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NATIONAL ADDRESS BY DR. THE RT. HON. KEITH MITCHELL PRIME MINISTER OF GRENADA My fellow Grenadians, tonight I address you on
a matter of profound national importance; the security of our beloved
country. During and after the passage of Hurricane
Ivan it’s being alleged that a number of our police personnel, who were
supposed to be providing security to the nation, did not conduct themselves
in a manner consistent with their oath of office. There have been
several allegations of police misconduct. Those allegations, as I have
said before, have not fallen on deaf ears. Let me assure you that an
investigative machinery has been set up to investigate all these allegations
and at the end of this process the law will take its course without fear or
favour. Fellow Grenadians, while this disaster may
have brought out undesirable qualities amongst some of our citizens,
including some of our police officers, it also revealed much for us to be
proud of. One cannot forget some of the patriotic and professional
qualities displayed by some members of the Police Force during the entire
crisis. Those police officers who went beyond the call of duty must be
commended and we will demonstrate this in due course. There were instances where police officers
worked round- the-clock for four days without going home to see their
families, or what may have been left of their homes. Some of the police
officers broke down in tears when they saw the lawlessness being displayed by
their fellow Grenadians. There were also instances where police
officers risked their lives in rescuing elderly citizens who were trapped. My fellow Grenadians, we are aware that there
have been complaints among some of our citizens as far as the feeling of
insecurity is concerned. There have been cries that the police are not
visible enough. Let me assure you, however, that not all police
officers are in uniform, and that is, for obvious reasons. I have also
given all the necessary instructions for increase police presence in all
major commercial areas of the country. As you are well aware, the passage of
Hurricane Ivan, exactly one month ago, resulted in a devastating impact on
every facet of national live. The magnitude of damage in some instances
is incalculable. Among the institutions severely affected by
this most ferocious hurricane is our prison at Richmond Hill. The
physical plant took a severe battering. This damage to the physical
infrastructure resulted in the escape of a number of inmates, some of whom
are considered to be most dangerous. The information available to the security
forces, at this time, indicate that some of these escaped prisoners are armed
and have been engaging in some of the most serious acts of criminality
against the business sector and the wider community at large. Fellow Grenadians, my Government is not
oblivious of these concerns of the people of the country. Government
recognizes that as we embark on the task of rebuilding our beautiful country
security takes on critical importance than ever before. Indeed, national security becomes an
indispensable component of the rebuilding process even moreso than before. Brothers and Sisters all, Government, being
cognizant of the security problems, in consultation with the security forces,
has agreed to the implementation of certain specific measures that are
designed to address the security concerns in the country hat have been
brought about by these escaped prisoners. The following measures have been decided on
and will be acted upon immediately: 1.
All prisoners who escaped custody from the prison during
the passage of the hurricane will not be prosecuted for escaping custody,
once they turn themselves over to the police within seven days commencing
11th October to the 18th October 2004. 2.
With immediate effect, a reward of five thousand EC
dollars will be given to anyone who provides information leading to the recapture
of anyone of certain named escaped prisoners, whom the police regard as being
most dangerous. A lesser sum will be given to anyone who provides
information leading to the recapture of the other prisoners. The reward
will be posted along with the photographs of these prisoners and a stated
amount for each. 3.
Posters exhibiting the photograph of these escaped prisons
will be posted throughout the country. 4.
The Police will embark on a massive deployment of its
forces in an effort to recapture these prisoners. This already has
begun. 5.
There will be a significant deployment of security
personnel brought in from our CAIRCOM partner, Guyana, in addition to those
already serving from other CARICOM countries, including Trinidad and Tobago
and the RSS Community, to augment the amount of security personnel available
to the police for deployment. My fellow Grenadians, these measures announced
by me tonight, can only succeed if you, the law-abiding citizens give your
fullest support and co-operation to the security forces. Therefore, it
behoves each and everyone of us to be vigilant as we go about our activities
in our community. Be assured that your Government is doing
everything within the context of the law to ensure that the security and/or
protection of citizens of this country is achieved. Finally, let me take this opportunity to
express our appreciation to those security personnel from CARICOM, who are
assisting us in the maintenance of law and order as we go through this
challenging time. We believe that your efforts have been useful
and we strongly condemn any allegations made against your service for doing
what you believe is best for your Grenadian brothers and sisters. Let
no one challenge that commitment. Grenadians, by and large, are strongly
committed to your service as Caribbean brothers and sisters. We want to continue to thank you for your
noble support at this time. Fellow citizens, good evening and may God
continue to bless every single one of you. GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE OF GRENADA |