Collaboration between the security forces and public pivotal to success of fighting crime

Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. G. Walwyn and Defence Force Commander, Lt. Colonel Patrick Wallace (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 19TH 2011 (CUOPM) – Cooperation from the general public with the security forces is pivotal in successfully fighting crime.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said Tuesday the efforts of the Police, the Defense Force, and Customs are yielding positive results in the Federation with improved forensics leading to more effective detection and more effective detection leading to more timely arrests. “I am making a point of reminding everyone that anything of note that is done in the area of crime-fighting is, to one extent or the other a collaborative effort between the security forces on one hand, and responsible, committed members of the public on the other.

I commend both sides for their respective displays of patriotism,” said Dr. Douglas. He said many sides are working together to build an anti-gun, anti-drug and anti-crime momentum, but this does not have to be limited to the confines of the local borders. Dr. Douglas said that the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) launched by United States President, the Hon. Barack Obama in May 2010 and funded by the U.S. in the amount of $45 million is for the benefit of CARICOM member-states and the Dominican Republic to heighten anti-crime efforts.

“An important feature of this Initiative is that it is open not only to CARICOM member-states, the Dominican Republic, and the US, but indeed to other countries that are interested in the Caribbean as well. And this, in itself, builds on our already well-established tradition of cross-border consultation and collaboration where crime is concerned,” said the St. Kitts and Nevis leader.