They have made significant contributions to many of the successes achieved by the principal law enforcement agency, the Police Force. They have also demonstrated their willingness to venture into the more troubled areas or hot spots on the island, assisting the Police in bringing suspected criminals to justice.
During the annual carnival celebrations in St. Kitts, their presence is felt with their heavy presence, in the bands, patrolling the streets and remaining on standby to handle difficult security operations, extracting “trouble-makers”, who try to disrupt an otherwise peaceful celebration.
A show of legal force through numbers has been used by the Defense Force to warn would be criminals that they are ready to respond to any security challenge. This was demonstrated on Friday 10th June, 2011, when a platoon of soldiers from
Alpha Company of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force marched through the streets of Basseterre.
A spokesman for the military organization, Captain Kayode Sutton, indicated that this was done as a show of strength for the past, present and future of the twin-island Federation.
Captain Sutton stressed that the march served to boost the morale of the soldiers and demonstrated a show of force to persons wishing to engage in antisocial activities.
The captain explained that a route march typically begins at 5:15 a.m. but on Friday the session started at 8:00 a.m. when most Kittitians were either at work or heading there. He said that the march took the soldiers to some areas classified by the security forces as “hot spots.”
The military officer said that the response from the public was encouraging with some residents offering supporting words of encouragement and delight.
He said, “They loved to see us.” “It was a source of inspiration for our men and reassuring for the public that we take their safety and security as paramount.
Sutton promised that the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force will continue to support the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force in the maintenance of law and order.”