BASSETERRE, St Kitts — St Kitts-Nevis said that its security apparatus continued to be strengthened with the increase of manpower and equipment; the employment of new tactics and strategies; implementation of social intervention programmes; and other related measures that have resulted in a sustained downward trend in crime in recent years.

According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, the completion of Phase One of the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) project that saw 345 cameras mounted around Basseterre and its environs; the growth of the Explorers Movement that positively engaged children; and the current training of 37 recruits at the Police Training Complex are some of the initiatives that have enhanced citizen security.

“However, one point that federal government officials insist should not be overlooked is the contribution of the national security adviser (NSA), Retired Major General Stewart Saunders,” said the release.

“Major General Saunders took up the post as NSA on August 1, 2017. He possesses over 40 years of distinguished public service in Jamaica, where he regularly engaged in developing anti-crime strategies at operational and policy levels. In St Kitts and Nevis, his duties involve advising the government on matters relating to national security; assisting in the coordination of national security activities among various government agencies; encouraging and facilitating cooperation among national security agencies; and instituting structures and systems to ensure effectiveness and efficacy in the delivery of national security services.

“We are satisfied up to this day that he has added value to the work and the work is largely advisory, the work is largely setting systems in place and we are getting there,” said Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, during a recent radio programme.

The sentiment was shared by Commissioner of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force Ian Queeley, who said on Thursday that the NSA was doing; “a commendable job”.

The police chief said that General Saunders provides “sound advice to the police force” and his wealth of knowledge shaped by his decades of experience and has added “great value to the national security architecture”.

Head of the St Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKDDF) Lieutenant Colonel J Anthony Comrie also credited the retired Jamaican Defence Force official for helping to enhance standard operations at Camp Springfield.

“The SKNDF has nothing but praise for the national security adviser,” he stated.

Accessing local and regional training for the men and women of the ranks, on a variety of security related topics, was one area cited by Lt Col Comrie. This included courses from the University of the West Indies. Other areas cited were enhancing the intelligence gathering capabilities of the organisation, and recommending best practices to improve operations.

Specialised training for security officials to address issues in national security and crisis management was also coordinated by the NSA, the release said.