Financial boost for Crime Fighting

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris

Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris made the announcement yesterday during his delivery of the 2009 Budget Address.

According to information presented by Dr. Harris, $48,728,525 has been apportioned to the Ministry of National Security and Immigration to be used in 2009. He said this figure represents an increase of $9,371,520 over the allocated figure in 2008. The Ministry of National Security and Immigration falls under the purview of Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas.

Noting it is one of the “largest dollar increases given to any ministry”, the Finance Minister said, “This is in full recognition of the critical role it has to play in arresting the rise in criminal activity that is currently plaguing our Federation and many of our Caribbean neighbours.”

Dr. Harris explained that law and order has been and would continue to be a priority to the government. To this end, the government has resolved to “implement a comprehensive set of policies to address the situation, both from a human resource and an infrastructural development perspective”.

He said the importance of a law-adhering society “encourages local and foreign investment and achieves a high level of competitiveness. The provision of an environment which is favourable to increased economic activity will be essential in our nation’s quest to make progress in meeting the Millennium Development Goals, particularly as it relates to the alleviation of poverty”. ~~Adz:Right~~

If the crime situation in the Federation is to be adequately and successfully tackled, Harris said “a holistic approach which will seek to modernise the security system.”

This process has begun, Harris explained, evident by past, ongoing and future projects and programmes including the provision of vehicles by the Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC), the facilitation of training by the Organisation of American States (OAS), training sponsored by the Caribbean-Canadian Cooperation Fund (CCCF) and the reconstruction or repair of police facilities.

“An examination of the Estimates that was tabled earlier today will reveal that resources have been committed to a range of projects to significantly improve the effectiveness of the Security Forces. These include the construction of police stations, computerisation of police stations, purchase of vehicles for the Fire and Rescue Services, refurbishing of the Fire Services Building, construction and refurbishment of Camp Springfield Barracks and the procurement of engines for the Stalwart. During 2009 crime detection will also be enhanced with the completion of the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance and Traffic Management Systems,” he said.

The Finance Minister said among measures to stem the crime satiation that exists in the Federation, the government has solicited the advice of the FBI and has “begun to amend our laws to reflect the present vicious crime environment in our society...”

“In addition, the Anti-gun and Strike Force Units will be stepping up their activities to rid our streets of firearms and to dismantle gangs. We expect a substantial reduction in the crime rate as we proceed with the implementation of the Security Plan.”

Dr. Harris said an appeal was made for “greater sharing of information and cooperation between all members of society and the Police”, noting it “will redound to our mutual benefits. We appeal on behalf of our country for our police to do more, succeed more and become more efficacious in the results indicating their upholding of the mandate to serve and protect us”.