“Commissioner Walwyn told the public, that the federation is developing drastically and it has made much significant advancements. He said others can see the leaps and bounds that the people of the federation have made as a proud nation and are willing to make this federation their home.

He added that as a major tourist destination, nationals must be willing to embrace visitors to our shores. Nationals must be ready to welcome our honest visitors.

“They will differ from many of us in many ways, but we must be tolerant and show them the significance of the core values that have distinguished us as a people and as a country, where peace must always abound,” stated Mr. Walwyn, who is the Commissioner of Police for St. Kitts and Nevis.

He continued by saying, “We must become tolerant of those whose appearance, culture and beliefs are different from ours. We must embrace diversity. All residents, whether native-born or landed immigrant, have certain rights afforded them by our constitution,” stated Mr. Walwyn.

Walwyn told the public that they must respect the rights and beliefs of others, whether or not we share their beliefs. He said they have to be mindful and accepting of those who have disabilities. “They have rights which must be protected by law,” stated the Commissioner.

He added that, “Having lived in multi-cultural societies of North America with all its diversity, one learns how to be tolerant. One has to understand that our heritage will demand that we embrace these virtues if we are to live civilly. In preserving our heritage as proud citizens of this federation, we speak of the virtue of compassion. As part of our heritage we operate on the principle of being our brother’s keeper.”

Commissioner added, that there are people in the federation who are compassionate, they reach out to those in need. He went on to say, that as part of the community policing initiative and proactive approaches to crime reduction, there is evidence of outreach programs with public and private sector partnership, as well as social safety nets initiated by the government, which speaks to a level of tangible service where emphasis is on touching lives.

Mr. C G. Walwyn ended by saying, outreach programs must be reinforced at this time.

The Lecture was held at the Old Boys School on Victoria Road on Wednesday, 14th September, 2011, as part of the ongoing celebrations for independence.