BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – KENRICK ROGERS, also known as Ratty, of Crab Hill Sandy Point was this morning admitted to the JNF Hospital and is being treated for bullet wounds to both legs.
Shortly after 8:00 this morning, SKNVibes received information that Rogers was shot by members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) while he was on Mount Liamuiga in the vicinity of Sandy Point.
The Police Press and Public Relations Officer (PRO), Inspector Vaughan Henderson was contacted at 9:35 and asked for details of the incident. He however indicated that details were sketchy and would have investigated.
Three more calls were made to him at 10:56 a.m., 1:53 p.m. and 5:06 p.m. but still no details. A call was also made to the Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Crime, Ian Queeley, who, like the PRO, indicated that he knew of the incident but information was not forthcoming.
He however promised to contact Inspector Henderson, who he indicated would have provided the details. At 5:18 p.m., this media house did receive a call from Henderson but the situation was the same.
SKNVibes then decided to visit the hospital, where a number of close relatives were seen at Rogers’ bedside praying for a speedy recovery and his safety.
The 28-year-old was asked to provide a statement on what transpired, but he was noticeably in pain and only managed to say a few words.
“While I was in the mountain...not far up, some soldiers suddenly appeared and shouted, ‘Get down.’ I did as they ordered and they shot me in both legs,” Rogers said.
When further questioned, Rogers said he was not in possession any firearm, illegal drugs or substance.
At 5:35 p.m., this publication contacted the SKNDF’s Public Affairs Officer, Captain Kayode Sutton, who was in Nevis at the time. Sutton said that he heard about the incident and on arrival in St. Kitts, after conducting his investigation, he would prepare a release for dissemination.
Meanwhile, on leaving the hospital, a member of the Criminal Investigation Department was seen at Rogers’ bedside.
More on this incident as information is made available.
