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Suspect Being Hunted In Sgt. Powell’s Shooting Death  

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Suspect Being Hunted In Sgt. Powell’s Shooting Death  

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Saturday 18th August 2018)– While four individuals have been taken into police custody in relation to today’s shooting death of 44-year-old Sergeant Powell, authorities on St.Kitts are currently conducting a manhunt for another person of interest who has been on the run since last year.

Wanted by police is 37-year-old Vincent Taylor who has two given residential addresses namely McKnight and Sandy Point.

At a police press conference held today at the Police Training Complex in New Town, Basseterre, members of the media were updated on the homicide case by members of the Police High Command-Police Commissioner Ian Queeley; Deputy Police Commissioner Hilroy Brandy and Assistant Police Commissioner Andre Mitchell.

According to police, he is “considered armed and dangerous.”

Notably, police have yet to catch up to Taylor who is wanted for an armed robbery committed in Sandy Point on the day after Christmas last year (Tuesday 26th December 2017).

Anyone who sees him or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact the Violent Crime Unit by dialing 467-1887, 467-1888, 662-3462 or the nearest police station.

According to Brandy “Police are eager to get him in custody.”

As it relates to the four persons in police custody, ACP Mitchell explained that it is too early to say whether or not they would be charged.

“Our investigators are working assiduously this morning up to now. We are hoping that we can bring this matter to a resolution in quick time. I cannot speak to if these persons would be arrested and charge; these persons are being interviewed [and] their alibis or whatever have to be checked out and so there are a number of things that have to be done before we can make a statement in terms of arrests so it’s early…and we are asking you to bare with us as out investigators continue to inquire into this homicide.”

He went on to thank members of the public for their cooperation during the investigation.

“The public has been providing a lot of information …which has led to these persons being in custody and information continues to come in so we’ll see what happens.”

COP Queeley  has expressed that he is “deeply saddened and totally outraged as we mourn the loss of a very loyal and committed police officer. ”

He has given commitment that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

“These cowards for their own selfish gain and greed have senselessly cut him down in the prime of his life, by brutally killing him. I say openly to the perpetrators of this most heinous crime, that you will find no comfort. I give my commitment here and now that we will hunt you down and flush you out from wherever you are hiding and bring you to justice. I consider this to be an attack on the entire organization and, by extension, the State, and as such we will respond in an appropriate manner.”

 

At about 1:00 AM this morning, police received a report of an armed robbery in Newton Ground at Powell’s owned and operated bar.

Investigations revealed that two armed, masked men entered the bar and demanded money from him.

Reportedly, a struggle ensued between Powell and one of the armed men and one of them shot him several times about the body.

He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Powell’s death is the 18th  recorded homicide in St.Kitts-Nevis to date for 2018.

At the time of his death, he was the Subordinate Police Officer in charge of the Stapleton Police District in St.Peter’s Parish.

Police: Massive Investigation Launched Into Cop’s Death

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Police: Massive Investigation Launched Into Cop’s Death

 

By: Spokesman Newsroom 

 BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Saturday 18th August 2018)- The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is reporting that it has launched a “massive investigation” into today’s shooting death of 44-year-old Sergeant Leon Powell.

As reported, Sergeant Powell owns and operates a bar in Newton Ground and at about 1 a.m. police received a report of an armed robbery in Newton Ground at his bar.

“Investigations so far have revealed that two armed, masked men entered the bar and demanded money from him.  A struggle ensued between Powell and one of the armed men and one of them shot Powell several times about the body. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene,” police say.

Members of the Crime Scene Unit visited and processed the scene.

Items of evidential value were taken into Police custody. Persons with information regarding this incident are urged to contact the Violent Crime Unit by dialing 467-1887 or 467-1888, 662-3462. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

 

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION RT. HON. DR. DENZIL DOUGLAS MOURNS WITH THE FAMILY OF LEON ‘SHABBA’ POWELL

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LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION RT. HON. DR. DENZIL DOUGLAS MOURNS WITH THE FAMILY OF LEON ‘SHABBA’ POWELL

Today, August 18, 2018, in the wee hours of the morning, Police Sargeant Leon Powell, better known as Shabba, was senselessly gunned downed in his hometown of Newton Ground. Sargeant Powell was an officer in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force for around 20 years. He was a consummate professional who was friendly, empathetic and easy-going. He was an ambitious human being and a businessman who was engaged in a number of business ventures.

