by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): The Installation Ceremony for the new Commissioner of Police for the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force brought an end to speculations of who would be the head of the main national security body in the country.
Mr. James Sutton was selected to lead the Police Force from a batch of more than eight individuals, including interested civilians who were engaged in an interview process on Monday, February 6, at the Agriculture Conference Room at Government Headquarters.
At the Installation Ceremony, the Commissioner of Police said that five to 20 years ago he didn’t imagine that he would ascend to the Office of the Commissioner. However, now that he has risen to leadership, he intends to focus on key areas that are critical in propelling the country’s National Security system forward.
“Under my leadership, it is my intention to focus on seven priority areas for my strategic direction. These are as follows:
Enhanced crime prevention initiatives
Community Policing
Road Safety
Human Resource Development
Better use of technology
Ongoing collaboration with other agencies
Evidence- based Policing
“As Commissioner, I will not be daunted and I will not be intimidated. I will stand by with the officers that I lead. I will seek to develop a sense of calm and peace from citizens.This will be by no means an easy task, but I am prepared to work alongside my fellow officers to achieve positive change. I wholeheartedly accept this herculean challenge and will diligently and conscientiously work to restore and maintain law and order, decency and pride to our beloved St.Kitts and Nevis.”
Mr. Sutton acknowledged the contributions of the previous Commissioners of Police and their High Commands and pledged to build upon their efforts in keeping the community safe. The Chief of Police said the cooperation and support of the community is critical to national security.
“The Police Force cannot do the job of crime prevention by themselves. Partnerships must be forged with the community whom we serve. We are here to serve the public and I am optimistic [that] despite our current challenges, we will succeed in renewing policing by consent. Statistics consistently indicate a downward trend in violent crimes, such as homicides and shootings. You can be reassured that the police will continue to play a huge role in ensuring that this standard is maintained by adopting evidence based tactics and hot spot policing. Strategically and intelligently deploying officers in these areas can have a significant impact on preventing and reducing violent crimes.”
The Commissioner of Police encouraged officers to execute their duties without fear or favour, whilst also treating individuals with respect.
“To my fellow officers, I am seeking your fullest commitment and support in the execution of your duty; doing so without fear or favour, to ensure that law and order is maintained, in an effort to make our community safe havens. In the performance of our duty, we shall hold true and hold through to our pledge to respect and protect human dignity; and maintain and uphold the Human Rights of all persons. We are apart of an organisation that touches and changes lives as we interact with persons from all lifestyles in the execution of our duty. Therefore, that human side of us must be seen and felt always. The police force will continue to implement strategies to ensure that our communities continue to be a safe place to live, work, do business and visit. It is not an ‘I’ or a ‘me’ thing, it’s a ‘we’ thing. Together, we can effect positive change and outcomes.”
The Installation Ceremony for Commissioner of Police Mr. James Sutton was held on Thursday evening February 23, 2023, at the Warner Park Football Stadium. Superintendent Lyndon David was the Commanding Officer, whilst Inspector Carl Greaux was the Aide de camp or personal assistant to the Commissioner of Police.
On the parade were three platoons that were accompanied by the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Band.
In attendance at the ceremony were Governor General- Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, Prime Minister Hon Dr. Terrance Drew and members of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
