PM Douglas dispels concern of political interference in work of Police Commissioner, renews call for collaboration in fighting crime
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Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JULY 25TH 2011 – Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has given the assurance that there has never been and there will be no political interference in the work of the new Commissioner of Police.
“The Chamber has no fear whatsoever of political interference in the work of this Commissioner because there has never been in this country under my watch as the Prime Minister any political interference in the work of the Commissioner of Police,” Prime Minister Douglas said in an address at the 28th Annual Private Sector Banquet.
He told the audience that St. Kitts and Nevis, his Government and the Security Forces have been grappling with the advent of a wave of violent crime over the past two years that has provided unprecedented challenges.
“None has been spared from the tragedies, the social repercussions and the economic risks involved,” said Prime Minister Douglas, expressing optimism that as a country “we are now developing a more collective and collaborative approach instead of the past divisiveness that prevailed, and that we are making progress in our overall fight against crime and the anti-social behavior that is causing it.:
Prime Minister Douglas said the selection of a national Mr. Celvin Geron Walwyn, a 25-year veteran of U.S. law enforcement, brings the kind of networking that is fundamentally required, and he “comes to us with a wide range of skills and experience pertinent to many levels of criminal activity, but, especially in the fight against gang violence.”
Dr. Douglas expressed confidence that Mr. Walwyn would be able to institute the kind of systems, structures and operational strategies that would bring the results that St. Kitts and Nevis needs.
“We must give full support to the evolving Police Force, as they take on the difficult task of crime fighting. I have no doubt that success would be achieved, and we will get there sooner rather than later. In addition, it is important to know that consultations have been ongoing with the Regional Security System aimed at obtaining the appropriate level of support as we move further in attacking the blight of crime,” he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the fight against crime must be multi-pronged, involving the Government as lead agent, along with the Private Sector, Non-Governmental Organisations and the law abiding citizens and residents of the country.
“We must effectively stamp down and put an end to the senseless violence being perpetrated by a segment of our youth population, with its accompanying impact on our society and the potential harm that it does to economic and social progress of the country. In so doing, we must also, most importantly, put an end to the blame game. When blame is apportioned the natural reaction is to defend, and these kinds of situations get us nowhere at all,” said Dr. Douglas.
Looking ahead, he called for collaboration with a purpose and vision, and a focus on the things that help rather than the devices that disrupt.
“Let us work together, therefore, to secure our communities and build stronger societies in our beloved nation,” said the St. Kitts and Nevis leader.