By: Drizel Hanley
BASSETRRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 6th September 2018)– Yesterday (Wednesday), former Minister of National Security, Dwyer Astaphan- a well-known radio talk show personality- was announced as the Chairman of the newly-formed National Security Strategy Formulation Committee (NSSFC).
Such announcement was made during a press conference held at Police Training Complex whereby Attorney General Vincent ‘Juicy’ Byron Jr., officially publicised the formation and approval of the group.
The other unveiled members include retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Liburd; Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Timothy Antoine; Drug Prevention Officer Newrish Nital; Acting Director of Youth Empowerment, Pierre Liburd, Pastor Lincoln Hazell, Errol Wilkinson, Michelle de la Coudray- Blake and Donald Cable.
The former National Security Minister, a lawyer by profession, thanked the Ministry of National Security for choosing him and promised to do all in his power not to disappoint.
He further noted that the fight against crime is everybody’s business hence one must take an objective and holistic approach in an effort to combat the scourge in crime on St. Kitts and Nevis.
Astaphan held that governmental portfolio under the former St.Kitts-Nevis Party Dr. Denzil Douglas-led administration.
In 2008, he tendered resigned after serving three consecutive terms as the Parliamentary Representative of Constituency Two (Central Basseterre). He was Minister of National Security, Immigration and Labour.
At present, he is a host on a weekly programme called ‘Operation Rescue’ aired on WINNFM which addresses various topics including politics and crime.
Meanwhile Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Osmond Petty, at this week’s press conference, said the formation of this committee forms part of the National Security Architectural Framework.
“As part of this strategy document, there will be a review of public sector ministries, departments and agencies and the development and implementation of various social intervention programmes.”
Petty added that the information garnered by this committee will be submitted in a report to Cabinet, who will decide the way forward based on the report.
According to him, the committee was allotted four (4) months to complete the task and that an extension may be given if necessary.
According to National Security Advisor, (Ret.) Major General Stewart Saunders the purpose of such a committee is to “formulate a strategic plan that is designed to take a robust approach to enhance public safety in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
He further noted that the committee will concoct a National Security Strategy Policy which will underscore methods to can be used in relation to public safety.
In touching on the review of government institutions, Maj. General Saunders noted that review may be conducted in institutions such as the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, Her Majesty’s Prison, Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department, and others involved in homeland protection.
He said that there must be a coherence within the agencies and consideration is being given to incorporate private security firms to assist security efforts.