BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - FOLLOWING the disclosure that Carnival 2023/2024 was a success and incident free, the Police Force has informed that a number of improvised weapons were seized during J’Ouvert celebrations.
In a statement posted on its social media platform, the Force showcased some of the items removed from the streets, including knives, lighters and combs.
“As we stated ahead of the J’Ouvert, we were wholly committed to protecting the festive vibe and we did so with vim and vigour,” the statement read.
The Police Force said that persons choosing “to arm themselves to go jamming is of extreme concern”, with “the ripple effects created by acts of violence are far-reaching and intensely detrimental to all of SKNSociety, not just the immediate victim(s) of the crime(s)”.
For the Carnival period, the Police Force had stepped up screening efforts to tackle crime and violence, which had seen increases in several areas including homicides.
As part of their efforts, the police increased the number of officers out on the streets and during the Carnival activities. They were very visible during the J’Ouvert Parade.
“The time has come for us to seriously think before we commit certain actions - think of your family, think of your friends, think of yourselves,” the statement read.
In a subliminal message, the police said: “If you or anyone you know are desirous of a free #vacation, we strongly advise that you each try your luck at a raffle of some kind. Since its doors were opened, His Majesty’s Prison has never qualified as a hotel, resort, guest house, inn, or AirBnB. It does not accommodate optional check-outs; privacy is almost non-existent; the ‘tours’ only stop at the Court House; and the views from the rooms do not inspire feelings of peace and tranquillity.”
The Government is now stepping up efforts to combat the issue during the new year.
