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Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 18, 2019 (SKNIS): Plans by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to enhance the skills of the men and women in law enforcement through training in 2019 are already being implemented with the hosting of a five-day workshop in Close Protection.

Twenty-three officers from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) are the beneficiaries of the January 14 to 18 workshop which covered a variety of topics, all designed to keep high value individuals safe as they go about their daily lives.

One of the course participants, Constable Ian Hanley, welcomed the training, as the security forces are preparing to host the 30^th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) taking place on February 26 and 27, 2019, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.

“The training is about protecting VIPs (Very Important Persons) so it’s very intense, it’s a lot of hard work because you are putting your life on the line for your country,” said Constable Ian Hanley, adding that he and others are enjoying the challenge.  

The training is being conducted by a team from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. One of the training instructors, Jennifer Lacelle, credited the local police officers for the enthusiasm exhibited throughout the five-days.

“They’ve been awesome. They have been so eager and really excited to participate in everything,” she stated. “They’ve being taking [in] everything we are saying and applying all the principles and tactics and it has been a pleasure working with all of them.”

At a press conference on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris said that last year, 155 police officers received training. Forty-three of the officers were trained in overseas countries. He said additional training opportunities will be forthcoming as the year progresses.