Prime Minister Douglas Commends the Coalition of Support for St. Kitts-Nevis Security Initiatives at Year in Review Meeting

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts—St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, along with Permanent Secretary for the Anti-Crime Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister, Her Excellency Mrs. Astona Browne, St. Kitts and Nevis Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator the Honourable Mr. Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, and Head of the Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Celvin G. Walwyn, congratulated the Coalition of Support for St. Kitts-Nevis Security Initiatives (CSSKNSI) on its commitment to fighting crime as the group celebrated the first year anniversary of its creation. The CSSKNSI leadership met on Monday, Oct. 15 and Tuesday, Oct. 16 to assess its own performance in assisting the Federation in its efforts to reduce crime and to create a strategic plan for its second year.

“I would like to thank each member of the Coalition for this journey that began just over one year ago,” said Prime Minister Douglas. “Your tangible support of contributions has not only benefited the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force but also the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis and this is noted in the reduction of our crime statistics.”

The CSSKNSI’s contributions to the Federation total more than US $150,000 since its first donation of a police patrol vehicle in October 2011. Since that original donation, the coalition has gifted a forensics vehicle, 50 bulletproof vests, six laptop computers with cases, 50 rechargeable flashlights, and eight police bicycles to the police force. In addition, they have provided funding for police training, airfare and accommodations for instructors. Most recently, the CSSKNSI strengthened the K-9 unit of the police force with the donation of Prego, a new canine member of the police.

Overall crime in the Federation has declined by 61 percent according to information provided by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force Statistics Department.

“We have all seen the statistics, overall crime is down in the Federation; our hope is that the contributions of the Coalition have assisted the members of the police force in making that reduction happen,” said Mr. Buddy Darby, chairman and chief executive officer of Kiawah Partners—the development group responsible for Christophe Harbour. “Like Commissioner Walwyn and his strong belief in teamwork, we feel the Coalition will continue to be successful in making positive change through the partnership of all members working together.”

At the meeting, the CSSKNSI acknowledged their continued concern about crime, but recognized the great strides made this year in its reduction, commending Commissioner Walwyn for the outstanding leadership he provided. Day one of the meeting was focused on reviewing results of CSSKNSI efforts and how this impact made a difference, along with the vision of Commissioner Walwyn.

“I believe in holding my team accountable and the men and women of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force have stepped up to that level of accountability to make our Federation a safer place,” said Commissioner Walwyn. “While I appreciate the attribution to this reduction of crime to my leadership, it is truly the men and women of this police force who are responsible for carrying out their duty to our country.”

In addition to the appreciation from the Prime Minister and Commissioner Walwyn, both Permanent Secretary Browne and Minister Skerritt provided words of support for the initiatives of the CSSKNSI. The leadership also noted that many other entities are committed to reducing crime and that is what is truly making the difference in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Day Two of the CSSKNSI meeting was dedicated to reviewing its objectives for year two and finalizing strategies for implementation. The organization has committed to supporting additional initiatives in the coming year, including the implementation of the Federation’s new Crime Stoppers program. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit, tri-partied partnership program among the community, media and law enforcement whose goal is to provide a mechanism for the public to confidentially and anonymously give information on criminal activity, and assist with the recovery of guns, drugs and stolen property. Crime Stoppers has been successful around the globe and is scheduled to launch in St. Kitts later this year.