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Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 16, 2019 (SKNIS): The deployment of security officials under the Regional Security System (RSS) in support of law enforcement operations in St. Kitts and Nevis will continue in 2019.

Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, addressed the topic during his monthly press conference on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, by saying: “They will be here as long as the High Command of our security forces deem the support to be necessary.”

The RSS was deployed in St. Kitts and Nevis in October 2018 to complement the local security forces. The additional manpower has resulted in several successes by law enforcement, including the seizure of 37 illegal firearms in 2018.

“The presence of the RSS provides the opportunity for enhanced learning and training for the Police Force and for building its capacity to work in operations across law enforcement agencies at home and abroad,” Prime Minister Harris stated.

“Our citizens, residents and visitors are deeply appreciative of the work of our law enforcement officers and I encourage our security officers to exhibit utmost professionalism when serving and protecting our people. I wish to place on record my appreciation and gratitude to the Member States of the RSS for their contribution to the enhanced peace and security which we have experienced since October 2018.  I commend Acting Commissioner [of Police] Hilroy Brandy, the High Command, and all other officers, on a job well done,” Dr. Harris added.

The prime minister noted that: “The RSS is a critical asset available to all member states.” These are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  

“We [St. Kitts and Nevis] are the only country in the sub-region, the OECS plus Barbados that is regular … and up-to-date in our payments to the RSS.  In fact, over the last 4 years we have contributed $7.4 million as membership dues to RSS. This is our contribution to the preservation of regional security,” Dr. Harris said.