BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, January 23, 2019 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister)– Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris; Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Shawn Richards; Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilroy Brandy, and Fire Chief, Mr. Everette O’Garro today (Wednesday, January 23) symbolically turned the sod, effectively signaling the start of construction on the new multi-purpose Sandy Point Police Station.
Also in attendance to witness the ground-breaking ceremony were Cabinet Ministers the Honourable Vance Amory; the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd; the Honourable Lindsay Grant; the Honourable Eugene Hamilton, and Senator the Honourable Wendy Phipps. Other members of the police High Command as well as senior government officials and residents of Sandy Point were also present for the ceremony.
Located at Bouncing Hill, Sandy Point, the 10,834 square feet facility will house four different governmental departments, namely: the Sandy Point Police Station, the Fire and Rescue Services, the Magistrate Court and the Customs Department.
While delivering remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony, Commissioner Brandy said upon completion, the new facility will undoubtedly meet the needs and demand of police officers serving in that area.
Deputy Prime Minister Richards, who is the Parliamentary Representative for Sandy Point, was beaming with pride and satisfaction, as he noted that the building of a new police station in that community was among one of the first things for which he lobbied upon being elected Parliamentary Representative.
“Some 25 years or so ago, the former administration took a decision when the police station became no longer conducive to housing the police officers, the fire officers and indeed the court house and began renting premises in Sandy Point. When one looks at the amount of money which has been paid in rent over the years, it has become even more of a vexing issue because indeed the money which had been paid probably paid off for the building which had been rented and could have paid for a brand new police station,” Deputy Prime Minister Richards stated.
The new Sandy Point Police Station is estimated at a cost of over $5.5 million.
Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, said that once completed, the new facility will be one that is truly responsive to the diverse requirements of citizens and residents. Dr. Harris added, “It will have handicap accessible ramps, a communication office, proper space for interviews and it will have an open deck area. It will be able to house at least two fire trucks and there will be 30 parking spaces available here.”
“What we are doing is part of the continuing efforts of the Team Unity Government to keep our country safe and secure, and to ensure the safety and comfort of all those charged with the mandate to serve and to protect us,” Prime Minister Harris continued.
The new Sandy Point Police Station project will be executed by local company, Skeete and Associates, under the management of the Public Works Department.
The project is expected to be completed in February, 2020.
