“As part of their orientation when they come here, they are briefed appropriately about our laws,” Prime Minister Harris stated, while noting, “Not that our laws are so different from those in Antigua just 15 minutes away, or from Dominica or Saint Lucia. The legal framework is essentially the same, so they understand the law, but they are briefed and they are oriented properly.”
The Prime Minister was at the time responding to a question posed during his most recent monthly press conference on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 surrounding “some complaints and concerns about abuse of power.” The reporter followed up by asking, “What checks are in place to ensure the RSS officers – or any other police officer for that matter – do not abuse his or her power?”
Dr. Harris said the majority of these claims are as a result of “calculated efforts by the Opposition to stir up discord, ill will and disaffection” toward the RSS.
The Honourable Prime Minister added that where there are legitimate claims against officers from the RSS or any other law enforcement officer, those matters can be taken to the Office of Professional Standards within the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force for action.
“We have within our [police] force…persons who are charged with enforcing the requisite rules and regulations to ensure proper conduct and behaviour. So anyone who is aggrieved knows that there is a due process which they can access, and we encourage them to do so,” said the Prime Minister.
Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris ended by encouraging members of the public to continue partnering with the law enforcement agencies in the interest of maintaining peace and security in the country.
