St. Kitts and Nevis to intensify collaboration with international security agencies

Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Mr. C. G. Walwyn (on the dias) and other officers of the Police High Command taking the salute at the Commissioner’s Parade earlier this month. (Willet’s photo)

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 21ST2012 (CUOPM) – As the St. Kitts and Nevis Federal Government moves forward with its development agenda to ensure the improved quality of life for all, provisions are being made for the security infrastructure to keep abreast with the expansion of the communities and the decentralization of commercial activities from the urban areas to the rural areas.

Under the 10th EDF Programme, there will be an opportunity for improved infrastructure, such as new buildings for improved working environment and upgraded technology for enhanced operations.

“Capacity building and human resource development will continue through increased training in the Unit. The investment in human resource development for every budget year continues to be substantial as we recognize the importance in building capacity for delivery of service and skills as we endeavour to address the issues of productivity in the work place,” said Chief Secretary Mr. Joseph Edmeade.

He said the new wave of crime that is threatening global peace and security has given rise to a growing need for intensified efforts to improve the crime detection and investigative capabilities through increased collaboration with international and regional agencies such as International Police (INTERPOL),Regional Security System (RSS), Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM/IMPACS), Inter-American Committee on Terrorism(C.I.C.T.E.), the Organization of American States (OAS), the Caribbean Canadian Co-operation Fund (CCF) and the European Development Fund (EDF) of the European Union.

“All of these agencies have expanded their operations with our law enforcement to ensure the effective transfer of information and intelligence through harmonized techniques, mechanisms and strategies in addressing the new challenges. The Unit through the Office of the Prime Minister will continue to collaborate with regional and international partners this year for assistance with training and institutional strengthening. We will draw on the cooperation and good relations that it now enjoys with friendly Governments in promoting the advancement of national initiatives,” said Mr. Edmeade in the St. Christopher and Nevis Estimates for 2012 which outlines the plans and priorities for 2012.

With the support of the Federal Government, the Anti-Crime Unit said it will this year focus on several programmes and initiatives, taking advantage of opportunities offered to improve the delivery of service to the public at large.

These include developing increased interoperability of the Security Agencies with the implementation of the Closed User Group initiative which makes provision for improved inter-sectoral collaboration through communication with private sector partnership, institutional strengthening initiatives that will result in their vision and introduction of new laws with provision for stiffer penalties and improved systems, infrastructural development and modernization of Police Stations in Tabernacle and Sandy Point and the refurbishment of the other stations.

“It is intended that the construction of additional barracks at Camp Springfield will be undertaken. Implementation of the revised Strategic Action Plan by the law enforcement agency outlining robust crime reduction and detection strategies, increased patrols and intelligence gathering. Improved information technology application in law enforcement in the processing of crime scenes and as part of the investigative technique and improved networking and information sharing. Effectuate the establishment of a robust data collection mechanism on crime and violence prevention in collaboration with the Organization of American States. Endeavour to host a Crime and Violence Prevention Conference and to participate actively in regional and international initiatives designed to address the issue of crime and violence and the establishment of a vibrant public relations machinery to keep the public and stakeholders in general abreast of

Developments that relate to the operations of the Ministry and its agencies,” said the document.

The Chief Secretary said despite the inherent challenges that can impact the effective implementation of new initiatives, the Ministry will remain fully seized of and committed to its key responsibilities and will advance with confidence in fulfilling its mandate.