Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 29, 2016 (SKNIS): In his address to open the Police Week of Activities on October 29, 2016, under the theme “Creating a Better Federation through Enhanced Citizen Safety”, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, said that “Police services are critical to our quality of life and development and we should pause at regular intervals to salute our fine men and women in uniform.”
Reflecting on the theme for Police Week, Prime Minister Harris underscored the importance of creating safe communities.
“Creating safer communities for everyone is fundamental for nation building. I want everyone: nationals, residents, visitors and businesses to feel safe and secure in St Kitts and Nevis and for us to be a law abiding nation,” he said.
He said that creating safe communities is not only the work of the Police but that every man and woman has a part to play in bringing about this. This, he said, requires partnership with the Police.
“But who creates that safe environment? Well, we naturally look to our police officers as upholders of the law to do this – but they can only do this when they walk hand in hand, step by step, with each and every one of you. In order to do this, they need to build better relationships with people in our communities across the Federation and that is what Police Week is about,” Dr. Harris said.
“In an attempt to keep the communities and citizens safe, the citizens and police must cooperate. Law enforcement must perform its duties without fear and favour while being sympathetic. Officers must display an attitude that would encourage community collaboration to build confidence in the relationship between law enforcement and the communities,” he added.
He stressed on the importance of social cohesion and said that “improving citizen security requires us to place greater emphasis on activities to prevent and control the factors that generate violence and insecurity in our communities, rather than merely engaging in reactive behaviours to consummated acts.”
“Creating a community where citizens have a peace of mind with regards to crime is a fundamental component of economic development,” said the Minister of National Security.
After a ten year hiatus, Police Week has been reactivated and the prime minister encouraged communities to participate in the Police Week of Activities.
“So I say to everyone across the nation, take up the invitation to participate in the events slated to mark Police Week. You can find out more about the events on the Police Facebook page. There is something in there for everyone. Go out and enjoy yourselves and the company of each other and support our police service in their noble efforts to work more closely with you to build the kind of society that gives you peace of mind and of which you can be truly proud,” he said
“In a sense this is what Police Week is about, it’s about sharing our common humanity, worshipping together, taking part in sports, ceremonies, parades, social activities and simply conversing,” Prime Minister Harris added.
On Sunday October 30, there is a Worship Service at Zion Moravian Church at 9:30 am and a Police Road Relay from Challengers to Basseterre at 3:00 pm. On October 31, there is a Police Grand Parade through the streets of Basseterre at 9:00 am. On Saturday October 29, the Police had a Health Walk.
