Retired JDF chief helping St Kitts with ‘humanistic approach’ to crime-fighting
BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris says newly appointed national security advisor Retired Major General Stewart Saunders fully supports his Administration’s “holistic and humanistic approach to fighting crime”.
“The general understands and has emphasised that we need a holistic approach to crime-fighting in St Kitts and Nevis,” Harris said about the federation’s new chief professional advisor on national security matters.
“There must be a humanistic approach,” the prime minister said, while asserting his Administration’s commitment to elevating the dignity of citizens and residents and ensuring that they are given opportunities and skills not only to improve their life circumstances and chances, but also to be safe from the scourge of crime.
Harris told Parliament earlier this week that the retired major general has a long history and an avid interest in doing outreach to young people and vulnerable groups.
“For instance, when he led the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) as its chief of defence staff from 2007 up to his retirement in 2010, Major General Stewart Saunders signed a memorandum of understanding on behalf of the JDF that would positively impact the lives of many young people.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the evolution of this partnership that I hope will grow from strength to strength, delivering the desired impact needed to build a better Jamaica,” Major Saunders said.
His appointment was approved by the Cabinet last month, following several meetings with high-ranking members of the security forces and other stakeholders.
In a statement issued shortly after the appointment was made, the prime minister said the retired army official gave “a firm commitment” that he would do all he could to reverse the trend of crime and violence in St Kitts and Nevis.
“The problem does not exist in St Kitts and Nevis alone, but it’s a wider Caribbean problem. Your concern, however, is for the state and I appreciate that very much, and I assure you that I shall do everything within my powers to ensure that this state is brought back to normality,” Saunders then said.
