BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HUNDREDS of protesters marched through the streets of Basseterre on Friday (July 5) despite heavy rainfall and the threat of police action.
The procession began at Greenlands Pasture shortly before 5:00 p.m. with majority dressed in white - the affiliated colour for the Unity movement.
Some carried placards depicting anti-Labour government phrases while they chanted and sang songs which promoted a spirit of togetherness.
The march however climaxed when they arrived at Church Street and were determined to proceed along said road. SKNVibes has not yet confirmed the specified route for the march. However, the protestors seemed resolute in their decision to proceed along Church Street.
At the corner of Central and Church Streets, they met by about one dozen police officers equipped with riot gear and prepared to stop any disorderly conduct.
SKNVibes observed that the officers tried to force the procession westward along Central Street while those who appeared unruly were struck with the batons carried by the advancing officers, in their attempt to control the crowd.
Former leader of the People’s Action Movement Lindsay Grant was taken into police custody for allegedly disregarding march restriction put in place by the relevant authorities.
The obviously irate protestors openly expressed their views suggesting that they police force is being used by the powers that be to strong-arm the people into submission, which they declared was a futile exercise.
In their bid to maintain law and order, the officers – upon receiving command of their superior – advanced in a uniformed motion, each officer with shield in one hand and baton in the other. And with each advancement, the officers were able to push the agitated crowd backward until it was to their satisfaction.
The marchers withdrew westward along Central Street and down College Street before proceeding along Liverpool Row. What was left of the march ended on Bank Street with a rally that featured PAM leaders as well as other activists of the Unity Movement.
It was felt by some that this would have been the end of the march but it found its way in front of Police Headquarters where hundreds demanded that former Leader of the PAM Lindsay Grant be released from the police’s custody.
It shifted again to Church Street following bouts of rainfall and police intervention.
Though the large crowds had dispersed, small groups of persons were seen wandering about Basseterre during the late hours of last evening.
