BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – COMMISSIONER of Police, Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn, guest speaker at the recently-held St. Kitts Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s Luncheon, used the occasion to promote a more resilient bond between his organisation and the private sector while soliciting the latter’s assistance in financing a number of his upcoming crime-arresting initiatives.
The event was held at the Ocean Terrace Inn yesterday (Sept. 13), where individuals present were given a peek into some of the Walwyn’s ideas and plans which he hopes to see to fruition.
He explained, however, that the success of those plans would depend, in large measure, on the private sector and its willingness to pledge its financial support. The top COP made clear, that he has been authorised to make purchases of items which the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is in need of. However, all the elements needed to execute his comprehensive crime-fighting plan, are not budgeted for.
Commissioner Walwyn spoke of a Crime Stoppers Programme which would include the creation and publication of public service announcements (PSAs). He said the personnel needed to run this programme is readily available but money is needed for the procurement of equipment.
“I have the people in place who do this but I am going to need some money for some equipment. It’s not in my budget so I am going to have to ask you (the private sector) to provide that. Again, like I said, if you want things done and you want to be a part of it, you are going to have to help out. You can’t sit up here crying that nothing is being done and then when I come to you, you turn your back. It doesn’t work that way…
“If I ask you for something it’s because I need it and if you come back to me a year later, I will be able to show you how your equipment is being used. I am going to hold myself accountable to that.”
The need for a “tracking dog”, is another area which the Commissioner outlined. He said the cost of the canine is between $10,000 and $14,000 and that the canine would have special robber-nabbing skills.
“We have a lot of people robbing people in this island and they are running away on foot and nobody is going to jail. So, I need a dog! I know they have a dog somewhere but I need a tracking dog that will bite people that try to rob people or break into people’s houses. I want a dog that, when we show up and we set a perimeter, the dog goes on track and it catches them, I want that dog to take a chunk out of their flesh.
“…I don’t know how we are going to get it but we have a lot of businesses in here. Maybe you can pull together but we need to get a dog. The only way to stop these guys is to get a dog that will bite their butts. I need a dog!”
The Chief said he has already received the green light from the Virgin Islands Police Department, which would assist in training the existing four-legged members of the police force’s canine unit to sniff out and detect guns, drugs and explosives.
While this service would be rendered “free of cost”, the cost associated with transporting the trainer to the island and room and board, would have be dealt with.
Additionally, training would be provided officers in the art of interviewing or interrogation and also in as well as tactical training.
The COP reiterated that the police can do so much and no more without the support and involvement of the private sector and implored its members to invest the resources necessary to ensure that their communities are safe, secure and conducive to a productive and progressive nation.
