"They are the representatives of the government and so they are the representatives of the people as we aim to properly manage what does and does not enter this Federation …" he said.
Dr. Douglas's comments were made in regards to the ongoing Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) involving Junior Customs Officers.
He added, "We have been stressing to them therefore not only will they be expected to know the technical details of the job, in other words, the procedures, applications, tariffs etc. but most importantly, the country requires of them impeccable standards of integrity [and] importantly [to be]courteous professionals in dealing with all persons regardless of age, race and creed."
"In St. Kitts/Nevis, not only must our immigration officials, customs officials and general law enforcement (officials) enforce the law, they must indeed abide by the law as well," he appealed.
Whilst highlighting the achievement made in his earlier remarks in respect to the sports involving national sprinter Kim Collins and a software-building course involving students of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), PM Douglas spoke about the importance of maintaining a high standard in all areas.
"If we are to continue to hold our own in the 21st century, high standards simply have to be the order of the day throughout the Federation in all endeavour," he appealed.
The National Security Minister stressed the training of custom officers, as they are "the first line of our nation; they and the immigration officials."
Meanwhile speaking at Sunday’s launch ceremony of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) for the custom officers at Spice Mill Restaurant, the Commissioner of Police, Celvin G. Walwyn, encouraged officers to be professional on and off the job.
“Visitors and residents alike have a tendency to paint a picture of all officers by the action of one officer. As police and custom employees, we must remember to act civilly and impartially with actions and decisions that are balanced and bias-free and sensible and we must remember to perform our duties in a professional manner," he admonished.
He went on to say, "These I've just stated are tenants from your mission statement and your core values that lead to the question 'who will you become when no one is watching?"