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Neighbouring Islands Team Up to Break Up Gang Activity

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Neighbouring Islands Team Up to Break Up Gang Activity

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 8th March 2019)-Collectively, local authorities of St. Kitts-Nevis along with those of neighbouring islands Anguilla plus St. Maarten (both Dutch and French sides) are teaming up to address interconnected movement of criminal gang activity across the territories by examining a number of proposed initiatives including legislative networking, improved information sharing and equipment purchasing.

Such information was revealed to members of the media following a meeting of top local and regional law enforcement officials and National Security Ministry officials conducted on Monday 25th February at the Customs Department’s Conference Room in Bird Rock.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Osmond Petty talked about the “Criminal elements who are moving between the islands and we want to work out a mechanism to alert each other islands when these persons are on the move so that some kind of action can be taken at the other end as is allowed by the respective legislations in those countries.”

According to him: “Very importantly though we want to move from sharing information on a person to person basis so that rather than just simply calling you from St. Maarten, we want to have a proper connection between agencies so that it is not just personal sharing of information but the government of St. Maarten… the police will contact the police in St. Kitts and Anguilla and so there is collaboration between agencies rather than individuals.”

Petty added: “We wish to look at the possibility of purchasing equipment at more cost effective way and also sharing expertise in dealing with this equipment so we do not have to be act on our own dealing with the technology that is required to trace some of the criminal activity that is taking place so we hope where possible purchase jointly some of the equipment needed to do some of our work.”

The National Security official said they want to look closely at mapping and categorising of gangs.

“There are gangs which are totally local and they operate in the countries but then there are gangs it seems in some of our three islands which may be getting more transnational so that they are not operating locally in St. Kitts for example but they have arms in some of the other islands- St. Maarten, Anguilla and even elsewhere and we would want to look at those,” he explained.

In addition, anti-gang legislation in the countries will be looked at with a view of sharing and improving such.

“Generally, our main commitment is to find the best ways of ensuring that the three islands represented here, St Kitts of course being fully independent…Anguilla and St. Maarten are states within other independent jurisdictions and so we want to find the best way of collaborating between the three islands so that together we can address criminal elements moving between the islands,” advised.

Anguilla’s Police Commissioner Paul Morrison pointed out that in criminality, there is no respect for national boundaries, and underlined the significance of working harder and smarter to arrest the situation.

“Our countries face some very big strategic challenges, criminality that does transcend national boundaries. There is no respect for national boundaries and behind every statistic there is a victim and there is a family, someone is hurt or harmed by the crimes that these people commit whether they use firearms, peddling controlled substances or trafficking human beings, we need to work smarter and harder and in order to work smarter and harder, we have got to work together,” he said.

St.Kitts-Nevis’ Acting Police Commissioner Hilroy Brandy commented that: “If the criminals are working, I think it is best we too as law enforcement have to network and come up with the best solutions to keep our countries and our citizens and our visitors safe.”

Agriculture Sector Faces Increased Monkey Problem

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Agriculture Sector Faces Increased Monkey Problem

By: Precious Mills 

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 8th March 2019)-Across the island, monkeys continue to give farmers a tough time and more so at a growing pace according to information revealed at the annual review and planning meeting put on by the Department of Agriculture, held on Tuesday 5th March at the St.Kitts Marriott Hotel.

Director of Agriculture Melvin James told that “monkeys and wild pigs is a persistent problem.”

Specifically, in relation to the monkey situation, he commented that “it is more than we can handle” whilst giving an insight into plans to address the ongoing issue which is affecting crops.

At present, there is no numerical information to back the animals’ (both monkeys and pigs) destruction to the agricultural sector.

“So we find that we have not collected any data in the past so I can’t tell you exactly how much damage we have or how much crop loss has taken place because of pigs and monkeys but that is something that we need to do and that is something that we’re going to be doing this year because the number of animals have intensified, the amount of damage have intensified and I believe that is one of the factors too that is affecting our overall yields so we need to do that…,” James remarked.

