Last Updated on August 16, 2019, 1:51 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Terming security infrastructure as pivotal for the nation by ensuring the safety of people, St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Timothy Harris said that to maintain law and order in the twin-island, the government will continue to put stress on developing the security infrastructure so that security could be maintained at a high level
According to the officials, since March this year, a considerable gain has been made by the Law enforcement that has resulted in a significant decline in all crimes in the federation. He said the decrease has been specially reported in major crimes such as homicides. “According to the data provided by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force shows that cases related to homicides are down by 71% during the period from March 01 to August 12, 2019, when compared to the same period in 2018,” he said.
Dr Harris said that the significant decline in crimes including homicides is specially attributed to the implementation of a Peace Initiative with rival gangs. He said that the initiative facilitates agricultural endeavours, job opportunities and skills training sessions. “The initiative also offers educational and development opportunities, as well as counselling and conflict resolution sessions. It provides advice on accessing loans, money management, reducing the influence of gang culture and exposure to the basic function of society,” he said.
Dr Harris said that despite all these successes we should not lay down our guard. He said that the St Kitts and Nevis government will continue to beef up our security through the implementation of CCTV programmes, expansion of our forensic services, adequate provisioning for law enforcement, training, etc.
Making an appeal to upgrade their security processes Dr Harris told the private sector “it is better to be safe than sorry.”
“The government will continue to invest in social intervention programmes such as the 700 plus Explorers Club. The club is a community policing initiative that bridges the gap between police and youth aged between four and 17 years. We will also expand the Alternative Pathway Programme that provides additional opportunities for persons to participate in nation-building and reject antisocial elements, and establish a more targeted programme to help victims of violence,” he said.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
