Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 10, 2016 (SKNIS): Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, has pledged that the Government and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) will do all in its power to curb the crime situation in the Federation.
The prime minister made these comments while addressing the nation on the new leadership in the RSCNPF on Tuesday, February 09.
“This Government will leave no stones unturned to overcome this social abhorrence of violent crime,” he said. “We will discuss harsher sentencing for those misguided citizens bent on assaulting public decency by the use of extreme violence to express and assert themselves, intimidate and denigrate others.”
Prime Minister Harris stated that the justice system and the “associated consequences for those individuals will be swift and uncompromising and should act as a deterrent for others with similar intentions.”
“We will consider severe sentencing terms for those found with illegal weapons,” said the prime minister. “We will increase fines and consider alternative sentencing to reflect a level of punishment that befits the crime committed against members of society.”
On Wednesday, February 03 on “Working for You”, it was revealed that the police High Command had issued recommendations to Government to review criminal penalties.
The Minister of National Security explained that the Federation’s “socio economic policies shall provide opportunities to those on the path of deviant and criminal behavior, offering them a fresh start to a productive life.”
Dr. Harris noted that St. Kitts and Nevis is viewed by many as a progressive country and as such, there must be a progressive and effective policing service for all.