He informed that his department has a GEF/FAO [Global Environment Facility/ Food and Agriculture Organisation)-sponsored programme “which looks at invasive species and in particular monkeys and how they are impacting us,” James stated.

“We’re mostly focusing on how they are impacting crops; how they destroy the watermelons, how they eat the pumpkin and so on,” he added.

James shared that the monkeys are destroying the natural environment of the island pertaining to certain plants and species of birds.

“They are also destroying the natural environment. There are certain birds that their numbers have gone done because the monkeys are eating the eggs and young. There are certain plants…that you cannot find as easily in the forest because the monkeys are eating them and as it were destroying the numbers because there are too many. Trees like breadfruit and breadnut; those kind of trees in the forest, the monkeys are killing them because they are stripping them, and so it’s not just agriculture that they are damaging. So, this study is going to look overall as to the impacts that they’re having but of course with all of that we cannot address our problem if we don’t cull; we have to bring down the numbers.” 

He continued: “They are more than we can [handle]; Whether it’s a 100,000 or 40,000, we may not be exactly certain [but] what we’re certain of is it is more than we can handle and we need to bring the numbers down so we will continue our ways of trapping and culling so that when we produce something it can actually reach on our plates; it can reach on our table.”  

 The Agriculture Department official told individuals to contact the Ministry of Environment too when making complaints about monkeys.

“One of the things I want to plant in our minds. Yes, I agree with you to call the Department of Agriculture and ask what we’re doing about monkeys [but] I think you should also call the Ministry of Environment. I think you are giving them an easy time; you’re taking them off the hook. Monkeys come into our farms but where do they live, where do they belong? They live mostly in the natural environment- in the ghauts, in the forest which is a factor of the environment and sustainable development,” James said.

“I think just like us, they have a responsibility to seek to manage. Let us broaden the debate. As we talk about what’s happening, we also need to engage them. Nonetheless, we continue to do our part in trying to manage these animals,” he remarked.

Minister of Agriculture Eugene Hamilton while focusing on the need for efficient work expressed: “I heard about some uncertainties about the real damages from monkeys, what the real damage is from pigs…it tells me that we have gaps to fill because we ought to be closer to the real figure of loss… if we know that it is a problem area in agriculture.”

Natta-Nelson Comes Out Punching After Official Introduction

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Natta-Nelson Comes Out Punching After Official Introduction

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 8th March 2019)-“Lawd de man frighten; he frighten! He so frighten that if you ask him a question he got one answer!”

 So said Leon Natta-Nelson as he came out roasting immediately after being officially introduced as the candidate for Constituency Seven, publicly completing the eight-member slate of the opposition St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) Party to contest the upcoming general elections.

 “If you ask him for a scholarship, he say tra la la tra la la me no know wha you ah talk bout. If you ask him bout crime he say tra la la tra la la me no know wha you ah talk bout. If you ask him bout de IMF report he say tra la la tra la la gimme a break nuh, gimme a break nuh. But don’t worry innovation is coming; it is coming! Labour is coming, leadership is coming! Ah got to behave meself tonight,” he said while speaking at an SKNLP public meeting in St. Paul’s on Sunday 24th February.

Natta-Nelson’s, a rookie in the political arena, is expected to go up against Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Timothy Harris, leader of the People’s Labour Party (PLP) who is an estranged former SKNLP senior member.

At that recent public meeting, SKNLP Leader Dr. Denzil Douglas in his lead up to introduce Natta-Nelson outlined that he (Natta-Nelson) “has been delayed; delayed by a coward prime minister!”

That SKNLP session came on the heels of Dr. Douglas’ victorious outcome at the high court concerning the parliamentary disqualification matter brought against him by the Attorney General Vincent ‘Juicy’ Byron Jr. on behalf of the government.

