Reports of double digit decreases in crime in St. Kitts and Nevis

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 24TH 2011 (CUOPM) – Double digit decreases in crime is being reported in St. Kitts and Nevis over the past two months.

Prime Minister the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said the good news reflects the extent to which the law enforcement agencies are striving to valiantly keep persons and property safe.

“Overall crime in September fell 48% compared to August. And in October, we again saw another drop in overall crime – this time of 23%, compared to the month before,” said Prime Minister Douglas during his weekly radio programme “Ask the Prime Minister.”

Prime Minister Dr. Douglas, who has responsibility for the police and defence force, said that in one month alone, the Delta Squad, the new tactical force comprised of Police and Defense Force personnel, destroyed 3,000 marijuana trees, seized five guns and hundreds of bullets.

Dr. Douglas noted that the newly-appointed Commissioner of Police, Mr. C.G. Walwyn has gone to great lengths to foster relationships of trust and respect between the police and the public, and clearly this has been working.

“Men and women from all walks of life have been actively helping our country’s security forces ‘take back the streets,’ to use Commissioner Walwyn’s expression. They have been providing information, tips, insights, and we cannot thank and commend them enough. We obviously cannot mention their names, but they know who they are. And this country is indebted to them because this spirit of trust and collaboration is the very best way – maybe the only way – to build a strong, safe, and cohesive society,” Prime Minister Douglas told listeners.

He also noted that private individuals are actively helping the security forces in the form of material and other assets and expressed thanks “because this type of cross-sectoral collaboration is key to the building of safe and stable societies.”