BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A group of concerned citizens held a silent protest Monday (July 9) demanding answers and justice for the untimely death of Tau Johnson, who passed away following an accident on Wellington Road last Saturday (July 7).
The 20-year-old of Buckley’s Housing Project was, according to a police report, riding a motorcycle when police officers on patrol attempted to stop him but he instead fled. The police gave chase and Johnson, after some time, lost control of the motorcycle and fell.
However, it is being alleged that the police vehicle that chased after Johnson touched on his motorcycle, causing him to fall. It is also being alleged that the manner in which Johnson was subsequently handled by both the Emergency Medical Services and the members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force also contributed to Johnson’s ultimate demise.
Friends, family members and well-wishers gathered at Greenlands at 4:30 p.m. yesterday and silently marched along Cayon Street and culminated just outside of the Basseterre Police Station.
Organizers of the silent protest, Tishari Liburd and Jamilla Weeks, stated that the protest was spontaneous but necessary because Johnson’s death could have been avoided and justice must be served to the relevant parties that had a hand in the manner in which the incident unfolded.
“This march today is something that was impromptu. We hadn’t really given it any thought or any planning. We just got up and we are just free to go wherever it [the protest] takes us. After the march today, given the support we have gotten, whatever is necessary for us to do afterwards, we are willing to do,” Liburd said.
Liburd emphasized that they are there to lend support to the family in any way they may need.
When asked by SKNVibes News of their opinion on how the incident played out, Liburd stated that everything could have been handled differently and accentuated that she believes that, had the incident played out differently, the young man would still be alive.
There was no information given on whether or not another protest is to be expected but Liburd indicated that they will all stand in solidarity for justice to be served.
A press release issued by the police explained that the patrol officers attempted to stop Johnson in the vicinity of College Street Ghaut. They got out of their vehicle and signaled for him to stop and he did not. They returned to their vehicle and chased after him.
The release further explained that Johnson continued fleeing officers and, in the process, ran a red light at Baker’s Corner. At around 4:15 p.m. while driving along Wellington Road, Johnson attempted to maneuver between vehicles, lost control of the motor cycle and fell.
“He was transported to the J.N.F. Hospital via the Emergency Medical Service where he was later pronounced dead,” police added.
Police denied that their vehicle made contact with Johnson or his motorcycle.
“Investigations so far have also revealed that the police vehicle maintained some distance behind Johnson while in pursuit. At no point in time did the police vehicle come into contact with Johnson or the motorcycle he was riding.”
The matter is still under investigation by the Traffic Department; and police are appealing to persons who witnessed the incident to contact the Department to share any information they have with the police.
Police noted that an autopsy will be performed on the body of Johnson to determine the exact cause of death.
