BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN response to the recent spate of killings in the Federation that have initiated nation-wide outcry, the government has instituted a three-point plan to deal with gun-related and other criminal activities.
At a press conference held last evening (Mar. 4), Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Hon. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas said that, according to intelligence, the recent killings were gang-related and are a cause for “great concern”.
To this end, he informed that with immediate effect, three measures, inclusive of the issuance of monetary awards to persons bearing information relative to the recent homicides, would be implemented.
(1) “A reward of $10 000 will be posted for information leading to the arrest and trial of person or persons involved in these recent homicides.
(2) A monetary reward will be posted for information leading to the recovery of any firearm and highest priority, of course, in terms of the amount of the reward will be given for firearms used in committal of any crime. In this regard, we ask the public to call in information to the following numbers: 911 and the second number is that of the National Joint Headquarters, that is 466-9279 ext 246. The information, of course, will be treated with the highest of confidentiality.
(3) The third action is that there will be full mobilisation of the police and Defence Force throughout St. Kitts and Nevis. In this regard, all vacation is suspended for both agencies of the security forces. All senior personnel on vacation are immediately recalled. Also all members of the NCO ranks of the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force will be sworn in tonight by the acting Commissioner of Police with local constabulary powers thus providing assistance to the police.”
Dr. Douglas explained that these measures are in addition to those he instituted after he took on the portfolio of the Minister of National Security some months ago.
“Upon assuming the National Security portfolio a few months ago, I immediately instructed that the security forces be fully mobilised forthwith to implement those aspects of their strategic plan that are specifically geared at gang-related crimes. This was indeed done. In addition, we moved without hesitation to consult the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and we arranged for a Gang Crime Specialist to serve as an advisor to the Ministry of National Security. Not to mention as well the important National Consultation that we held on crime and from which gang-related criminal activity was the main concern.
“The Security Forces of St. Kitts and Nevis continue to cooperate with their regional counterparts, who are our key partners being the Regional Security System (RSS), in order to maximise the effectiveness of the anti-gang unit. And the region’s forces remain resolute in their own determination and in ours, of course, to respond with force and vision to this gang phenomenon.”
The Prime Minister extended his “sincere condolences” to the families of Jusan Hendricks, Collin ‘Izum’ Matthew, Akimba Whyte and the most recent murder victims.
In his pledge to the nation, Prime Minister Douglas said, “My government will continue to apply all resources at its disposal to counter deviance, criminality and violence wherever and whenever they may emerge in the Federation.”
