BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOLLOWING the two incidents that occurred last Friday (Jul. 5) during the People’s Action Movement-organised March and Rally, which resulted in confrontations with the police and subsequent arrest of that political party’s former Leader Lindsay Grant, Police Commissioner Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn has decided to pronounce on the issues and speak about the Force’s success.
“The police is the last bastion between those who would seek anarchy and those who are law abiding. I believe the police exercised extreme patience during the last march,” the Commissioner said.
The COP declared that over the past month he had noticed an increase in the use of violent exaggerated language by some individuals who are either seeking public office or supporting those with the same intention.
“Over the last 30 days I have noticed an increase in the violent rhetoric of some persons who are either seeking public office, or who are supporting those seeking public office. This rhetoric has been tied to certain individuals within the Federation and I have asked all sides to reduce the rhetoric as the hype causes problems in policing and community interactions.
“This was experienced in the recent malicious damage in Sandy Point, the two stabbings the day that persons diverted from the approved route for the recent march, and the illegal and unruly gathering in front of the Basseterre Police Station. This was punctuated with very violent rhetoric made by a person who later recanted the violent rhetoric.”
He advised that nothing is gained by male and female adults displaying negative behaviour in a society that is known for being loving and peaceful.
“I have reached out to all parties to stop the violent rhetoric. I am scheduled to have a meeting with the evangelical coalition. We have to stop whether openly, or silently, supporting this violent rhetoric,” he added.
The Commissioner spoke to his place of birth and his career prior to being appointed Head of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
“I was born in this Federation but grew up in the United States of America. I was afforded an opportunity to take early retirement from a law enforcement career in Texas and Florida and was very highly decorated during my 27 year career. As a matter of fact, the President of Mexico has requested my presence to be issued a medal for the leadership he has seen in the Federation since I have been here. I am here to provide the service law enforcement. My record speaks for itself. I uphold the law; I do what is right.”
He also highlighted some of the improvements within the Police Force since taking up the appointment.
“During my appointment as Commissioner of Police, we have seen an improvement in police morale, police training, cooperation with other agencies, and the establishment of an internal brotherhood in law enforcement. As a matter of fact, we just completed a Forensic Nursing Course where our nurses and law enforcement officers were trained in methods of case preparation and presentation to protect our youngest nationals, the children.”
Commissioner Walwyn also stated that some members of the Force are currently attending another Ballistics Course and invitations were sent out to other Eastern Caribbean nations to participate in that training.
“We have come a long way in the methods under which we have operated and will continue to train and seek partnerships to improve the safety and security conditions of the Federation. For that to happen, we need everyone of us as citizens to do our part in maintaining the peace that we have become known for in the international community,” he added.
The Commissioner reiterated that the police are mandated to uphold the law and to keep citizens and residents of the twin-island Federation safe, but noted “it is very evident that there are persons whose sole intent is to create chaos”.
He however emphasised that the police would enforce the law and would continue to maintain peace and security at all times.
