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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May 23, 2018 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris had very lively discussions with members of Division C of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force earlier today, Wednesday, May 23 at the Charlestown Police Station.

 

The prime minister was accompanied at that meeting by Minister of Public Infrastructure, Post, Urban Development and Transport, the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd and the high command of the Police Force.

 

Prime Minister Harris, who serves simultaneously as Minister of National Security and Minister of Finance, described Wednesday’s meeting as highly productive, stating, “I secured a deeper appreciation by the police that they had to work even better at meeting public expectations for St. Kitts and Nevis to become the safest place on earth.”

 

The honourable prime minister added, “Many of the officers are already committed to excellence.”

 

Prime Minister Harris, in response to several issues brought up by the officers, announced several beneficial commitments to law enforcement officers including increase in traveling allowances, increase in displacement allowances, consideration of relocation allowances for recruits from throughout the OECS sub-region and making lands available for OECS nationals on the same terms as nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis consistent with OECS Treaty obligations.

 

The National Security Minister also gave his support for advanced training by police officers and for the resumption of extra duty allowances, as well as the comprehensive review of Police Day.

 

Additionally, the prime minister encouraged the officers to participate in the EC$30 million housing and property ownership initiative, as well as the Agriculture Support Fund for those interested in agriculture or fishing. Both initiatives take effect from June 1, 2018.

 

Prime Minister Harris also urged the security personnel to take full advantage of the Fresh Start Programme which will see the injection of an additional EC$8 million.