GOVERNMENT OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS TAKES TOUGH STANCE AGAINST CRIMINAL ELEMENTS

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 14, 2018 (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, is cracking down on crime in the Federation as it pursues its developmental agenda to bring peace, security and stability to every citizen and resident.

The government has once again deployed the Regional Security System (RSS) to ramp up its crime fighting initiatives, much to the chagrin of the Dr. Denzil Douglas-led Opposition, who has vehemently opposed the move for suspect political motives.

In a national address on Saturday, October 13, 2018, Prime Minister Harris underscored his government’s position in leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the criminal elements that threaten to derail the country’s advancement, human development and economic progress, a country that is leading the region in its fiscal performance and stability.

“The RSS forces began arriving into the Federation on Wednesday, October 10^th, 2018, and will continue to arrive into St. Kitts and Nevis in sufficient numbers to assist our ongoing efforts at ensuring citizen safety and security. RSS members are already deployed throughout the communities with local national security personnel, and their presence will help local law enforcement to expand the extent of their coverage of the country,” the Minister of National Security said.

By engaging the RSS, the High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) and by extension the entire law enforcement body will benefit from the expertise and manpower of the regional organization, of which St. Kitts and Nevis is a contributing member.

“St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the RSS and financially contributes to support the functioning of this important regional security mechanism.  That membership and financial contribution oblige the RSS to assist the Federation when necessary.  It is yet another available security asset and my Government will not hesitate to utilize all assets at our disposal to further the peace and security of our country,” Dr. Harris said, while noting that “the RSS will remain in St. Kitts and Nevis for as long as necessary until the security forces advise that their presence is no longer required.”

“The Government asks for the fullest understanding and cooperation of the general public in their engagement with the RSS members and the members of the local security forces. Public safety and security are my Government’s highest priorities and no stone shall be left unturned and no effort or expense spared in ensuring that all Kittitians and Nevisians and all who call St. Kitts and Nevis home are safe and secure,” Prime Minister Harris said.