Security personnel out in numbers at J’Ouvert

"Jams were generally peaceful"... says Henry 

By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – MEMBERS of the Federation’s security forces were out in their number this morning (Dec 26) ensuring that the safety and security of J’Ouvert revellers remained at a high level.

From as early as 5:00 a.m. St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force soldiers and officers of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force were out and about seeking to foil any attempt to mar the celebrations and providing that sense of calm and peace for revellers and onlookers alike.

At the onset, they conducted a number of stop and search operations on persons and vehicles entering the Basseterre area and proceeded to maintain law and order during the jam session.

The Police Top Brass, Superintendents, Inspectors, Sergeants and Constables along with the soldiers all formed the team and were seen interspersed in the large crowd, which was evidently a deterrent to those who may have had mal-intentions.

Police Press and Public Relations Officer Inspector Cromwell Henry, who was also the Security Coordinator for J’Ouvert, told SKNVibes that the on-the-road team comprised of between 40 to 50 security personnel and “the jams were generally peaceful”.

He informed, however, of a bottle-throwing incident which transpired at the Bay Road between “rival gangs”. Judging from their intentions of hurting each other, Henry said the situation could have gotten gravely worse had the security forces not been present to provide assistance.

The incident resulted in the door of the General Post Office (GPO) being damaged, Henry said.

As a result, a number of young men were taken into police custody but it is uncertain as to whether or not criminal charges will be brought against them.

The Security Coordinator thanked the revellers for their generally good behaviour during the jam session.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank the general public for their cooperation with the security forces during our stop and search operations and for the general good conduct in the bands.”~~Adz:Right~~