Wednesday, June 28, 2006

ROSEAU, Dominica: Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Rayburn Blackmoore and Superintendent of the Dominica Police Force, Nicholas George, have been elaborating on Dominica’s National Crime Prevention and Control Policy at a press conference last week.

Blackmoore explained the reason why Government saw the need to adopt a policy on crime prevention and control.

“We are aware that crime and the fear of crime can undermine the very fabric of society and therefore the management and control of crime are in fact indispensable to the overall development of any nation state. This is a comprehensive policy which seeks to manage the crime phenomenon in our country. That is the reason why we have seen it fit to put together a policy on crime in this country.”

Cabinet’s approval of the Policy will lead to the establishment of a number of new institutions, among them, a National Commission on Crime and Security, a National Security Council and a National Intelligence Committee.

Blackmoore said the new National Commission on Crime and Security “will have a holistic approach to addressing the issue of crime, engaging all the agents of socialisation, among them, the home, the church, the media, private sector, NGO groups, civil society, etc who all have a responsibility to assume ownership in the crime prevention effort”.

Also addressing the press conference was Superintendent George, who said the National Security Council, with the Prime Minister as Chairman, will have many responsibilities. These include: To provide a comprehensive programme for the future security of the Commonwealth of Dominica; to provide for the establishment of integrated procedures and functions for government departments and agencies with national security responsibilities; to oversee the safeguarding of common values, fundamental interests and the independence of the state, to strengthen the security of the State, to promote national, sub-regional, regional and international cooperation in matters of security and defence; to protect and consolidate democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental rights and freedoms.

The National Intelligence Committee will advise the National Security Council on National Security matters and will be headed by the Commissioner of Police.

The implementation of the new policy will see reform of the prison system in Dominica. The reforms are intended to make the prison a more effective place to rehabilitate offenders, especially young offenders. Government is also involved in preliminary discussions on the construction of a new facility that would also cater for the rehabilitation of prisoners.

The issue of the use of drugs among the youth within the context of this new policy is a matter Government believes must be addressed fundamentally. The adoption of this new policy will see the strengthening of capacity within the Dominica Police Force. Ten police officers will leave Dominica soon for China to receive training in aspects of policing and crime prevention to include computer crimes and intelligence gathering.

An additional twenty-five police recruits will begin training next month. Government is also seeking to improve the living conditions of police officers. Consequently, work is well advanced at the Barracks at Police Headquarters and work is also progressing satisfactorily at the Marigot Police Station. The Dominica Police Force now has more vehicles than ever before, thereby significantly enhancing its ability to effectively discharge its duties.

The Policy also calls for the establishment of a comprehensive Community Policing Programme. It is anticipated that this Programme should be in place by December 2007.

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