Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 24, 2020 (ZIZ): Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris has praised the work of the security forces as the federation records a decrease in major crimes this year when compared to the same period last year.
During Tuesday night’s edition of Leadership Matters the Prime Minister noted that for the first half of this year major crimes are down by almost 50 percent compared to the first half of 2019.
He said “I am advised that the total major crimes in the federation fell by a significant 43 percent from 697 reported crimes in 2019 to 399 major crimes recorded over the comparative period in 2020. Major areas of reduction include homicides with the possession of firearms, which dropped by 73 percent, non-fatal shootings were down 88 percent and robberies also were down.”
In praising the work of the security forces the Prime Minister noted that reducing crime has a beneficial ripple effect on the entire nation.
He said “Our success on keeping our people safe of course has beneficial effects for our society as a whole. A free and safer environment everywhere, including our hospitals, our places of business and our places of work all redound to greater production and greater productivity.”
He said in line with the administration’s pledge for a “Stronger Safer Future” the government will step up efforts to enhance public safety and security.
These include developing programmes for the youth to encourage positive growth and steering them away from crime and other negative influences.