05 Nov 2013

Government recognises that it is not feasible to solely rely on imprisonment as the preferred sanction for offending behaviour.

President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama  made the observation when delivering the State-of-the-Nation Address. He  noted that alternative solutions to imprisonment were being explored.

“To this end, with Commonwealth support, we have undertaken a policy and legislative review, the results of which we expect to soon bring in the form of proposals before this House,” he said. General Khama said the importance of adequately resourcing the defence force as part of an integrated approach to issues of security could not be overemphasised.

This, he stated,  enabled synergy and coordination of operations geared towards the fight against multi-dimensional threats ranging from terrorism to crimes against fauna and flora.

“In moving forward, the BDF will continue to improve its professionalism leveraging on new technologies as well as continuous human resource development. The defence force also remains actively engaged in bilateral and multilateral activities to enhance cooperation through joint operations and training with regional and international partners,” President Khama said.

He said government was working to improve national preparedness to respond to potential disasters adding that a Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy, which incorporated the strengthening of district level capacity for carrying out risk and vulnerability assessments, was being implemented. ENDS