COP Walwyn ready for action
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CRIMINALS across the Federation have been set on their guard following comments made by the recently-appointed Commissioner of Police, Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn, that the organisation which he now heads is ready for business.
The stern, but timely, warning was delivered during the Passing of the Baton Ceremony held on August 1, at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium.
Prior to accepting the Baton of power and authority from outgoing Commissioner of Police Austin Williams, COP Walwyn told the hundreds gathered that under his watch an aggressive approach would be taken to eradicate the crime scourge and gang-related activities that have plagued the Federation over the past years.
“To the members of the gangs of this Federation, you have caused many mothers to cry, and the sad thing is you may cause many more to cry. However, as I have stated, business as usual in this Federation is over! I do not have a problem with you individually…I have a problem with your actions as a group.
“To you as an individual, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is dedicated to helping you exit the gangs. We are establishing (programmes) to help you leave. Those of you who are sincere, we are willing to help you. Those of you who are bent on continuing your crime spree, we will fight you at every curb and we will partner with the Defence Force in our effort to eradicate you our communities. The residents and citizens of this country will be able to live without fear…”
In issuing an ultimatum to gang members, Commissioner Walwyn warned, “Listen to me…walk away from the culture of drugs, gangs or face the consequence. The government has the programmes and has invested the resources to help make a difference in your life.”
Clearly of the view that parents have an all-important role to play in arresting the crime problem, Walwyn urged them to seriously speak with their offspring about choosing positive life paths and warned that the full force of the law would be their portion should they deviate from those paths.
“Parents, I am speaking to your now, and I am a parent myself. I love my children and I know you love your children. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, from this day, is no longer going to play with your children. We will enforce the law as strong as we can against them if they continue in their criminal enterprise. I am going to support my officers 100 percent if they are right. But if my officers are wrong, they will be investigated and wherever their punishment falls within the policy, that’s what’s going to be administered.
“Parents, we are determined to take back the streets of the Federation and do whatever is necessary to remove your violent children from these streets. Please, please, as a parent, I am begging you, I am asking you, speak with your children and take what we’re offering because as of today, all gloves are off.”
