C.G. Walwyn sets record straight, expresses confidence he will make his own decisions

Incoming Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Mr. Celvin G. Walwyn (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, AUGUST 23RD 2011 (CUOPM) – The Federation’s next Commissioner of Police, Mr. Celvin G. Walwyn is confident there will be no political interference in his administration of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.He said while he will listen to suggestions he will make his own decisions.

Mr. Walwyn, who officially assumes command of the 50-year-old law enforcement agency on September 1st, says there has been no political interference from Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and the Ministry of National Security and that the Federation should be proud to have Mrs. Astona Browne as a Permanent Secretary.

He used the opportunity to clear the air on a few issues when he delivered remarks at a symposium of youth crime and violence on Tuesday.

“I am no nonsense. I say exactly what I feel and I let the chips fall where they may. In other words I tell the truth,” he said.

Stating that he wanted to clear something up, Mr. Walwyn categorically stated: “There is no political interference from the ministry of national security with me and there is none from the prime minister. That was established before I took the job and I was told that I had the right to do whatever I see fit to make St. Kitts and Nevis a safer place.”

Mr. Walwyn stated that he has been a chief of police before and knows what politics is all about as he ran for Sherriff in 2000 in Texas “so I know what it is to be a politician.”

“I know there is a lot of stuff in the newspapers about the Ministry of National Security and I will tell you this is one of the best places that I have had dealings with,” he said.

He disclosed that he has had a very good relationship with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mrs. Astona Browne.

“The people of St. Kitts and Nevis need to know that this lady is very well versed. You should be proud to have her in that position,” he told the audience.

“When it comes to gangs I am no nonsense. I have no problems doing my job. I do not owe anybody in St. Kitts or Nevis anything. So if they want to fire me, as I read in the paper they are free to do so, but when you fire me, it is not because I am not doing my job, it’s because I am. I do not take any crap from anybody. Just because I have not been here for a little while like the newspaper said does not mean you are going to tell me how to do my job,” said Mr. Walwyn.

He said he was hired because he knows what he is doing.

“I will take your suggestions, I will listen to you, but I will make the final decisions at the end of the day,” said Mr. Walwyn.

Speaking at the annual private sector banquet, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Douglas gave 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,” Dr. Douglas.