Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 11, 2024 (SKNDF): St. Kitts and Nevis successfully hosted the Regional Security System (RSS) Security Chiefs Meeting on October 8 and 9, 2024. The event provided an opportunity to exchange valuable insights and strategies aimed at strengthening the mission to protect their respective nations while strengthening regional cooperation.
The meeting, held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, was chaired by Major Kayode Sutton, Acting Commander of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, who was ably assisted by Commissioner of James Sutton, OF THE Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
Major Sutton emphasized the persistent threats posed by drug and gun smuggling throughout the Caribbean region, which have contributed to rising gun and gang violence in the Federation. Later in his presentation, he provided an overview of the government’s ELEVATE programme, which has successfully assisted many young individuals involved in crime in transitioning to more positive and productive lives.
Similarly, other security chiefs from RSS member states shared the challenges their countries face in combating crime, particularly gun-related violence. They discussed both the solutions that have been implemented and those that are planned for the future.
Brigadier Carlos Lovell, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, proposed a holistic and strategic approach to addressing crime and violence. This perspective was widely supported, including by Major Sutton, who noted that St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew is championing the approach to address violence and crime from a public health perspective.
The RSS Security Chiefs Meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing crime from strategic angles while fostering greater collaboration and networking to safeguard the region’s population.