Police Sargeant Leon Powell previously worked closely with me as a member of my security detail when I was Prime Minister. He served with distinction in that position and all other positions which he held prior. After the change of government, Police Sargeant Leon Powell was transferred to another post and was officially attached to the Stapleton Police Station in St. Peters at the time of his cold-blooded murder early this morning.

It has been speculated by some that Sargeant Powell was shot down in a botched armed robbery. However, we must be careful not to jump to conclusions too early. Sargeant Powell is the second Police Sargeant to be shot down this year, 2018, Sargeant Dwight of St. Pauls being the first, murdered just three months ago on May 4th.

These attacks on Police Sargeants in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, one from St. Pauls and the other from Newton Ground, are deeply troubling to all of us. Police are defenders of our society. They do not deserve to be subjected to such heinous acts of violence.

I call upon the authorities to seek swift justice for Police Sargeant Leon Powell (and of course Dwight Davis as well.)

I use this singular opportunity to offer on my own behalf, on the behalf of Constituency #6 and on behalf of the wider St. Kitts-Nevis community, deepest condolences to the children, family, friends, loved ones and fellow villagers of Newton Ground on the tragic loss of our dear loved one and faithful Police Sargeant Leon Powell. Let us all pray for Leon’s family at this time of great distress. May our God keep them and strengthen them in this moment of tribulation.

I close in reminding our beloved citizens, and friends and family of Police Sargeant Leon Powell that our Redeemer lives, and that he will bring justice in his own time.

Killed Cop Struggled With Attackers

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Killed Cop Struggled With Attackers
By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Saturday 18th August 2018)- Although police have not yet issued a press release into this morning’s homicide incident, details  gleaned from a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister revealed that the killed cop struggled with his attackers.
It is said that Leon Dasent Powell, a 44-year-old sergeant of Newton Ground was fatally shot in an apparent robbery that went awry.
Reportedly, armed masked men attempted to rob Sgt. Powell’s bar in Newton Ground around 1:00 AM and ” A struggle ensued, resulting in him being shot several times and dying at the scene.”
It has been shared by Press Secretary Valencia Grant that Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Timothy Harris extends heartfelt condolences, and those of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, to the family and loved ones of Powell.
Furthermore, he extends sincere condolences to the close-knit Newton Ground community, from which Sgt. Dasent Powell hailed, as well as the leadership and rank-and-file members of the Ministry of National Security, and in particular the Royal St. Christopher & Nevis Police Force.
Grant has informed that PM Harris in his capacity as Minister of National Security encourages the people of St. Kitts and Nevis to provide any information that they deem useful or relevant in clarifying the circumstances around Sgt. Dasent Powell’s tragic death.
“If you saw something or know something, please contact a member of the Police High Command or Crime Stoppers,” is the appeal made.

Former Bodyguard Shot Dead

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Former Bodyguard Shot Dead

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Saturday 18th August 2018)- Information reaching this media house indicates that a police officer was shot dead in Newton Ground shortly  before 2:00 AM this morning during an armed robbery at a shop.

A reliable source has revealed that the victim is Sergeant Leon ‘Shabba’ Powell of that community who is a former body guard of immediate past Prime Minister Dr.Denzil Douglas- the present Opposition Leader of the St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party.

More details to be provided in a follow up report.

 

 

EXPERIENCED POLICE OFFICERS FROM JAMAICA TO HELP IMPROVE THE INVESTIGATIVE EFFORTS OF THE ROYAL ST. CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS POLICE FORCE

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EXPERIENCED POLICE OFFICERS FROM JAMAICA TO HELP IMPROVE THE INVESTIGATIVE EFFORTS OF THE ROYAL ST. CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS POLICE FORCE

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, August 16, 2018 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Retired Detective Inspector of Police of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Ms. Marcia Garrick and retired Senior Superintendent Colin Pinnock, the two newest additions to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, today (Thursday, August 16) met with Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris where they expressed their desire to help turn around the crime situation in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The two retired officers from Jamaica were brought in by the Ministry of National Security to upgrade and enhance the investigative capabilities of the police force.

With over 40 years of knowledge and experience in conducting investigations of violent crimes, Mr. Pinnock will be attached to the Violent Crimes Unit and the Criminal Investigations Department of the Police Force, where he will serve as lead investigator and consultant on investigations involving major crimes.

“I want to express my gratitude, privilege and honour to be coming to St. Kitts and Nevis to work with members of the police force here, and I will ensure that whatever knowledge I have and have gained over the many years as a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force I will pass on most, if not all of it, to the members here to assist their development in investigating murders and shootings and other serious crimes here,” Mr. Pinnock pledged.

