By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 30th July 2021) — “I am persuaded that the vast majority of our young people are in fact responding positively, and I would hope that those few who continue to have criminal minds and continue to be bent on criminality — those individuals would cease and desist from this activity,” said Premier Mark Brantley during his opening statement at his monthly press conference on Thursday 29th July 2021, in the wake of recent gun violence, with a shooting on Nevis having occurred just hours before daybreak that same morning.
“Crime does not pay, and whatever short-term gains that people think they are getting ultimately ends in long-term pains,” Brantley said. He noted that a deadly shooting which took place two Fridays earlier had resulted in an arrest through the assistance of the public and many civic-minded individuals. “While we commend the police for solving crime, I would much prefer to commend our society for there being no crime in the first place.” A male resident of Stove Grove was shot and injured at Pump Road on Nevis at about 3:00 AM on Thursday 29th July 2021 and was receiving medical attention. The Premier extended condolences to the family and hopes that those involved will be swiftly brought to justice. Brantley noted that over the past two and a half to three years the island has been working to create “an environment which is far better for us all” and said he is hopeful that young people would respond positively given greater opportunities for hope and fuller lives.
Separately, three inmates escaped from Her Majesty’s Prison on Saturday 24th July 2021 — Lashon Hendrickson (24), Jonothan Rawlins (19) and Estevan Lawrence (26), all on remand awaiting trial. All three were quickly recaptured: Hendrickson by Police Officers in the vicinity of Hart Street shortly after escaping; Rawlins and Lawrence by Prison Officers on the grounds of the former Basseterre High School. HMP management will conduct an assessment to determine what additional security steps can be taken to prevent further occurrences at the 1840 facility.