Crime still a priority for St Kitts-Nevis government
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts: The Federal
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to see crime as a very serious and
priority issue, according to Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas.
“Crime fighting and crime prevention is not only the duty of the Government,
the Police or the Defence Force, but it the duty of every citizen in this
country and we therefore make a strong appeal to the community at large, that
if we are to bring this situation under control and to an end, it will take
partnership between all of us and all institutions, to make a difference,”
said Prime Minister Douglas. He said his St.
Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration will continue to provide the necessary
support to those who are chiefly responsible in the fight against crime and
will continue to provide the necessary tools so that the police will not be at
any disadvantage to those who have criminal intents.
“We intend to ensure that there is strengthened legislative support in
pursuing the responsibilities of the police and the government in the fighting
of crime. We intend to ensure that the justice and legal system is in fact
strengthened where ever it is necessary so that we can bring to an end the
situation as it is being observed in crime,” said Douglas.
Dr. Douglas said his Government will also tackle some of the root causes of
crime. “Poverty, unemployment, the anti-social culture that is creeping into
the society, the lack of proper parental guidance because of lack of proper
parenting skills of those, who are parents and which must be tackled as well,”
he said. He reminded the nation: “That is why
the Ministry of Social Development continues to be strengthened in ensuring
that the various departments in that ministry are given the necessary tool and
support in providing the guidance and protecting to those who are most
vulnerable in our society. We want to ensure that we also work in close
collaboration with the rest of the region.”
Prime Minister Douglas said crime has also been occupying at a top agenda
items at all of the Organisation of Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM). Pointing out that the
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning has lead responsibility
for crime in the Caribbean Community, the St. Kitts and Nevis leader pointed
out that CARICOM is working closely and collaboratively with all of the
necessary law enforcement agencies in the region in an attempt to hone in on
the problems and to lend support to each other.
“If the situation here in St. Kitts and Nevis is assessed by our own local
forces to be one that merits the input of regional assistance - that is
persons here in St. Kitts and Nevis to assist us in our fight against crime –
then naturally this government will consider such,” said Prime Minister
Douglas.
Back...
Most popular
articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed
Printable
version
| 
