St Kitts PM says Regional Security System having positive impact on crime

Prime Minister St Kitts and Nevis Dr Timothy Harris Law enforcement personnel from the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS) are having a positive impact on the occurrence of crime in the Federation with law-abiding citizens pleased with their assistance to reduce the incidences of crime.

“Every person who believes in law-and-order has welcomed the efforts of the Government,” Dr. Harris said, while adding that, “The country breathes a sigh of relief and thinks that the Government is doing the right thing in ensuring that things do not get out of hand.”

The RSS forces began arriving in the Federation on Wednesday, Oct. 10 and have since been providing additional resources to complement the efforts of the local law enforcement agencies in their fight against crime.

Prime Minister Harris, who is also Minister of National Security, told members of the press in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Oct. 23 that, after being on the ground for about two weeks, the regional forces have helped to create a greater dimension of peace and security for citizens, residents and visitors.

“What they are doing basically is to add to greater visibility in our streets. They are ensuring that the so-called ‘hot spots,’ which are well-known, are sufficiently policed. The areas are better managed so that those whose intentions are on pursuing criminal activity appreciate that there are consequences if they are caught,” Dr. Harris added.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister was at the time speaking at a press conference, which concluded the 66th Meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Authority in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr. Harris added, “They [RSS forces] have gelled-well with the local law enforcement bodies, they are well-accommodated, they are well-satisfied and we expect to have efficacious outcomes as a result.”

The Prime Minister said his Team Unity Administration intends to use this time of calm to look at other measures that can be implemented “to help sustain the peace dividend that we are enjoying.”

Dr. Harris disclosed that this is not the first time the RSS forces were deployed to St. Kitts and Nevis to supplement the efforts of local law enforcement in addressing crime in the country. In fact, under the previous administration, the Regional Security System was invited in the country in 2011. The record for homicides in a single year in the Federation occurred that same year when 35 homicides were committed in St. Kitts and Nevis.