St. Kitts’ new top cop puts gangs on warning

The Police Commissioner-designate sends a strong message to gang members, warning that lawmen will take the streets back. (File photo)

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Friday August 26, 2011 – Incoming Police Commissioner Celwin Walwyn has sent a strong message to gang members and their parents, warning that lawmen are coming to take the streets back from them.

“Business as usual is over,” declared the law enforcement veteran who will begin his job at the helm of the Force from September 1. “I want the members of the gangs to know that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, under my command, is dedicated to eradicating you from our community and will use all legal means to do so.”

“However, for those of you gang members who seek a change in your lives, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force will fully support you in your efforts to leave the gangs and will partner with RAGS (Regina Anti-Gang Services) to help you re-enter society…we are giving those of you in the gangs the tools you need to make your decision to leave the gangs. However, that will be your choice. We have already made our decision on how to deal with you if you don’t. This must and will be dealt with during my administration,” he added.

Walwin was at the time addressing a Youth Issues and Crime Empowerment symposium.

He said while not all parents bear responsibility for the criminal acts of gangs, some are just as guilty as their children for “keeping our mouths shut when we know that they are robbing, beating and murdering their own people”.

The incoming Commissioner of Police said it would be his mission to strongly and aggressively reduce gang violence in St. Kitts and Nevis.

He said that in performing his job, he would not be influenced by political interests.

“I am no nonsense. I say exactly what I feel and I let the chips fall where they may. In other words I tell the truth,” he said.

“When it comes to gangs I am no nonsense. I have no problems doing my job. I do not owe anybody in St. Kitts or Nevis anything. So if they want to fire me, they are free to do so, but when you fire me, it is not because I am not doing my job, it’s because I am. I do not take any crap from anybody.”

Walwyn, who recently returned to St. Kitts and Nevis, will next month take over the top cop position from Austin Williams who will proceed on retirement.

He moved to the United States Virgin Islands at the age of 13 and later to the US mainland where he spent his professional life in law enforcement there. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)