DR. THE HON. TIMOTHY HARRIS-LED TEAM UNITY ADMINISTRATION TO DO ALL IT CAN TO ENSURE SEASON OF PEACE CONTINUES LONG TERM

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, July 23, 2019 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, continues to commend all those who have played and continue to play a role in ushering in this new season of peace being experienced across St. Kitts and Nevis.

“I think everyone in St. Kitts and Nevis is very pleased about the new season of peace and calm that we are having in St. Kitts and Nevis now compared to prior years. I want and I must thank every citizen and every resident who yearn for peace and who would wish that the country continues on this path. This season of peace which we are experiencing is pleasing to every patriotic citizen,” Prime Minister Harris said when he appeared on the July 18 edition of Straight Talk on WINNFM 98.9.

The prime minister said then that it is his hope that this season of peace will be long term, and noted that his Team Unity administration will do all it reasonably can to realize this goal.

“That is why we have invested millions of dollars in hard policing, if you will, in our forensic lab, in our fleet of vehicles…in building a brand new police station as we are doing in Sandy Point, in Newcastle in Nevis and elsewhere; in recruiting persons as we have done in Mrs. [Latoya] Marshall-Lake out of Antigua—a forensics expert—bringing her into the country to help us more quickly bring a reduction in crimes generally, which are down, but more particularly with respect to homicides,” Dr. Harris added.

Prime Minister Harris said these investments are being complemented by a comprehensive social intervention programme targeting at-risk youths and persons associated with gangs all aimed at guiding them towards alternative pathways to crime and violence.

He added, “The same way we started the FRESH Start programme and offered special interest rates and easier terms to allow the poor and ordinary individuals to start a business, to be able to deal with other issues they confront is the same we, as part of the programme of inclusiveness, we will give that fresh start to those vulnerable members in our community who want to change from a life of crime to legitimate businesses.”

The National Security Minister also pointed to his administration’s work to rehabilitate inmates currently incarcerated at Her Majesty’s Prison to ensure upon their release that these individuals can make positive contributions to society, and ultimately reduce the incidences of recidivism.