BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 22ND, 2017 (PRESS SEC) – The Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, says the Christmas season makes the public more cognizant of the crucial roles the police, security forces and emergency personnel play in our society.
“This is a season when we as Christians reflect upon the significance of Jesus’ birth. Concurrently, it is also a hectic time for police, security forces and emergency personnel around the world, putting into sharp relief the significance of your presence and function in our societies,” Prime Minister Harris writes in a Christmas message addressed to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
The Honourable Prime Minister adds, “Consider that Christmas time and New Year’s celebrations, statistically speaking, register an increase in deaths and injuries globally, from accidental shootings and other gun-related incidents; drunk driving; heart attacks; house fires, and strokes, just to name some factors.”
The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis notes, “This means that, year after year, the public depends on the police more than ever during the holidays, and December 2017 is no exception.”
Prime Minister Harris goes on to note that, here in St. Kitts and Nevis, “this season has shaped up to be exceptionally busy for all the right reasons.”
In his Christmas message, the Honourable Prime Minister points to the booming cruise sector, which is expected to bring close to 275,000 visitors this month, translating into more than US $30 million in cruise passenger spend. Dr. Harris also says that, next Monday and Tuesday – Christmas Day and Boxing Day – seven cruise ships are expected to dock in St. Kitts on each day.
“The Ministry of Tourism has held advance consultations with the Ministries of Health and National Security, as well as with other stakeholders on this matter,” Prime Minister Harris writes.
“In light of both the aforementioned and the noticeable gains that have been made this year by the personnel in these Ministries and other key agencies, the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis are therefore assured that the police, security forces and emergency personnel can rise to any challenge that might present itself, as they have capably done in the past,” the Honourable Prime Minister adds.
