A joint press release from the St. Kitts Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC), the Ministry of National Security and NOGs, was issued on Tuesday (21st June) and informs that a meeting was requested by Minister Condor and held on Monday (20th June) amongst these entities.
At the commencement of the meeting, according to the release, Minister Condor agreed that the crime level in the federation is alarming and a “grave threat to the economy and development of the country”.
Concerning the 10-point crime-fighting initiative which he informed the nation of earlier this year, Condor communicated his government’s determination to “take the necessary action within the law to restore the security and good name of the country” and further noted that some portions of the plan have already been implemented.
“Minister Condor indicated that a new Commissioner of Police will shortly be appointed. He also confirmed his unwavering commitment to item 9 in the Anti-Crime lnitiative to ‘employ measures that would ensure that the administrative leadership of this very critical Ministry is re-ordered in a manner that would render improved communications, order and efficiency.’ He indicated that the Crime Task Force would shortly present its report and that a cross-sectoral, high powered commission would be appointed to advise on and monitor implementation of the medium and long term solutions recommended by the Task Force and/or otherwise approved.”
The communiqué explains that one of the main topics discussed was the capacity of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force to effectually address issues of crime.
“There was substantial discussion in the two and a half hour meeting on the capacity of the Police Force to effectively reverse the levels of criminal activity. lt was agreed that improvements at every level of the Force are essential for its success in this effort. The representatives present of the Civil Society Organisations pledged their strong commitment to boosting the morale and public image of the Force.”
In effort to boost the law-enforcement body’s capacity, corporate citizens have reiterated their commitment to provide financial assistance in procuring the resources necessary to perform their duties. The also agreed that should the fight against crime be effective there must be “complete unity among all sectors of the country” and that it “should not be politicised”.
NGOs which were represented at the meeting are: the St. Kitts Nevis Chamber of lndustry and Commerce, the St. Kitts-Nevis Hotel & Tourism Association, the St. Kitts-Nevis Contractors Association, the St. Christopher National Trust, the St Christopher Children’s Home & Service League, the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association, the St. Kitts Evangelical Association, the St. Kitts Christian Council, the Realtors of the Federation and the St. Kitts Taxi Association.
“The meeting commended the Minister for his initiative in reaching out to Civil Society in this and other meetings which he has held or plans to hold, and confirmed its total support for the Government’s firm stand against crime.”