St. Kitts – Nevis Police Motorcycle Unit In Training
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
July 03, 2013 (SKNIS)
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force will have a greater public presence shortly as they prepare to roll out a new Motorcycle Patrol Unit.
Eighteen police officers and a traffic warden completed a three-day motorcycle training course on Wednesday (July 3) in which they were exposed to a number of advanced techniques covering safety procedures, manoeuvring through crowded and tight areas, mounting and dismounting the motorcycles, roadway exercises and break and escape.
Constable Ambrose Carey stationed at the Traffic Department at St. Johnston Village said the participants were grateful for the advanced training.
“We were very happy to have Mr. Fortier here and we learnt a lot,” he said. “I just want to thank him again for coming.”
Sergeant Steve Fortier of the Orange County Sherriff’s Office in Florida, USA facilitated the sessions and explained that the participants were very receptive to the training.
“These young gentlemen and the young lady were very eager to learn and that makes the course progress very rapidly,” he revealed. “They started very stiff, very afraid of the scooter and as for what you saw here today it was nothing like Monday.”
Mr. Fortier was referring to a lively demonstration of precision driving skills that was held prior to the start of the closing ceremony. The participants had ample time to practice those skills as more time was spent outside of the classroom rather than in class theory.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Stafford Liburd highlighted that the 16 new motorcycles that were donated by a citizen thorough investment, is a wonderful tool for the police force.
“The Commissioner intends to have these motorcycles be visible on our streets, our roads in the Federation,” he said. “Their visibility is expected to increase safety by road users. Naturally enforcement of our laws must be at the forefront, yet they (the motorcyclists) must be prepared to assist in other areas example escort of dignitaries or officials, or even escorting heavy or unusual cargo that may sometimes arrive on our road.”
Accordingly, Deputy Commissioner Liburd implored the men and women of the Force to stand firm in the principles of the agency.
“Therefore, I appeal to you officers who have received the training to enforce our traffic laws, but do so with professionalism, do so with pride and the understanding that you are playing a significant role in keeping our roads safe for motorists and pedestrians.”
Twelve of the motorcycles will be used in St. Kitts while four will patrol the roadways in Nevis.
Too funny! Wait until some donkey runs out in front of them….look out! For real? Why does Nevis get so few cycles, and FAT Kitts hog the hogs?