Customs, TDC donate vehicles to new Delta Force to fight crime

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 23RD 2011 (CUOPM) – Thanks to the Customs and Excise Department and the TDC Group of Companies, the newly-formed Delta Squad has added two vehicles to its crime fighting arsenal.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs Mr. Georid Belle in chairing a brief handing over ceremony at which the two vehicles were handed over at the premises of TDC Auto Division, said the Customs Department split 50/50 the cost of a brand new bus, while the other was previously used by the Customs Department to transport its airport staff.

(left to right) – Advisor, Dr. Norgen Wilson; Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Georid Belle; TDC Chairman, Mr. Michael Morton; Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. G. Walwyn; Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas; Major Cornel Kelly of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force; Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Rodney Harris and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Astona Browne.

Present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, who has ministerial responsibility for the Police and Defence Force; Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Astona Browne; Special Advisor Dr. Norgen Wilson; Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Rodney Harris; TDC Chairman, Mr. Michael Morton, Manager of TDC Auto Division, Mr. Don Buncamper; Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. G. Walwyn; Deputy Police Commissioner Stafford Liburd and Major Cornel Kelly of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force.

Chairman of the TDC Group of Companies, Mr. Michael Morton expressed support Friday for the Police Force’s recent crime fighting initiative with “much more vigour and enthusiasm.”

He said although companies are experiencing difficulties and have been forced to cut back on expenses as a result of the world wide economic and financial crisis, TDC have found it necessary to continue to support crime fighting initiatives and other important initiatives such as education, sports and investment in the young people of the twin-island federation particularly as “we see the need to ensure that we secure a future environment that will enable our businesses to grow and prosper.”

He said a company cannot grow and improve on its profitability in a country that is not stable and where there is high crime and expressed the view that results have been seen in the new initiatives being undertaken by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force under the command of the new Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. G. Walwyn with the support of the rank and file.

TDC Chairman Mr. Michael Morton (left) presents keys to Commissioner Mr. C. G. Walwyn. (Photos by Erasmus Williams)

TDC in demonstrating its tangible support and appreciation commended the management of the Customs and Excise Department for initiating the joint donation of one of the two vehicles.

He said the van is specially equipped for security operations and will aid in the fight against crime.

“We will provide continued support including maintenance and the general upkeep of the vehicle,” said Mr. Morton.

In handing over the keys, Mr. Morton said there have been some improved results although there is a long way to go.

“We believe that with more help coming from the private sector, we will eliminate if not totally at least reduce substantially the level of crime in our nation,” said Mr. Morton.

Police Commissioner Mr. Walwyn in accepting the keys to the two vehicles from Mr. Morton and Mr. Rodney Harris said civilian and military arm of the security forces have collaborated in a strategy to protect the citizens who live in St. Kitts and Nevis and visitors who come to its shores.

“The Delta Squad carries out its operations each day of the week with the objective of reducing crime. We appreciate the vehicles donated and will be able to further expand our operation within the federation,” he said.

The new COP disclosed in the last month drugs and guns have been removed from the streets and some significant arrests have been made.

“The Delta Squad has been effective and the additional transportation will add to our resources and will ensure that both vehicles will be used in the fight against crime,” said Mr. Walwyn, who added that the drivers will undergo proper training.

He expressed thanks and appreciation to TDC pointing out that “crime is everybody’s business and is not just the job of the police alone.”