SSB contribution strengthens national security, says PM Douglas

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister and Minister of Social Security, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas (center) hands over the keys for the new vehicles for Her Majesty’s Prison and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to Minister of Homeland Security, the Hon. Patrice Nisbett (left) as Director of Social Security, Mrs. Sephlin Lawrence looks on.

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 25TH 2013 (CUOPM) – The recent presentation by the Social Security Board to entities in the Ministry of Homeland Security is an indication of a cohesive and interconnected Government, guided by one vision, and strengthened by the understanding that the interests of any one ministry or department is intimately interconnected with the interests of every other.

“As a result, throughout the Government, we seek out and welcome opportunities for collaboration. We are guided by a spirit of cooperation. And we understand that support for any one area of focus is, in the final analysis, support for them all,” said Prime Minister of Social Security, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil l. Douglas.

He said that the importance that his Government has placed on crime fighting, on national security, on homeland security is clear and the effectiveness in this area has been well demonstrated.

“Indeed, who here cannot remember the days – just a year or two ago – when violent crime was all that anybody spoke about? It occupied our every waking moment, it seemed. And then, at the height of the crisis, our Government moved to put in place a change in direction, a new emphasis on effectiveness, and a special respect for collaborative leadership. Our effectiveness in this area is well demonstrated in the outstanding level of cooperation that we now see between Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. G. Walwyn and Commander of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, Lt. Colonel Patrick Wallace,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

He added that the official handing over ceremony is a manifestation of Government’s ongoing and ever-expanding commitment to strengthening this type of cooperation, and to advancing the national security interests of St. Kitts and Nevis.

The St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board has stepped forward in order to strengthen the capabilities of the Department of Homeland Security, by strengthening the capabilities of the National Emergency Management Agency, the Sandy Point Police Station, Her Majesty’s Prison and the Fire & Rescue Services.

NEMA received a Nissan Frontier pickup; Her Majesty’s Prison, a Toyota Hiace Bus; the Sandy Point Police Station, a stove and Her Majesty’s Prison and the Fire & Rescue Services, building materials.

“This, we do as a unified Government. This, we do as a Government guided by one purpose and one vision. This, we do, to continue doing what we have always done – change St. Kitts and Nevis for the better. May these items assist those agencies, tasked with responsibility for our nation’s safety, to continue meeting their responsibilities with effectiveness, with competence, and with a love of country,” said Prime Minister Douglas.