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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 15, 2018 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Board convened a meeting earlier today (Thursday, March 15) at Government Headquarters, where pertinent matters surrounding the advancement of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) were addressed.

 

Thursday’s meeting saw Major J. Anthony Comrie introduced as the Board’s newest member, after assuming command of the Defence Force effective Thursday, March 1. Major Comrie took over the reins of the Defence Force from Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Wallace, who is now retired.

 

The three other members of the Defence Board are Chairman, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, who serves as chairman; Attorney General, the Honourable Vincent Byron Jr, and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Osmond Petty, who is the Secretary of the Board.

 

The primary function of the Board is to provide support in the running of the SKNDF, which comprises the Infantry and the Coast Guard. The Board has oversight for all the activities of the SKNDF.

 

According to Permanent Secretary Petty, the Defence Board made a decision to include National Security Advisor, (Ret.) Major General Stewart Saunders, to participate in Thursday’s meeting based on its agenda.

 

Mr. Petty further noted that the agenda for Thursday’s meeting included matters relating to the administration of the Board, the establishment of a Commissions Board for the SKNDF, the promotion of Major Comrie as well as disciplinary matters within the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force.

 

He added, “We have of course a new Commander in Major Anthony Comrie and this is his first meeting. The Board meets as regularly as possible to deal with matters of urgent interest and which require attention, and given that we have a new commander on board, today’s meeting is especially important because there are a number of matters that have to be dealt with.”

 

The Defence Board is a requirement of the St. Christopher and Nevis Defence Force Act, Chapter 19.14 of the revised laws of St. Christopher and Nevis.