St. Kitts – Nevis’ PM During BBC Interview Via Phone
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
Decemeber 15, 2008 (CUOPM)
The Cabinet of the Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis decided Monday to immediately put in place a broad based task force to implement recommendations coming out of last Friday’s National Consultation on Crime.
“The need for strengthening of the capacity of the capability of the police. We shall see a specific programme targeting gun and gang related violence and crime which is really the major problem that is confronting the society at this time,” said Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas in a telephone interview with the BBC Caribbean.
Dr. Douglas said another component of the plan will provide alternative activities and support for youths leaving school without the academic qualifications, but who can become involved in skills training and certification programmes that will prepare them for a life of work, which would be an alternative to engaging in criminal activity.
Friday’s national dialogue on crime involved the Federal Government, the Nevis Island Administration, students of high schools and the college, youths, the clergy, business leaders, political parties, security experts and nationals concerned about the increase in the number of homicides although there is a decrease in several categories of crime.