BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC) has expressed its satisfaction with the government’s recent naming of an individual to replace sitting Commissioner of Police (COP) Austin Williams.
Following the publicised imminent retirement of Commissioner Williams, the appointment of a Commissioner from abroad was one of the recommendations made by the CIC, which took the form of a resolution made by that entity and other non-governmental organisations following a meeting on crime.
During the week of July 10, 2011, the government announced Celvin Geron ‘CG’ Walwyn as the next Commissioner; notwithstanding that the time he is to assume command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force was not given.
“We are happy to note that one of the resolutions - the speedy appointment of a new police commissioner - has been affected, and the Chamber views this step in the right direction. Mr. C.G. Walwyn’s considerable experience in law enforcement in the United States should increase the capacity of the Police Force to implement Government’s ten point Anti-Crime Initiatives,” Michael Morton, Chairman of the CIC said during the 25th Annual Private Sector Banquet.
He however expressed that if the Commissioner were to perform his duties effectively, the government must move expeditiously in implementing the other aspects of the CIC’s recommendations which include:
“(i) To engage two experienced police officers from outside the country to manage and upgrade the training of the Criminal Investigation Department in crime detection and prosecution and to assist in implementing the proposed RICO legislation;
(ii) To appoint a new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, who is assigned exclusively to this monumental task and has the requisite training, experience and time to devote to this challenge. It is inconceivable that with crime spiraling out of control, this portfolio is being spearheaded by an officer who straddles several ministries, irrespective of how competent that individual may seem to be;
(iii) To invite the RSS to assist the Police in the immediate fight against crime; and
(iv) To mandate the proposed Parliamentary Select Commission to report monthly to the public on the progress of implementation of the initiative.”
President Morton reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to provide support in the fight against crime and violence as well as in the improvement of the “professionalism of our Police Force and the efficiency and effectiveness of our Ministry of National Justice”.
He also pledged the CIC’s “full support to the new commissioner whom we expect, by virtue of having lived and worked outside of the Federation for several years, will bring welcome experience and fresh insights and eyes. He must however be given full latitude to perform without fear or favour, and must be free of all political interference and encumbrances. We trust that the rank and file of the Force will also lend their full support.”
