PRIME MINISTER DR. DREW REITERATES SUPPORT FOR THE POLICE FORCE AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRESSIVE AGENDA

Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 16, 2022 (SKNIS): The men and women serving in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) are at the forefront of preserving peace and security across the Federation. Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew during a meeting with the rank and file of the Police on August 16, 2022, reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening the Police Force as part of the progressive agenda.
 
“Going forward, therefore, your Government understands that societal peace and stability are vital for achieving our progressive agenda. But first and foremost, there must be due attention to justice, natural justice, social justice, economic justice, environmental justice and workplace justice. Accordingly, the strength of the Police service is top priority. So, what does this mean? It means that our people must see, hear and feel your presence in a constructive manner. For example, it is your Government’s position that patrolling is the essence of community policing. Yes, police stations have their roles, but nothing beats direct and dynamic engagement with the people,” said Prime Minister Dr. Drew.
 
Prime Minister Dr. Drew further stated that the Government will ensure that members of the Police Force are comfortable in their workplace environments when executing their duties, noting that police officers constantly place themselves in the line of danger.
 
“I know that the maintenance of law is hard, stressful and tiring. Therefore, I pledge as your Minister of National Security to do all I can to ensure that you receive decent wages relative to your work, that you are adequately resourced to act on and respond to genuine needs at a moment’s notice, and that equal opportunities for improvement and advancement are extended to all. Residents and visitors pay taxes and fees, they have high expectations and they deserve excellent services. You deserve optimal support. I commit to working assiduously to achieve both ends simultaneously because the Police cannot be expected to do much will little,” said Prime Minister Dr. Drew.
 
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis will work with the Police Welfare Department to improve the opportunities available to police officers in the Federation in an effort to build human capacity in the Police Force.