New Nevis Premier pledges support for police

The new Premier of Nevis has pledged his “genuine support in word and deed” for police officers based on the island.

Mark Brantley is hoping to ensure that Nevis remains safe to live, work and do business.

He was speaking at the annual New Year Celebration Service for the St Christopher and Nevis Police Force, his first official engagement as premier.

“We will ensure that we make things as comfortable as we can for you but we also ask that you give us the necessary effort that is required to ensure that St Kitts and Nevis remains one of the safest places to live and work and to do business,” he said.

Brantley, who is responsible for security on Nevis, expressed appreciation for the officers’ efforts, pointing out that many times they do not get their just due because of harsh public criticism and condemnation when things go wrong.

“I can tell you as premier, I will come to the defence of the police and the Nevis Island Administration will be there shoulder-to-shoulder with the police,” the premier said.

“I think we recognise and we understand and we accept that our development and the development not only of Nevis, but St Kitts and Nevis, depends in large measure on the security forces getting it right.

“If you don’t get it right, it matters little. No other development, frankly, is possible because security is a precondition for meaningful and lasting development.”

He added that it makes little sense for the NIA to talk about the economy, education and healthcare unless the people feel safe on the island.