Law and Order: A priority in 2012 Budget
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Police Headquarters |
Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 14, 2011 (SKNIS): Investment in the security infrastructure of St. Kitts and Nevis has remained a priority for Government despite the downturn that has gripped economies around the world.
During Tuesday’s presentation of a $400 million Budget for the fiscal year 2012, Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas explained that $41.3 million has been allocated to the Office of the Prime Minister which has responsibility for the Police and Defence Force under the Anti-Crime Unit. Additionally, the Ministry of Homeland Security, Labour and Social Security which includes the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Prison, Fire and Rescue Services and Immigration received a budget of $9.6 million.
“Mr. Speaker, we are about to embark on a new initiative which will further enhance both the financial and human investment which has been made in the Anti-Crime Unit and the Ministry of Homeland Security,” Prime Minister Douglas revealed. “This (three-year) Programme, will complement our Anti-Crime Strategy, as it focuses on areas such as institutional strengthening, policy formulation, the provision of modern equipment, police training curriculum development and the construction of a new police training facility and prisoner rehabilitation center.”
“These initiatives are intended to place our Police Force at the top of the spectrum of advancing policing and ensure, at the same time, that those who are on the wrong side of crime are given an opportunity to reform themselves for the good of their communities and society at large,” stressed the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
The new programme, slated to begin in 2012, is being financed utilizing resources from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) – an instrument of the European Union for providing community development aid in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and the overseas countries and territories (OCTs).
Prime Minster Douglas also highlighted the contributions of private agencies and individuals at home and abroad, who have stepped forward to lend support for the security forces by providing security (bullet proof) vests, patrol bikes and vehicles.
He thanked the Windsor School of Medicine, the Rotary Club of Liamigua, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Christophe Harbour Development, the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla Trading Development Company (TDC) Limited, the Port Zante Merchants Group and the Customs and Excise Department for their support in this regard.