BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Aug. 20.2018 – PRIME Minister Dr. Timothy Harris and Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Denzil Douglas have both come out against the latest shooting incident that resulted in a police officer being killed.
Leon Powell, 44-year-old Police Sergeant, was gunned down in a robbery at his business premises on Saturday morning.
Powell served as a security detail for the then prime minister, Dr. Douglas. The Opposition Leader described the officer as a consummate professional who was “hard-working, friendly, empathetic and easy- going”.
He noted that Powell was an ambitious and enterprising individual.
“It has been speculated by some that Sergeant Powell was shot down in an armed robbery. However, we must still be careful not to jump to conclusions too early and allow the investigators to do their work because the strangest of things happen. Sergeant Powell is the second Police Sergeant to be shot down this year, 2018, Sergeant Dwight of St. Paul’s being the first, murdered just three months ago on May 4th."
Douglas pointed out that the attacks on police sergeants are deeply troubling to all, regardless of where people reside.
“Police are defenders of our society. They are our friends and protectors. They are part of the bright hope that we have to rid our country of crime and violence. They do not deserve to be subjected to such heinous and murderous acts of violence. I call upon the authorities to seek swift justice for Police Sergeant Leon Powell (and of course Dwight Davis as well.) I note that since the vicious and mindless killing of Sergeant Dwight Davis, not much else has been heard of the progress of the investigation.”
Prime Minister Harris, who also holds the portfolio of National Security Minister, extended heartfelt condolences, and those of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, to the family and loved ones of Leon Dasent Powell.
While also extending condolences to the close-knit Newton Ground community, he recognized the leadership and rank-and-file members of the Ministry of National Security, and the Royal St. Christopher & Nevis Police Force.
“United in its grief, the Royal St. Christopher & Nevis Police Force is dedicating its resources, attention and priority to investigating the circumstances that led to Sgt. Dasent Powell’s untimely death and bringing to justice the persons responsible,” said Harris.
The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the security forces as they endeavour to defend the safety and security of the country.
