The federal government is moving into a more powerful approach to combat crime in the Federation — deter, detect, deny and detain offenders.
This is the vow of Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris who says the intent of police forces on St. Kitts and Nevis is to make life uncomfortable for offenders.
Dr. Harris revealed the new strategy in the wake of mounting criticism for the government to do something to stop an unprecedented increase in homicides and wounding by young men armed with guns.
He updated the National Assembly Tuesday, Aug. 23. As Minister of National Security, he promised that police would step up their efforts to control violent crime. He also advised citizens to cooperate with the effort and not obstruct police in carrying out their duties.
‘We need to take a stand, a serious stand, over what is happening in our country and we are either going to stand with law and order or with the criminals,” he declared. “We have to draw a line in the sand and make up our minds to what it is we want.
“The safety of the country must come first. When criminals are prepared to shoot anywhere in McKnight, in Basseterre, by banks and churches, it is time to draw the line.”
Among the areas where police will focus their interest are crime mapping and crime analysis. The Prime Minister said an improvement in these areas will give law enforcement a better understanding of what faces them in bringing peace back to the Federation.
The questions police face daily are where, when, how, to whom and why violent acts occur, he said.
“We will continue to seek expert assistance…through information and intelligence that form the foundation to deal with the problem ass outlined in the police Six Point Plan and our overarching strategic framework,’ he added.
Dr. Harris promised that the Ministry of National Security will continue to have stakeholders study the root causes of increased criminal violence in the Federation. This will help define what role they can play in improving the safety of citizens. He implored parents to control their children and guide their actions in a constructive manner. He also promised that existing laws will be reviewed and implemented to ensure that parents are held accountable where applicable.
He stated, ‘The government has not ruled out vigorously pursuing any initiative that will remove and bring an end to the upsurge of cvriminal activity to bring relief to the people of this Federation.” He said there are far too many funerals of young islanders killed by guns and too many parents who will not see their children grow to maturity. And he challenged citizens who love and support the country to choose a side and take a stand.
