BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May 09, 2018 - COMMISSIONER of Police (COP) Ian Queeley, in a statement giving words of condolences, comfort and encouragement to the family and friends of the late Sergeant Dwight Davis, has said that the deceased had a passion for policing and was committed to his profession.
Davis was found dead in his personal vehicle on the morning of May 3, on a dirt road in the vicinity of the railway line in Dieppe Bay lying on the ground with what appeared to be several gunshot wounds.
The COP said that receiving the sad news was very hard to deal with, especially since he was overseas tending to business when he was contacted and could not be with his fellow officers at the time of the discovery.
He noted that he is in constant communication with Davis’ family members “and a full range of support is being made available to the family members and close friends, as well as the members of the force with regards to counselling and emotional support.”
He encouraged the family, friends and fellow officers to use the fond memories to push through each day.
“We have lost a dedicated Police Officer. Sergeant Dwight Davis had a passion for policing and was committed to his profession. He often went the extra mile to ensure that the task at hand was completed. He accepted the challenges of policing and was fearless in the execution of his duties. And, he did so diligently and in a professional manner. The void created by his death will certainly be hard to fill,” the COP said.
He enunciated that the investigating team is working non-stop on the case, noting that an attack on a police officer is an attack on the entire organization and, by extension, the state. He added the police officers put their lives on the line daily, have committed themselves to keeping the public safe and the risks they take are unlike any other profession.
COP Queeley stated that the police force would not tolerate any form of violence against their own and no stone would be left unturned in closing the case.
“This organization will use all resources available at its disposal to find the perpetrator(s) of this crime and bring them to justice. I am therefore appealing to the person(s) responsible for the death of Sergeant Davis to turn themselves in to the nearest Police Station. In my new capacity as President of the ACCP, I will also leverage that post to reach out to any other agency that can assist. Holding that post also means that I am the International Vice President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and that post should allow us access to even greater resources should the need arise in this and any other case. As indicated earlier, no efforts will be spared,” the Commissioner said.
Queeley stated too that he held an emergency meeting with his Senior Officers to have them updated on the investigation’s progress and plans to move forward. He has also met with the junior ranks and officers in Nevis today (May 8) and has been in contact with regional colleagues and international agencies seeking assistance as the investigation progresses.
“I want to also use this opportunity to call on all members of the public to shun this kind of behaviour and I am urging you to come forward with every bit of information no matter how little or insignificant it may seem. You are reminded that your role in solving this and any other crime is a critical one.
“Therefore, I am also asking the public to be responsible and sensitive to the needs of his family in this their most difficult hour as they grieve the loss of their loved one. There are rumours that are being circulated and these might negatively affect the investigation and, even worse, negatively impact his family. So, please refrain from engaging in such acts,” he stressed.
He further stressed that the Force would continue to root out the criminal elements wherever they might be hiding and they would not rest until they are satisfied that the federation is safe.
He gave his condolences to the family members, friends and fellow officers of Davis and stated once again that investigations were ongoing and would continue until the perpetrator(s) is caught.
