Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 15, 2015 (RSCNPF):- Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and Minister who bears responsibility for the Ministry of National Security et al, the Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris while addressing the nation in a press conference on Tuesday, (October 13), reiterated the government’s support of the ‘Six Point Plan’ put forward by the Police Force and shared the Cabinet’s sentiments of “one homicide is one to many”
“My Cabinet is of the view that one homicide, is one too many. Hence, we have been supporting the Police ‘Six Point Plan’ for fighting serious crimes and in particular violent crimes.”
In light of this, PM Harris revealed a number of initiatives, projects and assistance the government will provide in efforts of advancing the services of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF).
“I am pleased to report that yesterday (Monday 12th October), I received a cheque of US $315,000 or EC $850,500, from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). These funds will support the extension of the services of the Bramshill Police Advisors out of England, and other initiatives of law and order. …Additionally, we expect a new fleet of vehicles for our law enforcement agencies. I make an appeal to all ranks of Police, from Constables to Commissioner to do more,” said the Prime Minister. He added that, “the wait and see attitude will not solve crime neither will we reward inaction, nor passivism, from our police officers.”
Prime Minister Harris went on to announce the arrival and assistance from the FBI, where they will assist the Police Force with proven best practices to in the fight against crime.
The extension of the Bramshill Police advisors and the arrival of the officers from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations, “would enable the Police to get the kind of mentoring and capacity building support that is critical in the fight against crime.” said the Prime Minister.
Continuing to outline the governments support for law enforcement, the Prime Minister mentioned the presence of Mr. Dane Hamilton Q.C., well known criminal attorney who is currently in the Federation assisting with criminal assizes. He said his presence will bring much needed experience to the prosecutorial arm.
“The last criminal assizes was a dismal performance by the office of DPP where only 3 of 35 cases were tried. Thirty two (32) cases were traversed to the current September assizes. Dane Hamilton’s support is a constructive boost to the criminal justice system and much tutoring and mentoring can be had by the juniors in the Office of the DPP,” chimed PM Harris.
Within his brief remarks pertaining to law and order, Prime Minister Harris made an appeal to the citizens of the Federation to report any information which they may have on any crime.
“It does not matter, whether the crime was committed recently or long time ago. No crime and no homicide must go unsolved. The life we may save may be our own or that of a family member, [or] a friend of acquaintance.”