At an SKNLP press conference held on Friday 22nd February, Natta-Nelson was asked by a reporter about his confidence level at relates to his own court matters. To this end, his lawyer Sylvester Anthony spoke for him stating that “he is extremely confident about his prospects.”

Concerning one of two court matters, on Wednesday 10th October 2018, Natta-Nelson was formally arrested and charged for failing to renew his Firearm Users License between February 01, 2018 and October 07, 2018.

The weapon, along with 25 rounds of ammunition, were confiscated by police two days before on Monday 8th October.

He subsequently received bail in the sum of $10,000 with two sureties and was slated to appear before the Basseterre Magistrate in December.

Although Natta-Nelson was not spared public criticism for having missed the period to renew that legally obtained firearm, many people have expressed views stemming from party politics controversy.

In the other case, to date, Justice Eddy Ventose is yet to make a judgment in the matter following a hearing in February this year largely concerning the public service code after Natta-Nelson (the claimant), a senior customs officer, was dealt suspension over party politics involvement.

His Lawyers want the court to make a declaration that he is entitled to contest the upcoming general elections.

A letter dated 10th October to him from the Human Resource Management Department in the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that he had broken the Public Service (Conduct and Ethics of Officers) Code as it has received “an adverse report of [his] involvement in political activity.”

Natta-Nelson reportedly received the letter on Wednesday 17th October.

He was also told in the letter “that on or about the end of June 2018, you Leon Natta-Nelson, did introduce yourself to a resident of Christ Church Village, Christ Church, St. Kitts, as a candidate of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party running against the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris for the next general election.”

Man Attacks Officer After Bullets Found In Bag At Airport

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Man Attacks Officer After Bullets Found In Bag At Airport

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 8th March 2019)- A man found to have ammunition in his bag at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport has been hit with a number of charges including the offences of Battery, Possession of Ammunition and Importation of Ammunition.

Reportedly, Kenrick Rogers of Challengers had arrived on a flight on Monday (4th March) and was held by Customs Officers after several rounds of ammunition was found in one of his bags.

He was later handed over to the police.

Two days later on Wednesday 6th March, he was charged by the Police for the offences of Battery, Possession of Ammunition and Importation of Ammunition.

Additionally, Rogers was also charged by the Customs and Excise Department for the offences of False Declaration, Importation of Restricted Goods, Obstruction of a Customs Officer in the Execution of Duty, Fraudulent Evasion and Removal of Goods from a Customs Control Area.

A police source says the battery charge is in relation to a customs officer.

As gathered by this media house, that physical attack allegedly happened while Rogers was being arrested.

30 Year Old Jailed For Life

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30 Year Old Jailed For Life

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 8th March 2019)-The man convicted of killing 17-year-old Rakeim ‘Rackbo’ Hanley back in 2015 has been slapped with a life imprisonment sentence at the age of 30.

Souvin Ritchen, who was formally from Shadwell but lived at Durant Avenue, was found guilty of murder by a majority of the jury in November last year.

Hanley of Fort Thomas Road was shot on the night of Tuesday 25th August 25 in the area while riding his bicycle, and died the following morning as a result of his injuries.

Details relayed by the Police Public Relations Department on Tuesday 5th March informed that on the day of sentencing “The Court described the murder as cold, vicious and the worst case scenario, adding that the degree of seriousness was exceptionally high.”

“The Court also stated that his conduct was a proclamation of his untouchability in the community and that his good character was eclipsed by the circumstances of the case,” police further disclose.

Public Controversy Erupts After Leroy Henry Autopsy Results

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Public Controversy Erupts After Leroy Henry Autopsy Results

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Tuesday 5th March 2019)- Autopsy results have revealed that Leroy  Henry, the young man who died during a recent deadly domestic violence incident, was killed from gunshot wounds to the chest and head fired from a cop’s gun.

According to police, “A coroner’s inquest into his death is expected to be conducted in the near future.”

Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Valery Alexandrov “concluded that death was due to equally fatal gunshot wounds to the chest and head.”

