Crime levels in St Kitts-Nevis prompts US embassy safety talk

The high level of reported criminal incidents in St Kitts and Nevis has prompted the United States Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, to emphasise personal awareness among its citizens living in the federation.

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) has organised a special town hall meeting to discuss safety and security in across both islands.

It is scheduled to take place on 14 June at 4.45pm.

The announcement coincides with a spike of in criminal activity, including murders.

Since last Friday, four people have been shot dead – a woman in Church Ground, Nevis, two men in Taylor's Village, and just yesterday a man Rawlins Ground, St Paul's.

No student or US citizen was involved in those crimes, though students have been the victim of armed robbery and sexual assault.

US Consul General

In a notice, RUSVM invited its students, colleagues, spouses and family members, along with US citizens residing in St Kitts and Nevis, to attend the event.

“The event will include a security summary and tips to promote increased awareness. An overview of US Embassy services will be shared through a keynote address with the US Consul General,” the notice said.

People interested in attending are asked to email Sara Kaufman on 9 June on skaufman@rossvet.edu.kn.

Campus concern

In March this year, RUSVM revealed additional safety measures following a sexual assault and armed robbery of one of its students.

The incident took place in West Haven, West Farm, on 13 March.

“Two masked perpetrators entered the residence of the victim and her male friend through an open door. One of the perpetrators was armed with a handgun,” the university said.

After the incident, the perpetrators fled the scene with cash and several valuable items.”

RUSVM’s Safety and Security Department implemented additional patrols in the West Farm area, including a combination of mobile, dog and foot patrols, as well as static observations in areas where people live.

Last month the university said that one its students was missing after their vehicle was found parked at Port Zante.

According to reports, the student is said to have gone by yacht to St Maarten by an international sexual predator who has been living in St Kitts and Nevis since 2016.