PM Douglas – Minister Of National Security
Photo By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
January 18, 2010 (CUOPM)
Government continues to work overtime to rid the local society of crime and gang violence that threatens the people and could scare away visitors.
“We have stepped up our patrols, we have introduced a gun control unit and an anti-gang unit, we have strengthened our laws that penalize violent crimes, we have introduced close circuit TV as both a deterrent and the means of crime detection, we have established K-9 (or Dog)Units in both Police and Defence Force; we have improved the police facilities through the renovation of the Basseterre Police Station and the upgrading of the Frigate Bay Police Station and have started the construct of a new Police Station at Dieppe Bay,” said Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.
Unveiling his 55-page manifesto ahead of next Monday’s general election, Dr. Douglas, the National Political Leader of the governiong St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party said law enforcement officers have been exposed to advanced training in the use of the latest law enforcement methods and technologies.
“We will continue to procure technical assistance from law enforcement agencies in advanced countries to assist the police in the implementation of a crime fighting plan,” said Dr. Douglas, who expressed confidence that these measures will bear great fruit in the short-term and further indicated that more resources will be committed to the further modernisation of the security forces in the upcoming year and beyond.
He said the government was also dealing with the root cause of crime by strengthening the local school system with a view to dramatically reduce the dropout rate.
“We are providing training in parenting to young parents to help them better discharge their functions as parents. We are strengthening the guidance counselling functions at our schools and we are putting in place the appropriate mechanism for the early identification of youth at risk with a view to intervening pre-emptively to assist these young people overcome their problems and grow into responsible members of society,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He said however, government remains committed to the view that crime fighting is societal endeavour.
“The Police cannot do it alone. The Government cannot do it alone. I urge all members of society to join the fight against crime. I urge our families to take their responsibility for the young people under their care; I urge our schools to be more vigilant in monitoring our children and initiating action in respect of early signs of deviant behaviour or psychological problems; I urge our church to enhance their outreach activities with a view to bringing more of our young to a recognition of their duty to the Almighty God; and I urge all of our citizens to participate in the crusade against crime by assisting our Law Enforcement Officers and providing timely information to them as they seek to arrest this plague,” said Dr. Douglas, who is also Minister of National Security.
He disclosed that it is intended through community policing initiatives and through the work of a strengthened National Crime Commission to provide more opportunities for all members of the society to become fully engaged in the fight against crime.