Henry’s funeral service was held on Thursday 28th February at the New Testament Church of God located on Central Street in Basseterre, and mourners were asked to wear happy colours in remembrance of him.

After news broke about the official autopsy results, individuals, including relatives, took to social media expressing anger and calling for justice for the deceased young man popularly known as ‘Caldo’.

On the day in question- Monday 18th February- police responded to a dispute between Leroy and Unella Henry at about 1:30 AM at Upper Malone Avenue.

Reportedly, preliminary investigations revealed that upon arrival, police met Leroy Henry attacking Mrs. Henry with a knife.

The police reportedly discharged his firearm at Mr. Henry. Additionally, preliminary reports also indicate that Mr. Henry attempted to take his own life with the knife.

The Emergency Medical Service was summoned to the scene and Mrs. Henry was transported to the JNF Hospital for medical attention. She sustained stab wounds about the body and a knife wound to her neck. She is currently warded in a stable condition.

Mr. Henry was pronounced dead at the scene by the District Medical Doctor.

The married couple-both in their 30s- were separated

Oops! Herb Not ‘Freed Up’

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Oops! Herb Not ‘Freed Up’

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Tuesday 5st March 2019)-Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris speaking about the accepted recommendations of the National Marijuana Commission while in Parliament last week led some individuals to think that the laws had changed in regard to decriminalising marijuana to a certain extent relative to St.Kitts-Nevis.

This widely debated topic has been on the receiving end of criticism and mixed reactions, and the Opposition St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) is accusing the government of deliberately misleading the public.

“Parliament was called solely for creating a political platform on which members of the government could parade as they were anticipating a victory at the court that same day,” said SKNLP Opposition Leader Dr. Denzil Douglas at a press conference held on Friday 22nd February at The Galaxy on Port Zante in Basseterre.

He also stated that it was “only a few months ago that Dr. Harris blatantly attacked those who think that he would allow his government to take a different position on Marijuana but because of Wednesday when he had a devastating blow in the courts of our country, all of a sudden marijuana becomes the trump card for them.”

Attorney General Vincent ‘Juicy’ Byron Jr. in a ZIZ news report- dated 22nd February-said changes to marijuana legislation announced are in not place yet and the pre-existing laws are still in effect. He also told that the recommendations in the Commission’s report have been agreed upon but must undergo a process in order to be made into law.

According to Dr. Douglas, there is in-fighting in the present government pertaining to the marijuana issue.

“It is very, very clear that the government is fighting within itself on this matter and that is why we keep saying that we are dealing with a government of three different parties; each party has its own opinion, its own policy on critical issues that affect the people of St. Kitts and Nevis that is why we continue to say that the government is unstable. It cannot take decisions easily because there is a fighting among them.

He said further that it is clear that “the announcement by the Attorney General is clear contradiction to the position that the Prime Minister is trying to announce.”

Concerning the report submitted to Cabinet by the National Marijuana Commission, the opposition informed that its parliamentarians did not receive a copy.

“…You have a document for several weeks that you are going to appear to make pronouncements on it and not even a copy, one sheet, no summary is made available to the members of the Parliament? Well people elect us to be there too! And that is what we’re saying all along, the government has no respect for people; it only becomes embroiled in it political agenda. That is no way to run a country!” said Dr. Douglas.

SKNLP Chairperson Dr. Terrance Drew accused PM Harris of continuing “to use to strategy of political deception to gain political advantage and this was a case.”

He added: “You can also look at it as a distraction; a distraction from the fact that he got a devastating blow as was described by the comrade Leader… and so he wanted to quickly move on to something else and so I think the population is smart enough to understand and intelligent enough to comprehend that Timothy Harris is playing petty politics; that’s all it is.”

Dr. Drew -who is a medical doctor- said the SKNLP has always put forth its stance when it come to the issue of marijuana which is it has been saying for a number of years.

