BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris says the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS) has been invited to deploy forces across the federation.

In an address to the nation late yesterday, Harris said this is yet another initiative undertaken by his administration to enhance the safety and security of all persons on St Kitts and Nevis.

“ We are concerned that there must be a reduction in the incidences of criminal acts in our country.  In this regard, we have over time engaged civil society and our security forces in conversations about what can and should be done,” the prime minister said.

He also disclosed that after consultation with the police high command and other technocrats in the Ministry of National Security , the Cabinet approved a recommendation to invite the RSS.

“The High Command of the Police has advised that the Force would benefit from additional manpower at this time.  The shortage of manpower affects the ability of the Police to properly execute their strategic plan and has prompted the call from them for the RSS to augment the number of security personnel on the ground.”

The RSS forces began arriving last week “and will continue to arrive into St Kitts and Nevis in sufficient numbers to assist our ongoing efforts at ensuring citizen safety and security,” Harris said.

He said RSS members are already deployed throughout the communities with local national security personnel, and it is believed that their presence will help local law enforcement to expand the extent of their coverage of the country.

“This deployment of the RSS to St Kitts and Nevis demonstrates yet another example of the Team Unity Government’s commitment to ensure the safety and security of you, our beloved citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis. The RSS will remain in St. Kitts and Nevis for as long as necessary until the security forces advise that their presence is no longer required,” he said.

St Kitts Nevis is a member of the RSS and financially contributes to support the functioning of the regional security mechanism. 

“That membership and financial contribution oblige the RSS to assist the Federation when necessary.  It is yet another available security asset and my Government will not hesitate to utilise all assets at our disposal to further the peace and security of our country,” Harris noted.

The prime minister also said that the Government continues to appeal to young Kittitians and Nevisians to take advantage of the career opportunities in serving their country as police officers.

He assured citizens that public safety and security “are my Government’s highest priorities and no stone shall be left unturned and no effort or expense spared in ensuring that all Kittitians and Nevisians and all who call St. Kitts and Nevis home are safe and secure”.