BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has refuted suggestions made by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC) that the arm of politics has reached into the fight against crime and violence.
Chamber President Michael Morton, in delivering an address at the CIC’s 28th Annual Private Sector Banquet, welcomed the announcement of C. G. Walwyn as the successor for current Commissioner of Police, Austin Williams.
Morton said in order for Walwyn to be effective as a COP, there is a certain degree of support needed and a number of initiatives must be implemented. While he pledged the CIC’s support in the fight, President Morton indicated that, “…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.”
Dr. Douglas, noted however that “there has never been in this country under my watch as Prime Minister any political interference in the work of the Commissioner of Police” and that “the Chamber has no fear whatsoever of political interference.”
The country’s leader, as he has expressed in the past, explained that the fight against crime is one that required that all facets of society put their shoulders to the proverbial plough and move forward.
“We must effectively stamp down and put an end to the senseless violence being perpetrated by a segment of our youth population, with its accompanying impact on our society and the potential harm that it does to economic and social progress of the country. In so doing, we must also, most importantly, put an end to the blame game. When blame is apportioned the natural reaction is to defend, and these kinds of situations get us nowhere at all.
