CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2010) — Politics, geothermal energy and crime were a few of many issues the Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry discussed on a pre recorded interview for the Caribbean Media Cooperation’s (CMC) Newsmakers with host Kaymar Jordan earlier this week in Barbados.

During the interview, Ms. Jordan enquired about the appointment of the Hon. Patrice Nisbett as Attorney General of St. Kitts/Nevis; whether or not the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) had canvassed for the appointment and what it meant for Nevis.

“Nevis has never canvassed for the appointment of the Attorney General. There are two key points that are needed to be looked at one; being political devolution and two; get corporate taxes paid in Nevis,” the Premier responded.

According to the Premier, the Attorney General was now in a position to guide the Federal Government into devolution of power for Nevis, which in turn would grant the island the tools necessary to obtain authority on certain matters for instance education, police and tax collection.

In discussing Geothermal, Premier Parry informed Ms. Jordan that geothermal energy development continued to move forward and the financial end of the project has been finalised. With regard to crime, Premier Parry noted that his Administration continued to work very closely with the Police.

“We have a short term and a long term plan. The long term plan has to do with education and training within the schools from Kindergarten up to Secondary School in an effort to end gang activity by informing that it is insignificant to be part of a gang and to also let the children know that family values and love of neighbour are much more important,” he said.

In addition, the Premier stated that his Administration continued to construct barracks in various areas in Nevis, in order to house more policemen on the island in a comfortable setting.

He also noted that with the help of the Taiwanese Government, close circuit television cameras were being placed in strategic areas on the island to assist with the crime fighting efforts.  He spoke of the expansion of the K9 Unit and police vehicles on the island.

Mr. Parry further noted that the former Administration’s accomplishment to assist the Police, in their fight against crime was minimal.

“The only thing that the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) did to alleviate crime in Nevis during their 14 years in government was to start a police station which the NRP had to finish,” said Mr. Parry.

The Premier also discussed matters related to the Caricom Single Market Economy (CSME) which included immigration and the sport of Cricket.

The episode of Newsmakers with the Hon. Joseph Parry will be aired in Nevis on Sunday, Feb. 28^th on Caribvision channel 62 at 6p.m. It will be re broadcasted on Tuesday, March 2^nd.