PM Douglas Carves At Defense Force Luncheon
Photo By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
December 30 2008 (CUOPM)
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of National Security is calling on the Federation’s Security Forces to get tougher on crime.
Speaking at the Annual Luncheon of the St. Kitts -Nevis Defence Force, Dr. Douglas declared that those who challenge the integrity of the twin-island Federation “must be confronted as if we are in a state of war. Those who continue to terrorise our citizens, residents and visitors must be held accountable for their reprehensible acts.”
Dr. Douglas, who recently assumed responsibility for the portfolio of National Security, said that the present increase in homicides caused by an apparent proliferation of guns and gangs in certain areas in this country is a major concern.
“This unfortunate development is seemingly creating a sense of fear and apprehension in the minds of our people. I therefore challenge you to confront this spiraling increase in violence and gun related crimes as an attack on your own capability to effectively sustain peace in our various communities,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who later carved the baked turkey and served the soldiers during the sumptuous luncheon.
He called on the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force to draw on their maritime and land-based training to successfully implement their plans and action.
“You have all been trained to curb the senseless lack of respect for human life and to quell the open warfare that is being waged among rivaling gangs,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
