Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 15, 2015 (RSCNPF): Prime Minister and Minister of National Security the Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris challenged Police Officers assigned to the Nevis Division to “do the best you can today” as they serve the people of Nevis and the Federation during a meeting on Wednesday (October 14) at the Charlestown Police Station.
“I know at this time in particular it is a most challenging time for persons in Law Enforcement and the Armed Forces of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Prime Minister Harris said, as he thanked the officers for their service in the defence of St. Kitts and Nevis. He added, “we look to you as you serve and protect the people, all the people of St. Kitts and Nevis….to accept your responsibility and perform your duties.”
Prime Minister Harris shared an adage with the officers and challenged them to live up to it. He said, “we must learn to do the best that we can today, and not tomorrow. Do the best we can today.” Prime Minister Harris charged the officers to do the best they can today, “do the best you can with what you have, in terms of vehicles, in terms of equipment, and personnel, do the best we can today. Devote yourself to doing the best you can today, and if you commit yourself, you will deliver the best possible service.” Prime Minister Harris stressed to the group, “you, doing your best, will help to create the wholesome society we strive for in St. Kitts and Nevis. Be professionals, your community expects it.”
Referring to a commitment delivered in his press conference the previous day, regarding additional funds that have been earmarked for crime fighting efforts, Prime Minister Harris said, “your government will go all the way to ensure that the criminal justice system works, and we will go all the way to provide the resources that are required for you to do your jobs.”
Against that backdrop, the Prime Minister communicated the government’s expectations for performance from the Police Force. “Certainly your higher level officers must ensure that they accept no excuses for non-performance. I will not accept any excuses from the Commissioner for non performance, and he should not accept any excuses from the ACP’s and from the inspectors….seargeants, …. and if this attitude trickles down the ranks, we get discipline, and we will get a force devoted to doing the best we can today, with what we have today.”
A few officers in the group who recently completed training courses in St. Kitts were singled out by the Prime Minister and congratulated in front of their peers.
Training, living accomodation, general operations and procedures, infrastructure upgrades and the state of the Police Welfare Association were some of the concerns brought to the Prime Minister and Premier by the officers. During the session the Prime Minister challenged, “if you have a concern also present solutions.” A number of viable solutions were laid for consideration.
Prime Minister Harris was accompanied by Premier of Nevis and Senior Minister in the Federal Cabinet the Honorable Vance Amory and the Police High Command.