NIA has pivotal role to play in Nevis’ internal security, says Attorney General

Attorney General and Parliamentary Representative for Nevis 11 Hon. Patrice Nisbett at the official opening and handing over ceremony of the Police Barracks at Butlers Village

NEVIS (May 22, 2010) – The Nevis Island Administration under the leadership of Premier Hon. Joseph Parry has demonstrated that it had a pivotal role to play in the internal security of Nevis. The comment was made by the Federation’s Attorney General and Parliamentary Representative for Nevis 11 Hon. Patrice Nisbett, at the official opening and handing over ceremony of police barracks at Butlers Village on Monday.

“Joining with the private sector and the various other initiatives that have been taken on by the NIA, is a clear demonstration that they [NIA] are committed to the cause of fighting crime and ensuring that the Police are well looked after,” he said.

Mr. Nisbett explained that as Nevis continued to experience development and growth it was also important that law and order was preserved on the island and the security of its citizens, resident property owners and the large expatriate population was guaranteed.

According to the Attorney General who was born and raised in Nevis, crime had the ability to frustrate the gains that had been made as a people and described it as a threat to the way of life and the democratic system.

“We here in Nevis have been able to attract foreign investment, we have been able to attract local business entrepreneurship and the economy, by extension, has grown and so we have done that in the past in a very peaceful environment and want the peace to return to Queen City.

(L-R) Attorney General and Parliamentary Representative for Nevis 11 Hon. Patrice Nisbett shakes hands with Mr. Ken Evelyn for his contribution to the police and people of Nevis, while Commissioner of Police Austin Williams (centre) looks on

“I believe the Government is demonstrating that it wants the peace to return by investing in the necessary infrastructure to accommodate our security forces. The NRP led-Administration has demonstrated that in Cotton Ground and we are here once again today in the Butlers area demonstrating that to our people,” he said.

Mr. Nisbett also had commendations for the Evelyn Family and their contribution to the St. James’ Parish and in general the people of Nevis. He said the gesture was a clear demonstration of the family’s commitment to ensure the society was peaceful and stable.

Notwithstanding, the Attorney General had some strong words of advice for the police and urged them to do all they could to execute their duties the best way possible.

“The government can give you all the vehicles that you want. They can give you all the equipment that you want, we can give you the best accommodation that is available [but] if you don’t show the necessary commitment, application and professionalism towards the job, then I believe, we will not be able to achieve the desired objective,” he said.

The new four bedroom police barracks was constructed by the Nevis Island Administration on lands donated by Butlers villager and prominent businessman Mr. Ken Evelyn and family. The project was supervised and furnished by Mr. Evelyn with assistance from other private sector individuals and businesses.

Commissioned on Monday, The facility which was will be used to house police officers stationed at the Nevis Police Division.