BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE presence of a contingent from the Regional Security System (RSS) in the Federation has fuelled debate among political leaders and social commentators in the country.
However, and according to social activist and former Minister of National Security G. A. Dwyer Astaphan, the RSS’ presence “in this circumstance is perfectly legitimate within the law and understandable.”
The situation in which the nation has found itself is one where 24 homicides were recorded over a 264-day period in this year, which speaks to an average of one homicide every 11 days.
Political Leader of the Federation Dr. the Hon. Timothy S. Harris has indicated that his Government is prepared to seek as much assistance as possible to ensure the Federation is the safest place to live and do business.
The move to enlist the assistance of the RSS, however, has been criticized by Opposition Leader and immediate past Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.
Astaphan expressed his view that in light of the current situation, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the RSS’ presence within the Federation.
He informed that during Dr. Douglas’ 19-year stint as Prime Minister, there were times when consideration was being given to seek the RSS’ help.
“During Dr. Douglas’ time as Prime Minister, on more than one occasion the matter was discussed and considered. And what really prevented them from coming was that the police and security forces at the time were of the view that they could handle the situation.
“And what has probably happened in this situation is that the Government would have asked them (the Police High Command), ‘What other resources do you think you need?’ And somebody along the line might have said, ‘Well, maybe we could have a chat with the RSS.’ And they called the RSS and the Heads of Government would have had a say in it. It is not just Timothy Harris saying you all come, and they come. That is not how it works. So they come to help out the police and the other security forces in the country.”
Astaphan said whether the RSS’ presence in St. Kitts and Nevis “will yield fruit is left to be seen”, but noted that he prefers “to see RSS on the ground than dead bodies on the ground”.
He continued: “Those who ask for peace and order should not have a problem with them being here. Everybody in this country, every reasonable, fair, decent, law-abiding citizen of this country is concerned about the crime rate and the homicide rate.
“The RSS is part of our resource pool that we can call on in times like this to assist us, and so the authorities have called upon them and the regional authorities have agreed that they should send a contingent. So let us give the process a change because we are all concerned about the homicide rate in the country.”
