BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 17, 2018 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris says the Leader of the Opposition is attempting to create division amongst the people as it relates to the presence in St. Kitts and Nevis of officers from the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS).

The Prime Minister noted that in the context where the Leader of the Opposition had written to regional Heads of Government in an attempt to stop the deployment of RSS officers to St. Kitts and Nevis, “There would be calculated efforts by the Opposition to stir up discord, ill will and disaffection, and this is what has been playing out.”

The Honourable Prime Minister said this action points to the high level of hypocrisy that exists within the Opposition camp, as he noted that it was the Opposition members who used various radio programmes and their social media platforms to speak out against crime in the country. 

“When we are attempting to do something to rectify what they identified as a crisis in the country, they are the very ones who [are now attempting] to stop that positive development and to prevent our people from enjoying what the vast majority are now enjoying,” Prime Minister Harris said, referring to the enhanced visibility and operations of the security forces.  

Since officers of the RSS commenced their joint security operations with local law enforcement in St. Kitts and Nevis in October, citizens and residents have experienced a heightened sense of safety and security in the country. 

This teamwork between local law enforcement and their colleagues from the RSS, which has brought forth an improved security environment, has not gone unappreciated by members of the public. Dozens of citizens and residents have used various forums such as radio call-in programmes, as well as town hall-styled public meetings, to express their gratitude for the services being provided and the Government’s decision to reach out to the regional body.