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Carlisle Powell – Public Works Minister

Charlestown, Nevis
January 10, 2012

The time has come for parents to be held accountable for paying damages caused by their children to school buildings and furniture. That was the view expressed by Minister responsible for Communications, Public Works, Public Utilities, Posts, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and the Environment on Nevis Hon. Carlisle Powell, when he delivered a report on his Ministries at the most recent sitting of the Nevis Island Assembly in December.

According to Mr. Powell, the Public Works Department (PWD) continued to be stretched by the demands of unscheduled maintenance of some Government Schools.

“There are times when as soon as we complete repairs on some government schools, some misguided children promptly destroy or disfigure the same or another part of the building or furniture.

“The time has come when we ought to consider holding parents responsible for paying for the damages cause by their children. That is what happens in other islands, we in Nevis must shift this burden on the shoulders of the offenders instead of the government. Certainly we can no longer turn a blind eye to vandalism nor can we ignore the destruction of government property,” he stressed.

The Minister publicly praised the PWD team for their achievements and noted that many of their projects had helped to reduce the huge cost of rental space for government offices.

Mr. Powell also served notice that the NIA would re-examine all its rental arrangements to ensure that it was getting the best space available at the best prices and those considered no longer cost effective would be discontinued.

Notwithstanding, he listed a number of other projects the PWD were involved in that were either completed or were in the process of designing.

“The second floor of the PWD office at Prospect; the second floor of the Labour department office in Charlestown; a proposed second floor for the Treasury; plans for the rehabilitation and expansion of the old Bath House; preliminary design and evaluation for an expansion to the St. Thomas’ Pre School; a second floor to a section of the Gingerland Secondary School; renovations to the existing NEVLEC office in Charlestown and the addition of another floor and we [PWD] will design the new Health Centre for Cotton Ground,” he said.

Mr. Powell also spoke to works the PWD had undertaken with regard to the restoration of the historic Bath Hotel to its former glory.

“This marvellous piece of architecture and magnificent historical site is where the office of the Premier is located. From a building falling apart it’s now a building that stands apart,” he said.

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St. Kitts – Nevis Scores A Record High Murder Rate of 34 For 2011

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
January 09, 2012 (CUOPM)

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has reiterated its full commitment to the people of the twin-island Federation to ensure that safety and security remains an area of priority, especially considering its paramount importance to all aspects of development in the twin-island nation.

“As the principal law enforcement agency in the Federation, you have been tasked with ensuring that our nation and our people are able of going about their business in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. You have been charged to execute your responsibility in a professional and productive manner at all times,” said Dr. Douglas in an address honouring retiring Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Richardson.

Prime Minister Douglas used the opportunity to commend the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force for their crime fighting efforts and the successes witnessed to date.

“However you have to sustain the operations that have proven to be successful to date and which will continue to have a positive impact on crime reduction in St. Kitts and Nevis. You must use your knowledge and your expertise to demonstrate, to all, that you are not overwhelmed by the criminal elements that dared to infiltrate our various communities,” said Dr. Douglas, under whose portfolio the Police and Defence Force falls.

Dr. Douglas praised the police force for their accomplishments to date, pointing out that under the leadership of new Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. G. Walwyn “you have already begun to make a significant difference in restoring calm to our communities as you embark on your proactive approach to crime fighting.”

“Our citizens are pleased and have already begun to express and demonstrate their willingness to work with you in sharing critical information that is improving your crime detection rates and investigation capabilities,” said the Prime Minister, who also urged the lawmen to “embrace the partnership of the coalition of civil society members for safety and security who are pleased to join with Government in investing their resources in initiatives that will result in improved mechanisms because there is strength and success in unity.”

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PM Douglas at Cayon High School
Photo By Erasmus Williams

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
January 06, 2012 (CUOPM)

St. Kitts and Nevis intends to grapple with the underlying social causes of crime during the New Year with the opening of a new co-ed rehabilitation centre and development of a National Child Protocol.

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Denzil L. Douglas said his administration will continue to upgrade the technical and physical resources of the Security Forces through Funds from the European Union.

“This EU-funded initiative will focus on policy formulation, institutional strengthening, the provision of modern equipment, police training curriculum development, and the construction of a new police training facility as well as a prisoner rehabilitation centre,” said Dr. Douglas.

He said government intends to vigorously implement various law enforcement initiatives to combat crime and continue to address the underlying social causes of crime.

Prime Minister Douglas said the New Horizon Co-ed Rehabilitation Centre will be open this year after implementing an intensive training programme to prepare the relevant staff to carry out their functions at the Centre.

“We are moving forward with the development of a National Child Protocol with a view to securing its early implementation. We intend to eradicate child abuse and the associated pain and trauma, which often result in psychological problems leading to criminal and anti-social behavior,” said Dr. Douglas.

He disclosed that the federation will be implementing research projects to probe the effect of various teaching and learning variables on the performance and behavior of primary and secondary school children.

The studies will focus on a number of issues including the effect of single sex classrooms, school climate, students’ risk behavior assessment, and school needs assessment.

The Education Department is also strengthening the structure for the delivery of the Caribbean Vocational and Educational Qualification with a view to ensure that all of our students, the technically inclined as well the academically inclined, would be provided a balanced education that gives them the opportunity to explore and prepare themselves for careers in areas of studies that are consistent with their interests and aptitudes.

“We believe that while Law Enforcement will always play a critical role in the prevention and detection of crimes, the work of our Security Forces would be made much easier over the long-term if we address the social factors that give rise to the propensity to engage in criminal activity. Hence, we are tackling crime on both fronts. Our aim is the creation of a progressive and prosperous country in which our people can go about their business peacefully, harmoniously and free of fear,” Prime Minister Douglas said.

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