He pointed out that [Marcella] Liburd has often spoke about young men who are locked up for small quantity and have their record spoilt with respect to college application, VISA application, loans and jobs.

Dr. Drew emphasised that expunging such criminal records in those cases is a position he has always held.

On the topic of marijuana for medicinal purposes, he pointed out that it is “something that I have always championed because I think that properly monitored it can used positively” for people in respect to a number of ailments.

On Wednesday 20th February, the government lost its court case for parliamentary disqualification of Dr. Douglas concerning the Dominican diplomatic passport matter; a case said to cost over $3 million with plans afoot by the government to have the matter carried on further at Appeal Court level.

The SKNLP  in its latest call for the resignation of Speaker Michael Perkins stems from that court day.

 “The speaker knowingly broke one of the cardinal rules of Parliament when he, sitting in the very chair, delved into this diplomatic passport matter that was under the active consideration of the court of our land and in relation to which a verdict was to be delivered on that very same afternoon,” remarked. Dr. Douglas.

 Deputy Leader Marcella Liburd said the Speaker “is the chairman of the public meeting for the government” abusing parliament and wasting tax payers’ money.

 She labelled last week’s session a “fake parliament” with the absence of debates and public business removed from the order paper.

 “…and this is about the fifth time where that has taken place where the Speaker is endorse carrying out a fake Parliament” noting that there is no opportunity for Opposition to speak thereof.

Students Connect With Past During Trip To Zack’s Museum

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Students Connect With Past During Trip To Zack’s Museum

By: Precious Mills  

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 1st March 2019)- Students of the Epworth/Maurice Hillier Memorial Junior School (of grades 5 and 6) recently went on an outing at Zack’s Historical-Cultural Library & Museum located at the Buckley’s Estate as part of the school’s activities for Black History Month. 

“We are here at the museum to see if we can connect anything with our past of our black people; people of the past whether the slaves or whoever,” said teacher Aurelstine Warner during a chit-chat with this reporter on Friday 22nd February. 

He added: “At our school, we talk about both local and foreign people who have been outstanding. We talk about our national heroes, we talk about other black people who have contributed significantly to our nation and so on. We talk about people in the United States such a Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington; black people who have contributed to the world and their country on a whole.” 

Asked what impression he has gotten from  the students, Warner replied: “Well, they are excited, they want to know about their own because when they look at the TV generally most times apart from in the music and sports fields such as the NFL, you hardly see black people doing anything else but the children have to know that black people contributed in other areas.” 

His colleague Hilton Clarke is of the view that such outings are important for children in general nowadays. 

“At this time, it’s sort of critical..it’s important because children nowadays all they engage themselves in is their computers, phones as everything is inside [their homes]; they’re not active and so they shut off everything else…you see them on the streets they cut off everything else so when we bring them out to like these they get to interact with  what happened in the past and so it helps to let them know that there was another way of doing things; people enjoyed the outdoors a lot, and most of the time they (the children) come, they are excited, they enjoy the outdoors  even though if you leave them to themselves they will stay indoors all the time, so this helps.” 

He continued: “ It helps them in their social studies, it helps them in interacting with other people in a different setting and so it opens their minds to a lot of things and how things have progressed from that stage to now the technology is the master driver  so they will benefit in a number of ways by coming out to see the exhibits and at least some of the artefacts that have some historical worth.” 

As gathered, the school had a committee in place for the activities related to the celebration of Black History Month with a special focus on connecting with the past which included a display at school spotlighting notable black people. 

Clarke said the exhibit was mounted “so that the children can have a sense of identity and realise that black people have a lot of value and have contributed not only nationally and regionally but internationally.” 

Students also visited the National Museum during the month of February. 

Keeper of the library- museum Winston ‘Zack’ Nisbett, better known as the Doctor of Culture, said he was impressed with the interaction of the students. 

