Dr. Douglas said in an address honouring retiring Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Richardson, “As the principal law enforcement agency in the Federation, you have been tasked with ensuring that our nation and our people are able to go about their business in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. You have been charged to execute your responsibility in a professional and productive manner at all times.”

He continued, “However you have to sustain the operations that have proven to be successful to date and which will continue to have a positive impact on crime reduction in St. Kitts and Nevis. You must use your knowledge and your expertise to demonstrate, to all, that you are not overwhelmed by the criminal elements that dared to infiltrate our various communities.”

Douglas also noted “Our citizens are pleased and have already begun to express and demonstrate their willingness to work with you in sharing critical information that is improving your crime detection rates and investigation capabilities,” said the Prime Minister, who also urged the law men to “embrace the partnership of the coalition of civil society members for safety and security who are pleased to join with Government in investing their resources in initiatives that will result in improved mechanisms because there is strength and success in unity.”

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has reiterated its full commitment to the people of the twin-island Federation to ensure that safety and security remains an area of priority, especially considering its paramount importance to all aspects of development in the twin-island nation.