BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force said it is working to ensure that law and order is upheld during the COVID-19 pandemic and is warning people about not adhering to health protocols and regulations.
This warning comes as a result of an incident that occurred last Friday (Aug. 20) in downtown Basseterre.
On that evening, a large crowd had gathered on Church Street, some with placards, protesting against what they described as the undue dismissal of some individuals who refused to take the COVID-19 vaccines, while others demonstrated against the forced vaccination and the increasing cost of living.
The protesters were met with stiff resistance from members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), who blocked off a section of Church Street and arrested a number of them, including a popular social media blogger who was recording the event.
The protesters were also reportedly tear gassed later in the evening.
In a statement yesterday (Aug. 23), police said that based on intelligence, they became aware of an illegal march and protest that was being planned for that day in question, and that no application to host that activity was submitted to the Commissioner of Police.
“The Police took proactive action and warned against participation in such an illegal activity on several grounds given the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations and the Public Order Act,” the statement added.
The statement noted that those who participated in the illegal activity were in breach of the regulations that prohibit public gatherings, and that “the protocols that speak to social distancing and the wearing of masks were also breached during the illegal activity”.
The statement further said that the “RSCNPF has been working even harder since the start of this pandemic. The Police Force has been working hard to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus by enforcing the laws supporting the COVID-19 protocols”.
It also reminded that over the past few days there has been an increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 and that the Police Force had recognised that it must be more vigilant and proactive.
The RSCNPF extended its gratitude to all those law abiding citizens who have been compliant with the regulations and supportive of its efforts, and noted that it continues to request the support and cooperation of the public.
According to the police, charges are to be laid against those individuals who were arrested.