“I was very much overwhelmed with their questions and answers. They were able to get the whole historical and cultural overview of what the estate achieved in terms of the betterment of the workers through their wages. The inspiration and motivation from these children gave a sense of pride and joy and it was significant because I was able to relay to them about the importance of our history because it’s important that they know where they came from and as to where they are going.; they were thrilled.”  “I hope and trust that they were able to galvanise what was taught to them this morning because they’ll be putting it in their school work in terms of from an examination point of view. I was very impressed with them. They asked many questions about the sugar mills, historical leaders, persons who made us what we are today, legacy that was paved through some of them. That was significant. So, all in all it was a good bunch and I want the children to continue to be that inquisitive and willing to learn.”

Another Juvenile Blamed After Guns Found

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Another Juvenile Blamed After Guns Found

By: Spokesman Newsroom 

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 1st March 2019)- Another underage teenager has found himself on the wrong side of the law among the third illegal firearm found in four days by police which are part of the total ofsix weapons discovered for 2019. 

To date, a man is in police custody in relation to a firearm that was found in the Village area on Tuesday this week (26th February). 

Reportedly, one of the members of a joint patrol in that area observed the individual with what appeared to be a firearm. The individual ran, was pursued by the members of the security forces and apprehended shortly after.  

A search of the area resulted in the discovery of a .38 revolver with five (5) rounds of ammunition. The firearm was taken into police custody. Members of the Crime Scene Unit visited and processed the scene.  

Additionally, two males taken into police custody three days before on Saturday 23rd February 23, in relation to shots being fired in the Newtown area and firearms that were subsequently found, have been charged. 

 26-year-old Kareem Jeffers of Thomas Street, Ponds Pasture and a juvenile have been charged for the offences of Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Ammunition and Discharging a Firearm in a Public Place. 

Close to 7 a.m. on Saturday, Police Officers and Soldiers, who were patrolling the area at the time, stated that they heard what appeared to be gunshots. They then observed two armed, masked males running. Both individuals were later apprehended in Ponds Pasture and taken into Police custody. No one was injured during the incident. 

 A search was conducted in the Ponds Pasture area and one black mask, along with one Taurus pistol with eleven (11) rounds of 9 mm ammunition and one Glock pistol with thirteen (13) rounds of .40 ammunition were discovered on an abandoned premises. They were also taken into police custody along with other items of evidential value found by Members of the Crime Scene Unit who visited and processed both scenes. 

The juvenile in this matter is the third youngster of such age category to be charged after two others were arrested in relation to the first two guns found for the new year following separate incidents. 

Earlier this month, during a joint stop and search operation by Police Officers and Soldiers of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force in Charlestown, Nevis on Wednesday 13th February, one (1) Glock .40mm pistol was found with ten (10) matching rounds of ammunition. 

The man who was driving along with the vehicle were taken into police custody. 

Police are urging persons to report all suspicious activity or information about illegal activity by dialing the crime hotline at 707. 

Men Killed Hours Apart Get Head Shot

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Men Killed Hours Apart Get Head Shot

By: Spokesman Newsroom 

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 1st March 2019)- Autopsies performed on the bodies of victims of recent fatal shooting incidents reveal that two individuals killed hours apart were shot to the head.

Forensic Pathologist Dr. Valery Alexandrov, the cause of death of 35-year-old Vere Amory and 25-year-old Joel ‘Bouyaka’ Phillip was a single gunshot wound to the head.  

In the case of 25-year-old Gavin Rogers, cause of death was concluded as the result of multiple gunshot wounds about the body. 

On Valentine’s Day (Thursday 14th February) at about 2 AM Phillip was shot in his home in the S. Johnston’s community by unknown gunmen while sometime after 1 PM also on that day, Rogers was shot in his home in Old Road by a lone gunman. 

On the day before (Wednesday), sometime after 7 PM Amory, who is also known as ‘Money’ or ‘Stiff Jacket’, of Ponds Pasture, was shot by a lone gunman in Sandy Point while playing dominoes and he died at the scene. 

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