Police intercept incidents
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Xtreme J’Ouvert Troupe made history today (Aug. 5) when for the first time in the existence of the Federation, a J’Ouvert jam session was held in St. Kitts, simultaneously with Culturama’s J’Ouvert jam on Nevis.
The “victory jam” was held by Ronnie Rascal’s Xtreme Troupe for – as he explained – capturing the Best J’Ouvert Troupe title at the Sugar Mas 40 celebrations.
Though off to a slow start, the Xtreme J’Ouvert Jam commenced at approximately 7:00 a.m. at the Fisheries Complex located at the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Park and made its way west along the Bay Road into Basseterre.
Beginning with less than 100 revellers, as it headed into Fort Street to make its first round, other revellers and X-treme fans trickled in and overtime the crowd grew.
SKNVibes understands that Nu Vybes Band International was to have been present at the event providing musical entertainment for the revellers but the band was a no-show.
Nonetheless, the fun-lovers made their way up Fort Street, east along Cayon Street, down West Independence Square Street then west along the Bay Road while relishing in the sounds of Ronnie Rascal’s High Powered Asylum Sound.
Some difficulty was encountered however and police officers – who were providing security during the event – had to intercept a couple of incidents which occurred, one reportedly involving the throwing of missiles. SKNVibes observed two individuals being led away from the crowd by officers dressed in civilian clothing.
Additionally, a young man reportedly removed a long machete from his during the event while on West Independence.
Also, according to reports, he fled the scene but was pursued police, captured and disarmed on Cayon Street.
The jam was to follow the prescribed route until about 11:00 a.m. when a stationary jam and 'wet down' would take place on Bank Street.
Following the incidents however, a decision was taken by police to stop the procession from following the route and have the revellers enjoy themselves on Bank Street. This decision did not sit well with the revellers as they obviously would have preferred at least other round before retiring to “wet down” spot.
But as per the police’s request, the individuals filed into Bank Street where Fire Officers were on hand to facilitate the “wet down jam”.
The entire event concluded at approximately 12:00 p.m.