Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas after assuming the post of Minister of National Security said that he has sought to give heavy focus on law and order.

“In particular, I am of the view that the issue of crime is an urgent priority that requires continuous attention at the highest policy level. I share the view of the Dwyer Astaphan that crime is a cross cutting issue that requires policy interventions spanning numerous governmental activities including social, community and youth development, growth and employment, education, and law enforcement.”

He said crime continues to be a challenge and the Government is working with the security forces to bring a higher level of comfort to residents, visitors and investors alike.

We are currently in discussion with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to assist the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force to upgrade its management practices. Meanwhile, we continue to provide training of force personnel in order to improve skill levels. We are addressing the concerns of the Police Welfare Association and also the concerns of the members of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force within the means of the country to improve the work environment of the Police Force and the Defence Force, said Dr. Douglas.

A new PAM Administration will provide more police on the streets to patrol and protect our people; we will create better working conditions for our security forces; invest in new and modern equipment for crime detection and prevention and develop a meaningful community police outreach program that would make our neighbourhoods safer.

A new PAM Government will aggressively pursue these criminals with the full weight of the law to bring them all to justice and restore the peace and calm that we have not had for the past 14 years.

Under PAM there will be no room for government ministers interfering in the work of the police and no room for the tolerance of criminals.