CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – THE wings of the Delta Squad are spreading over Nevis and residents of the Queen of the Caribbees have welcomed this move by the top brass of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
SKNVibes learned that over the past two weekends a section from the Delta Squad was on the island conducting Stop and Search Operations and would also be there over the Christmas weekend.
Speaking with the recently-appointed Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Robert Liburd, he told this publication that the squad had performed creditably during their stay on Nevis.
“Delta Squad, during their stay on the island, had conducted a number of joint operations with officers from the Nevis Division in which, among others, citations were issued for traffic violations including talking on the phone while driving.
“The primary role of the Delta Squad while on Nevis is for the prevention of crime and keeping the community safe. The residents have embraced and supported them, and they are looking forward to their continued presence on the island,” Liburd said.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police also said that he was very pleased with the public’s cooperation given to the law enforcement officers and he is looking forward to its continuity.
He is calling on the young men on the island to put away the guns and to desist from criminal activities, not only during the Christmas and Carnival season but for all times. He is also calling and all road users to drive safely, to adhere to the traffic laws and to protect themselves by wearing seatbelts.
This media house also spoke with a number of residents who, on condition of anonymity, expressed their “heart-felt” pleasure in seeing “a group of serious-looking but disciplined and friendly officers on our island”.
“Over the past months we had experienced an increase in break-ins and robberies. About three weeks ago, a native of Germany was attacked by a young male and a female on the road. But they got the surprise of their lives when the German, who did not intend to part with his valuables, kicked the male in his groin, punched the female in her face and threw her to the ground. However, the male dealt him a blow with a wooden object which caused an injury to his head, but they did not get to rob him,” one resident told SKNVibes.
A business owner said he and his colleagues are feeling safer with Delta Squad’s presence on the island.
“Although one many expense oneself in the purchasing of security systems or employing a security guard, these criminals still find ways to break into your business place and homes. Most of us business owners on the island feel much safer with the Delta Squad being here and we most certainly embrace them. I must say kudos to those individuals who saw it fit to not only have them clean up St. Kitts but also Nevis. I only hope that it is not just a one-time thing because it is the Christmas and Carnival season. They should have more men trained and have them stationed on our island.”
One resident, who claims to know almost all officers based in Nevis, exclaimed surprise when he saw “a group of strangers” stopping and searching vehicles on Friday (Dec. 9) and patrolling day and night around the island.
“I thought that something drastic was going on in the Federation and the powers that be had sent these men that I have never seen before on Nevis to hunt for some criminal. However, when I was approached by one of the officers, I enquired who they were and was told Delta Squad.
“The manner in which the officer approached me is commendable and needs to be emulated by others on both islands. He bid me good day and said they were conducting an exercise to rid the streets of guns, ammunition and drugs, and that he would like to search my vehicle. On completion, the officer said, “Thank you for your kind cooperation, kindly drive safely to your destination and please observe the speed limit.’ I was taken aback; for this is the very first time that I have been stooped by a member of the Police Force and treated with such courtesy. Keep up the good work Delta Squad!”
