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| A contingent of the Jamaican security forces on island. |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (March 15, 2007): Security efforts proved successful when the debut match for Group A of the Cricket World Cup took place between Australia and Scotland in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The government planned diligently to ensure that CWC patrons are able to enjoy the games in a safe, secure and fun filled environment while meeting the regular policing duties.
To ensure this was achieved, approximately 200 officers from the Jamaican Police and Defence Force are on island to support the local security force.
Minister of National Security Hon. G. A. Dwyer Astaphan welcomed the group to the smallest host venue for the 2007 CWC tournament earlier this week. "We are a sister nation to Jamaica and we are very happy to receive you here to work with us in keeping the peace and order during the world cup," he stated, while encouraging them to build lasting friendships with their local counterparts and the community in general.
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| Minister of National Secuirty Hon. G. A. Dwyer Astaphan welcomes the visiting forces. |
Colonel Anthony Anderson, commander of the visiting security force, told SKNIS that the presence of regional forces in some of the host venues were made possible by the Treaty on Security Assistance among CARICOM member states.
This arrangement is basically an expansion of the Regional Security System agreement within OECS states.
"If any country (encounters difficulties), they can request support from (nations such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana," he said, explaining that the passage of Hurricane Ivan, which impacted several islands, was an example of how the plan works. ~~adz:Right~~
Col. Anderson encouraged the population to be vigilante during the world cup and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. "The populace is really our first line of defense," he noted. "Everyone, the millions of us in the Caribbean are a part of the security plan in the Caribbean, not just the guys in uniform."
The security assistance treaty was developed before and will continue after the Cricket World Cup.
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| The fleet of vehicles donated by the Republic of China (Taiwan) |
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Security was presented with eight new vehicles for use during the premiere cricket event.
Four Suzuki APV Vans and four Nissan Almeras were donated by the Republic of China (Taiwan). A donation of four motor bikes was also made with additional bikes expected.
Minister Astaphan stressed that this will greatly aid the plans to enhance the security infrastructure. He noted that the new Frigate Bay station is operational and funds for the Dieppe Bay and Tabernacle stations have been secured from the Government of the Republic of Mexico.
