In an opening ceremony on Monday, 1st October, 2012, Commissioner of Police C.G Walwyn welcomed all the officials here to St. Kitts and Nevis.
Walwyn indicated that starting some months ago, police officers in the federation have been undertaking similar training techniques to that of Police officers in the United States.
He also said spoke about other initiatives introduced by the police force, describing them as “working”, in the fight against crime in the federation, which he said is on a decrease.
Walwyn said that they look forward as a police force and a country, to facilitate the discussions and will stand by in full support of the RSS, in implementing whatever procedures that will continue to improve the training of the police officers and help to reduce crime.
Director of Operation and Training for the RSS, Commander Tyrone James recognized the invaluable support of the Government of Canada, who provided financial provisions through the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), and technical support through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
He also specially recognized the staff at the Canadian High Commission in Barbados, and thanked them for the excellent support provided to the RSS over the years.
“Our relationship could only be described as excellent, symbiotic, and seamless,” James said.
He stated that although thousands of miles to the north, the Government of Canada saw the RSS as an organization of competent leadership; an institution with a proven track record of meeting its mandate, and one that has provided positive measurable outcomes in the fulfilment of its plans and the attainment of its objectives.
Permanent Secretary in the office of the Prime Minister, Astona Browne, while giving the Featured Address said that it is imperative that security personnel cope with the reality that changing cultural values significantly impact the current crime trend in the region.
She added that more than ever, the people have come to appreciate the increase interdependence among the member states of the international community, in addressing transnational organised crime.
The training workshop has drawn officials from Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica and St. Vincent & the Grenadines, who are meeting at the Bird Rock Beach Hotel Conference Room, from 1st – 5th October 2012