St Kitts: 2 officers injured, 64 arrested as traditional Jouvert turns violent

At least two Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSKNPF) officers were injured and 64 participants arrested on Wednesday when thousands of revellers participated in J’ouvert 2018-2019.

According to an RSKNPF news release, the event started at 4 am The release said, as with previous years, a majority of the persons who turned out enjoyed themselves, whether it was from the sidelines or as a member of one of several troupes that were registered with the Carnival Committee. The Police High Command commended everyone who revelled in a peaceful and responsible manner.

Unfortunately, due to several incidents that occurred during J’ouvert, a decision was made in the interest of public safety to restrict the event to 10 am The RSKNPF is aware that a number of the incidents were gang-related and the others were fights that occurred during the street jam.

The RSKNPF condemns the use of bottles and stones as missiles during the J’ouvert Jam which resulted in injury to several persons, including two Police Officers. Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening.

With regard to the matters involving the Police Officers, the High Command has learned that both were injured while attempting to make an arrest during separate incidents.

In one matter, two persons suffered injuries when an Officer’s firearm discharged after he fell while trying to apprehend an assailant. The two females suffered injuries to the legs as a result. The women, along with the Police Officer, received treatment at the JNF Hospital and were all discharged. The second Officer was admitted to the hospital after he too was attacked while trying to make an arrest during another incident.

Arising out of these incidents 64 persons were taken into custody and are assisting Police with their investigations. RSKNPF asks anyone with information regarding the incidents that took place Wednesday morning to contact the Basseterre Police Station by dialling 465-2241.

Several other street activities are scheduled to take place during coming days. The Police have appealed to all residents and citizens to comply with the laws of the land and to take direction from members of the various security agencies.