BASSETERRE, St. Kitt, Aug. 15.2018 – POLICE have laid four charges against Customs Officer Larry Vaughan in connection to an incident that occurred yesterday (Aug. 14) at Customs Headquarters, Bird Rock, where he was being removed by law enforcement officials from the premises.
Vaughan, who was given a letter to proceed on administrative leave, was repeatedly told to vacate the premises by three police officers, but he resisted the order.
He was subsequently charged with: Trespassing, Obstruction, Resisting Arrest and Battery on a police officer.
The suspension stemmed from a strongly worded letter the law enforcement official allegedly directed to Prime Minister, Dr. Timothy Harris, expressing his frustration, among other things, at what has transpired within the agency over the years.
In one section of the letter, which was also posted to social media, Vaughan alleged that he was overlooked for promotion in several instances, in favor of an individual with lesser qualifications was promoted ahead of him.
A letter dated August 13th, signed by S. Warner urged the customs officer to proceed on leave with immediate effect from the said date until “further” notice.
The entire episode has caused a mixed reaction from the public at large, with many indicating that the removal could have been carried out in a more professional manner, instead of “criminalizing” the officer.
Others have sought to praise the suspension of the officer over his controversial remarks.
The incident has once again raised an ever-persistent problem of the conduct of public sector employees, who take to social media to criticize the government of the day.
It was a problem that has affected the past administration and continues with the present government.
Just recently, Nevis’ Premier Mark Brantley instituted a new Social Media Policy that bars public servants from using the platforms during working hours.
That was met with strict condemnation on the island, but the premier noted that public servants cannot use social media to harass people sexually or otherwise; engage in criminal activities; partake in political propaganda, nor they cannot use social media on government’s time to personally benefit or have financial gains for themselves or family.
He highlighted that far too often people are on social media during their work hours shoe shopping.
“Doing everything except what they are being paid to do,” he lamented.
According to the Premier, the implementation of the policy will bring relief and reinject a sense of discipline to the public service.
“The reason for that really is that we are seeking ministers and public servants alike to do a better job of serving the people that pay us. And that is what really, we are seeking to do,” added Brantley.
The force’s Public Relations Department confirmed that Vaughn was out on bail.
