The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has strongly condemned remarks made by Dr. Timothy Harris, labelling his recent criticisms as misleading and undermining of the ongoing national efforts to combat crime and violence.
Dr. Harris, during a press conference last week, accused the police of failing to communicate with the family of Azziwah Niles-Jones, a political activist tragically killed in August.
The police force, however, has firmly rejected these claims, asserting that they have maintained regular and sensitive contact with the family since the incident.
The police, in an official statement, described Dr. Harris’s comments as “baseless” and harmful, noting that they “misrepresent the facts and disrespect the dedicated efforts of officers who are working tirelessly to tackle violent crime and support victims’ families.” According to the police, officers have kept the family of Niles-Jones informed through multiple channels, including home visits and private meetings, which were sometimes rescheduled at the family’s request due to their emotional distress.
“Any suggestion that we have been neglectful in our duties is not only untrue but detracts from the significant progress we are making in addressing violent crime across the Federation,” the statement read. “These accusations threaten to erode the public’s trust at a time when the police, alongside the government, are working around the clock to ensure the safety and security of our communities.”
The rebuke comes against the backdrop of the government’s ongoing 90-Day Campaign Against Crime and Violence, which has already seen a surge in public engagement and support. The initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, has included Community Conversations, aimed at fostering greater dialogue between law enforcement, government officials, and the public. These sessions have had an overwhelming turnout, gathering valuable data that is being used by the Citizen Security Secretariat to develop strategies for crime reduction and community-building.
The police force emphasised the positive reception of these efforts, highlighting that they form part of a broader approach to combatting the root causes of crime through community involvement. In this context, Dr. Harris’s criticisms were seen as an unwarranted distraction from the real progress being made on the ground.
Critics of Dr. Harris have pointed out that his comments may be politically motivated, aimed at creating division rather than promoting constructive solutions. His accusations come at a time when the Federation is experiencing widespread public support for its crime-fighting initiatives, and many have questioned the timing and intent behind his remarks.
“Instead of fostering division and making baseless claims, what we need is for all leaders to rally behind the police and government’s efforts to address the issue of crime and violence,” noted one government official. “Dr. Harris’s comments only serve to undermine the work being done, both by law enforcement and the wider community, to restore peace and security.”
While Dr. Harris has stood by his criticism, the police force, with backing from the government, remains focused on its mission to reduce crime and enhance community safety. The overwhelming turnout for the government led Community Conversations consultations demonstrates that citizens are willing to engage and support the police in this crucial fight against violence.
As the 90-Day Campaign progresses, it is expected that these consultations will lead to concrete measures that will further improve communication between law enforcement and the public, dispelling any unfounded concerns about transparency or neglect. The government’s commitment to strengthening its citizen security framework is clear, and the support of the police is an integral part of that success.
The ongoing focus on rebuilding trust and community collaboration suggests that the Federation is on the right path, and despite distractions from detractors, there is growing optimism that these efforts will yield meaningful, long-term results.
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