BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Jul. 12.2018 – THE Police force is standing behind Commissioner of Police, Ian Queeley, dismissing rumours circulating that claims he was present during an incident in which a young man was assaulted at White Sands.
A statement from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force charged the allegation as being “false”, pointing out that it is with dismay that the Commissioner dismiss false claims he was present during an incident in which a young man was assaulted.
The allegation stems from an incident that occurred on Sunday, July 01, where the male claims that the top cop failed to render assistance while the assault took place in his presence.
“The allegation goes further and implies that the Commissioner was among others who offered no assistance when it occurred. This information is false and contradicts the facts as presented to the Police,” the statement read.
Police said that on Sunday July 01, the complainant – no name provided- in the matter reported to the Commissioner of Police that he was assaulted and beaten.
According to the polices report, the Commissioner immediately directed the individual to the Inspector of Police on duty at the event to make a formal report, which he did.
“The complainant also indicated to the Inspector that he had already spoken with the Commissioner of Police about the incident and was told to lodge a formal complaint with him. The Inspector took all the necessary information regarding the matter. When asked about witnesses to the incident, at no point in time was the Commissioner ever identified as one of the persons present,” the statement added.
Police explained that the individual asked the Inspector what courses of action could be taken, and the Inspector informed him of his options. Further, after the explanation, the complainant decided that instead of having the Police handle the matter, he would seek his own legal recourse by speaking with a lawyer.
Police stated` that once the details of the report were received from the complainant and documented, the Inspector then went over to speak to the alleged offender and made enquiries.
“It is truly unfortunate that such a malicious move would be undertaken by anyone to create such mischief. The Commissioner is deeply concerned with the extent to which such false reports are transmitted via social media, believed without verification, then shared again. The facts, as given to the Police, discredit the information being circulated and puts into question the motives of the creator of the message.’
Police noted that it is particularly troubling because, although the Commissioner has publicly refuted the allegation on a call-in programme, the rumor continues to be propagated on social media.
