BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has taken action to deal with gang violence.
He has announced that a 30-year veteran of the FBI has joined the Ministry of National Security.
Dr. Douglas said former FBI Assistant Director in New York, Mr. Mark Mershon, will assist the Ministry and local law enforcement agencies to formulate a programme of policies and practices to confront criminal activity, particularly gang violence.
“He has extensive experience in the area of criminal investigations. He brings with him a wealth of law enforcement management experience. He knows gang culture intimately, has fought it successfully, and brought criminal gangs to justice in the United States,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who is also Minister of National Security.
Mershon, who has worked on the East Coast and West Coast, has over 30 years of FBI experience.
“Most importantly, he is now a part of our team,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who told listeners to his “Ask the Prime Minister” programme that the Ministry of National Security will be making a series of announcements pertaining to the joint efforts and programmes.
(Left to right) – President of the California-based VonFederick Group, Kittitian Dr. Lionel Rawlins; Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry; FBI expert, Mr. Mark Mershon; St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, Mr. Austin Williams.
(Photo by Erasmus Williams)
Mr. Mershon was among participants to a National Consultation on Crime in December and during an earlier visit met and held discussions with government officials, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Nevis Island Administration and non-governmental organisations including youth groups, educators and guidance counselors the St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association and members of the judiciary including the Resident Judge and Senor Magistrate.
