BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — THE police force has defended its decision to delay reporting the escape of several teenagers from the New Horizon Center, as questions arise about the timing of the missing persons bulletin issued.
The media was informed weeks after the teens escaped from the facility on August 16. The Police Force did not notify the media until a missing persons bulletin was issued for 15-year-old Vincia Cannegeiter on August 26.
During a recent press conference, Deputy Commissioner of Police Cromwell Henry explained that the delay was due to concerns about protecting the children's reputations, avoiding labeling them as escapees from a housing facility.
"We are protective of their privacy, and we do not want to have them portrayed in public as escapees from a detention center, or criminals," Henry told reporters.
He further explained that six individuals had escaped from the facility, with the police successfully returning five of them without any public announcement. The police were aware that the escapees were on the island of Nevis.
When questioned by SKNVibes News about the decision to issue the missing persons bulletin, the DCP clarified that the exact location of Cannegeiter on the island was unknown.
"We knew the general area where she was, so we were not particularly concerned about her safety. We were simply trying to discreetly bring her back into custody without alerting the public that she was an inmate or a resident of the facility," Henry added.
Henry emphasized that the decision was about protecting the identity and privacy of the juveniles, using more discreet methods to secure their return.
"So it was not that we were trying to hide it. We were more or less protecting the children," Henry reiterated.
When asked about the security at the facility, the police force acknowledged that it is minimal.
"It's a rehabilitation center. We want them to be rehabilitated. They haven't gone there for punishment," noted Henry.
