Coalition of Support for St. Kitts-Nevis Security Initiatives Continues its Commitment with Equipment Donation to Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 21,2011—As part of a larger public/private partnership, the Coalition of Support for St. Kitts-Nevis Security Initiatives (CSSKNSI) held a donation ceremony at the police training school in support of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force today. CSSKNSI donated 50 bulletproof vests, six laptop computers and cases, and 25 rechargeable flashlights.

Coalition of Support for St. Kitts-Nevis Security Initiatives (CSSKNSI) donates equipment to Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.

In addition, the group is supporting an upcoming 2012 police training session by donating hotel accommodations and round-trip airfare for two police trainers. Today’s donation was primarily funded by three of the CCSKNSI members, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, St. Kitts Marriott Resort/Royal Beach Casino and Windsor University School of Medicine. CSSKNSI was formed to promote drive effective advocacy, change and progress in the areas of safety and security in St. Kitts and Nevis through one voice representing several organizations on the island.

Speaking on behalf of CSSKNSI, Rolf Lippuner, Director of Residences, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, said that the businesses that form the Coalition of Support for St. Kitts-Nevis Security Initiatives seek a strong partnership to improve safety and security of the Federation.

“Commissioner, you indicated the need for these items and we stepped-up to support you and the men and women a part of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force,” said Lippuner.

“We continue to believe in the shared responsibility of fighting crime; it goes beyond business and government; it is the responsibility is for all of us to be a part of change in improving the crime in St. Kitts and Nevis.” Representatives of the CSSKNSI presented the Commissioner of Police, Celvin G. Walwyn, joined by members of the Police High Command, the items during today’s ceremony.

The items will be inventoried and put into use immediately indicated the Police Commissioner during his remarks to the attendees. He also thanked the group for their continued support. “I am appreciative that you chose to invest in our community, so that I can continue to know in my heart that my family and all of our families can walk along the streets without fear, knowing the police are doing a good job,” said Commissioner Walwyn. The donated items are the second gift to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force in support of the initiatives of CSSKNSI since its establishment.

The group also donated a police patrol vehicle—a 2011 Toyota Fortuner—in October. The group has further plans to contribute additional safety equipment for police officers, resources for communication services, computer resources, other transportation vehicles and professional continuing education/training. “Our goal is to continue to provide funding and support to establish an acceptable level of safety and security throughout the Federation… It is a partnership about working together between business and government and making St. Kitts and Nevis a safer place to live and work,” said Lippuner. Commissioner Walwyn indicated that the overall crime rate has dropped and thanked the men and women of Police Force who have been contributing to that decline. “There are many rumors out there, but this is one rumor I want you to spread, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force work very hard, we are revitalized and reinvigorated to do our jobs,” Commissioner Walwyn continued. “Failure is not an option, we will do what it take to take back our streets.”

The CSSKNS includes Christophe Harbour, Cockleshell Bay Development, Four Seasons Nevis, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts Marriott Resort/Royal Beach Casino, and Windsor University and was established to support to positive change in the areas of safety and security in the Federation. “I have been a long time investor in this island, and I am happy our business is a part of the coalition,” said Mr. Vic De Zen, Owner, Royal St. Kitts Beach Limited—the organization that owns the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino.