Commissioner Wescot-Williams welcomes crime fighting initiatives, but urges quick resolution to the implementation of an immigration system
Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, says she welcomes the recent initiatives taken to fight overall crime by the authorities responsible for law and order; however she calls for a quick resolution regarding the implementation of the new immigration system and setting up of a new immigration organization.
Last week the Antillean Minister of Justice David Dick announced that the launch of a new automated system for border control and registration of foreigners, Border Management System (BMS), has been encountering setbacks.
Minister Dick also met with the International Police Organization (INTERPOL) Secretary-General and secured the link that will enable law enforcement officers at border points across the Netherlands Antilles to have access to INTERPOLâ??s global database on Stolen and Lost Travel Documents of nearly 16 million entries from 137 countries by early 2009 to enhance national security.
The local Police Force also announced that their Zero Tolerance initiatives were ongoing and resulting in infringements on the laws of the land being dealt with resolutely, demonstrating that we are a nation of rules and regulations which must be adhered to by all.
"The initiatives to strengthen our law enforcement organizations are long overdue. The island has been experiencing serious criminal activity of recent and according to law enforcement sources, some of these criminals are coming into the island from overseas to commit crimes.
"We are well aware that an effective, efficient, and resourceful law enforcement system is indispensable, more so now â??en route to country St. Maartenâ??. We therefore welcome the relationship that has been established with INTERPOL.
"The implementation of the border management system will allow us to control the migration situation. Uncontrolled migration of persons who take up permanent residence without having the necessary residency documents puts pressure on our social, educational and health care systems. Having a BMS in place gives us the tools to monitor, control and implement policy," Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS)