BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – POLICE Press and Public Relations Officer Inspector Lyndon David has informed that yesterday’s (Jun. 26) March and Rally, organised by the People’s Action Movement (PAM) and the recently-launched People’s Labour Party (PLP), was incident free.
Notably, there was heavy police presence and obvious instances of heated and passionate verbal exchanges among people who share different political views, but these matters did not escalate.
SKNVibes spoke to Inspector David while the Rally was in progress at the Independence Square.
“From the police scenario, we had no incidents reported to us. So I’ll just leave it at that,” he disclosed.
He said that “a lot of resources”, including officers, vehicles and other equipment were utilised for the March and Rally
Additionally, Inspector David said other resources were used which he did not want to talk about.
“...The majority used here are human beings and you would have seen that we had a number of vehicles...motorcycles and police cars were used. There were other resources (used) that I would not mention at this time.”
He shared that over 30 uniformed and plain clothes officers were assigned to activity.
“We could have had about over 30 officers involved in this operation and that is a lot of resources. Those you can see on the ground and there are other who you are not seeing right now. Those who you are seeing now that you saw from earlier could have taken us up to 30, and those that you are not seeing could have way pass 30.”
When asked about the police’s objective in having so many officers assigned to the March and Rally, David said, “For the activity taking place today we have to ensure that we have security for persons who are taking part in the activities. And we also have to make sure traffic flow... (that) no one obstructs the traffic flow, and no one interferes with persons who are taking part in the procession. And now we are gathered here to ensure that nobody disrupts it.”
“The resources that were placed in this activity, they were there to ensure safety and security,” he added.
Inspector David highlighted that security used at the Rally was “for those who are in immediate proximity of this activity.”
