BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Government, through Minister of Sport the Hon. Shawn Richards, has condemned the recent shooting incident at a sport event within St. Kitts and Nevis.
On Saturday (May 27), a lone gunman opened fire in Warner Park - which was crowded with patrons watching a football game - striking Amal Whyte to the hand and side.
Whyte is currently warded at the JNF General Hospital and, according to a family member, he is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday (May 31).
Speaking with reporters last evening during one of the rescheduled football matches, Minister Richards described the incident as “very unfortunate”.
“The Ministry of Sports and, of course, the Government condemn the incident that took place in the Park last night (Saturday). Persons were here to witness a football game and to enjoy themselves and it is a pity that criminal elements within the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis would have taken the opportunity to enter the Park and try and shoot someone.”
The Minister noted that apart from the intended victim, others within the vicinity of the incident could have been injured during the shooting incident.
According to a police statement, an air pistol/pellet gun was used in the commission of the crime.
Police stated that two persons were in custody assisting with investigations.
Meanwhile, Richards assured the public that the Government would continue to do its best to ensure that persons are able to attend activities in a safe and peace environment.
“I must commend the police for the very quick response. As I got here last night I saw the Commissioner of Police right on the outside making calls, ensuring that the security personnel answered promptly to the incident here in the Park,” the Minister said.
Additionally, the Minister disclosed that after speaking with the person responsible for the security cameras in the Park, he disclosed that they were able to pick up two individuals.
“As a result of that, I think the police was able to take those persons in for questioning.”
This incident comes ahead of the three-match T20 series involving the West Indies and Afghanistan, and the Minster has noted that adequate measures are in place for those games.
“When we have cricket or other activities here in the Park, you have a security plan. Of course, when you look at the plan we ensure it is one that we consider to still be adequate, and we make a decision if we need to increase the security presence in terms of police officers on the ground and if we need to hire additionally security officers.”
The Minister is of the view that there are always challenges when you have a venue where there are walls and persons would try to climb over of throw things over them.
He noted that when it comes to the game, a lot of scanning is done to ensure persons entering the stadium without any weapons or dangerous items.
