Commissioner of Police inspires hope at presentation to the Rotary Club of Liamuiga

Commissioner Walwyn making presentation

ZIZ News Sept 29 2011–With rapt attention for the entire twenty minutes of his presentation, members of the Rotary Club of Liamuiga listened as newly-appointed Commissioner of Police, Celvin Walwyn outlined some of his plans to address the escalating crime situation in St. Kitts & Nevis.

The Commissioner’s presentation was on the invitation of the Board of Directors to share some of his plans with the Club, while at the same time determine how as an organisation it could provide assistance.

Prefacing his presentation by saying, “I want to give back the street to the people,” the top COP shared some of his plans on how he planned to make this happen. He mentioned patrols in the Frigate Bay area and in the known crime hot spots in Basseterre and around the island as some immediate initiatives that would be taken. “You will see officers on the strip each night,” he also assured.

Balancing his presentation with the reality that a lot of funds will be required to make fundamental improvements, he thanked corporate St. Kitts and Nevis for already making commitments in cash and kind, but said that a lot more private sector partnership will be required. In this regard, he highlighted a commitment for a mobile patrol vehicle and twobicycles which came about from the combined contribution of six corporate citizens. He said this vehicle would serve the Frigate Bay area as it was specifically provided to bolster the security patrols in this neighborhood.

President Peter Jenkins presents Rotary Memorabilia to COP

He also used the occasion to offer tips on home safety and security saying that home owners must also play their part to ensure their own safety. Referencing the crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) strategy, he suggested that plants around windows should not block the view or it would be better to use shrubbery with thorns that would mak hiding impossible. Keeping the lights on at night was also another tip which he passed on, as well as clearing empty lots which could be used as hideouts for criminals.

Touching on the issue of training, he said that this was required to make the force more relevant to the realities of the 21st century challenges. “We would need to upgrade a lot of our equipment and provide training for a number of our officers,” he suggested. Specifically he mentioned training and equipment for finger printing which he said were critical in solving criminal cases.

At the end of his presentation, Rotarians sought answers from the Commissioner on matters of loitering and the handling of intelligence, as well as improvement of security at the hospital and amending laws to make them more relevant.

Presenting the Club’s banner to the Commissioner of Police in appreciation of his presentation, President Peter Jenkins asked that he display it proudly, and thanked him for inspiring hope to his members. In response to his request for two additional bicycles, the President gave a commitment to donate both and handed over a cheque immediately to purchase the first one.

Rotarians stood to their feet in a standing ovation as the Commissioner departed the meeting, inspired and encouraged that there is hope for a reduction in criminal activity.