership structures between local Security Forces. Prime Minister Douglas noted that increased interoperability will be developed between security agencies with the implementation of the Closed User Group initiative, which is designed for improved intersectoral collaboration.
Cooperation with regional institutions such as the Organization of American States (OAS) was mentioned. The collaboration boosted data collection capabilities which facilitate the analysis of crime trends to inform strategies to arrest criminal elements.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Leader also outlined that assistance under the United States-Caribbean Security Basin Initiative (CSBI) will allow for integrated approaches in youth crime prevention and rehabilitation, as well as strengthen border protection efforts. Meanwhile, support from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) targets improvements in policy formulation, training and development of the Security Forces.
“We constantly remind the members of the Security Forces that their mandate and motto, as defenders of law and order … demand that they take a firm stand against lawlessness and lend support to each other in confronting the enemies of peace and justice,” Prime Minister Douglas stated. “Together, they must unite for the common good. They must fortify themselves for the challenges ahead as they persist in ensuring the rule of law in this our fair land.”
“I use this occasion to commend the Security Forces and those responsible citizens who continue to collaborate in ensuring that the perpetrators of crime are brought to justice and to give support to crime detection and prevention initiatives,” he remarked.
