BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) — Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris says the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS) has been invited to deploy forces across the federation.

In an address to the nation late Saturday, Harris said this is yet another initiative undertaken by his administration to enhance the safety and security of all people on St Kitts and Nevis.

“We are concerned that there must be a reduction in the incidences of criminal acts in our country. In this regard, we have over time engaged civil society and our security forces in conversations about what can and should be done,” the prime minister said.

He also disclosed that after consultation with the police high command and other technocrats in the Ministry of National Security, the Cabinet approved a recommendation to invite the RSS.

“The high command of the police has advised that the force would benefit from additional manpower at this time. The shortage of manpower affects the ability of the police to properly execute their strategic plan and has prompted the call from them for the RSS to augment the number of security personnel on the ground.”

The RSS forces began arriving here last week “and will continue to arrive into St Kitts and Nevis in sufficient numbers to assist our ongoing efforts at ensuring citizen safety and security,” Harris said.

He said RSS members are already deployed throughout the communities with local national security personnel, and it is believed that their presence will help local law enforcement to expand the extent of their coverage of the country.