PM Douglas says government cognisant of critical role of security, commends police
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| St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas speaking with rank and file members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force on Wednesday. (photo by Erasmus Williams) |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 24TH 2008 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas told the rank and file of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force that the High Command of the law enforcement agencies have given the assurance that they possess the will and the ability to maintain law and order and demonstrate that they are not overwhelmed by the unscrupulous and criminal elements that seek to unsettle the peace in the local communities.
“You committed to operate within the mandate of the solemn oath that you have all taken upon joining the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. I wish therefore to commend the officers of the Strike Force and the Anti-Gun Unit, the Special Task Force of Nevis, the Special Services Unit, the Criminal Investigations Department and its supporting sub Units (CRO and LIO), the Special Branch Unit, the Traffic Department, Court and Process, the Bicycle Patrol Unit, the K-9 Unit, Foot and Mobile Patrol Units of District A, the Commandant and Instructors of the Training School, the Immigration Department, the Telecommunications Unit, and all who work in the Districts A, B, C.,” said Prime Minister during a meeting with police officers at Force Headquarters.
Prime Minister Douglas, flanked by Minister of National Security, Hon. Dwyer Astaphan; Minister of State for Finance, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty; Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Astona Brown; Outgoing Commissioner of Police, Mr. Robert Jeffers; Commissioner of Police-Designate, Mr. Austin Williams; Outgoing Deputy Police Commissioner, Mr. Meredith Charles and Deputy Police Commissioner-Designate, Mr. Stafford Liburd said “Government continues to pledge its support for the Security Forces being fully cognizant of the critical role of security in the development of our thriving economy.” ~~Adz:Right~~
“As we transform into a service oriented economy, led by the tourism sector, we have to ensure that the thread of security that holds the fabric of our development structure together does not disintegrate. We have committed (as you have heard in the last Budget address) additional financial resources in the region of over 40 million dollars have been allocated to the Ministry. This will assist in enhancing your capacity as security agents to deal with the upsurge of gun related crimes; we have improved the current fleet of vehicles for the Force in the past year to ensure that there is increased visibility of our officers on the streets and throughout our communities,” said Dr. Douglas.
He pointed out that in honoring government’s commitment to the police officers as an arm of the Security Forces, a project of improving the physical condition of the Stations has begun with the new Dieppe Bay and Tabernacle facilities.
“Here at Force Headquarters, the refurbishment will begin this year. You have given your input in the new design and we will be moving forward with the proposed plan in this budget year. The facility at Sandy Point Police in our view is inadequate and a new station will be constructed on the new site identified in that community,” said Dr. Douglas, who further disclosed that this station will allow for the multi-agency operations projected for that jurisdiction.
Under the 10th EDF Programme, other Stations and areas that will benefit in a similar manner have been identified.
He said that the process of accessing development assistance under this programme is governed by procedures to which must be adhered to and encouraged the various line Ministries currently engaged in completing the necessary ground work to secure the release of funding.
Dr. Douglas said that during the course of this year, provisions will be made for police officers to be equipped with new protective gears, and the modern technology that will assist them in the fight against crime.
He said that the infrastructural preparations for the installation of Closed Circuit Television Project have begun and this project will be fully implemented this year in the continuing effort to improve crime detection capabilities.
~~Adz:Left~~ “The upgrading and modernisation of the finger printing facility will be ongoing. You will agree that in a technology driven age the improved communication among the members of the Force and their colleague agencies will be ensured through the networking project submitted for this budget year. This will also upgrade your technological capacity and capability which in turn will positively impact your crime fighting efforts,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He said his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Government is also exploring the possibility of commencing the reconstruction of a New Learning Centre at the Police Training School.
“We believe that a holistic approach to human resource development would yield greater dividends, especially from the perspective of human capital. We will continue therefore to ensure that you benefit from the training opportunities that are available through close collaboration with regional and international agencies,” said Dr. Douglas, who added that the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has been contacted to undertake an analysis of the gang situation and has kindly consented to do so.
“You will hear more of this in the near future. The Council will rely on your expertise and will be guided by the recommendations of the management of this organisation to ensure that the appropriate policy direction is given as we continue to monitor the developments in this regard,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
