St Kitts and Nevis government allocated $86.1M to National Securities in 2021: PM Harris

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Timothy Harris stated that the safety and security of every citizen and resident remain the primary responsibility of the Team Unity-led Government. During the leadership matters on Tuesday, PM Harris called on all in society to cooperate with law enforcement officers to maintain peace and security in St Kitts and Nevis.

Prime Minister stated that in 2019, St. Kitts and Nevis recorded a significant reduction in homicides from 23 to 13, while a  further reduction to ten was recorded in 2020. He said the non-fatal shooting and gang activity are at the lowest levels in recent history.

Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris also stated that to improve the execution of duties and boost the morale of law enforcement officers, the Team Unity Government closed dilapidated police stations in Old Road and St. Paul's and commenced the construction of new modern facilities in New Castle and Sandy Point. Prime Minister stated that the government increased risk to pay for officers and displacement allowances for those working in Nevis but residing in St Kitts, and vice versa. He said the government also facilitated better training for police officers to facilitate faster breakthroughs and crime-solving. Prime Minister said that the administration also equipped agencies with the necessary equipment and technology to combat today's criminals, including CCTV cameras, additional patrol vehicles and enhancement of forensic capabilities of the Police Force. Furthermore, he stated that his government facilitated and supported the Peace Initiative to control intergang rivalry, crime, and homicide. Nevertheless, adding accomplishments of his 'Team Unity-led government' Prime Minister Timothy Harris stated that he also passed the largest budgetary allocation for National Security in the nation's history at a high of $99.2 million, and in 2021 the government provided a further $86.1 million. He said that the infrastructural and other support to the Police in Nevis has significantly increased under the Team Unity-led government. "The government contributed in excess of $2.4 million towards the construction and furnishing of the New Castle Police Station and the CCTV Surveillance System in Nevis being expanded at a cost the cost of5 million" added PM Timothy Harris. Prime Minister stated that over the last four years, St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force has maintained a presence of soldiers on Nevis to support the work of the police there. This has helped contain and reduce major crimes on the island. "Prioritization is currently being given for repairs to stations in Gingerland, Cotton Ground, the Butler's Barracks and Bath Barracks, as well as the Division Headquarters in Charlestown," stated PM Harris.