Ms. Garrick expressed similar sentiments to those of Mr. Pinnock. She said, “I really feel elated and I’m happy to be here to offer my services, and most of what I have in my brain as it relates to criminal investigations. I will ensure that it is passed on to persons that I work with so that we can grow from strength to strength.”

Ms. Garrick comes to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force with thirty-seven (37) years of experience in investigating sexual offences and child abuse. She will be primarily assigned to the Special Victims Unit (SVU) as the lead investigator on matters of sexual offences.

Prime Minister Harris, who is also Minister of National Security, commended Ms. Garrick and Mr. Pinnock for choosing to serve in the interest of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and impressed upon them the importance of their new roles with the police force.

“At the end of the day…only one thing matters—results. I’ve said that repeatedly to the High Command and it’s certainly because I believe it and the country wants it and so there’s no way out. And so we continue here to provide as much resources as we can to the security forces to ensure that they can deliver the kind of results that the country and people deserve,” Dr. Harris emphasized.

“It is my view, having been in government for three plus years, that the time is nigh for the peace dividend to occur in the country and it has to happen urgently,” the National Security Minister added as he commended Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) with responsibility for the Crime Directorate, Mr. Andrew Mitchell for “recognizing that there was a need for enhancement in the capacity building” of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.

Also present at Thursday’s meeting was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Osmond Petty; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ian Queeley, and ACP Mitchell.

Photo 2 (L-R): Retired Detective Inspector, Ms. Marcia Garrick; retired Senior Superintendent Colin Pinnock; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Osmond Petty; Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ian Queeley; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Andre Mitchell.

CXC SBAs Need To Be Taken More Seriously

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CXC SBAs Need To Be Taken More Seriously

By: Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts ( Thursday 16th August 2018) – While education officials have marked an improvement in CXC (Caribbean Examination Council) results so far according to preliminary results, areas of concern include School Based Assessments (SBAs), irregular class attendance and low number of passes for Integrated Science at high school level.

“Parents, guardians and teachers need to respond more seriously to students’ completion of their SBAs, their attendance at regular classes as well as those additional classes that are put on by teachers to support students,” said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education William Hodge at a press conference organised by the Ministry of Education yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) at Government Headquarters on Church Street.

He added: “We have to encourage our students to complete their SBAs-all of them-and on time, to use the feedback that their teachers provide to improve the quality of their SBAs so that when they are graded for submission to CXC that they would have the maximum scores possible.”

According to Chief Education Officer Tricia Esdaille: “Looking at some of our reports and hearing the results, as always there’s always room for improvement. I think when we look at the scores in St.Kitts and Nevis and we look at the regional performance that St. Kitts and Nevis continues to perform very well and our goal is to compete against ourselves to do better every year in hopes that next year we would have greater improvement than we’ve seen this year.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Shawn Richards gave a summary of the performance in private schools and centers as it relates to CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate).

“At this point in time, these results are preliminary. Throughout the next few weeks, there are some students who would query their grades [and] that of course would affect the percentages which were given. Additionally, there were some students who were ungraded and so those results are still being awaited a fluctuation in terms of percentages presented,” he remarked.

The CSEC preliminary results are: Basseterre High School 631 out of 754; Cayon High School 451 out of 553; Charles E. Mills Secondary; Charlestown Secondary 564 out of 715; Gingerland Secondary 251 out of 262; Immaculate Conception Catholic School 182 out of 231; Nevis International Secondary 30 out of 37; Saddlers Secondary School 235 out of 284; Verchilds High 457 out of 525; Washington Archibald High School 794 out of 1010; St. Kitts Private candidates 328 out of 620; New Horizons Rehabilitation Centre 10 out of 10; Nevis Private 125 out 204; Her Majesty’s Prison 11 out of 19 and also the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant Adult and Continuing Education 49 out of 64.

Top performers hail from BHS namely Zidane Knight with 13 grade one and 1 grade two and Abion Stevens (11 grade ones and 2 grade twos).

As highlighted by Richards, for the May to June 2018 CXC examinations, 16000 candidates registered for 70000 subject entries in the region. Of that amount, 15000 wrote their multiple choice exams on the computer.

He said for CSEC, within the Federation, 1461 candidates wrote 5718 examinations-754 school candidates and 707 private candidates.

“Of that amount, 4801 entries were students in schools and the remaining 917 subject entries from private candidates. Acceptable grades returned, that is grades one to three, were 4469. Of that amount, schools returned 3946 and 523 for private candidates. 21 of the 31 subjects returned a passing grades of 81 % or higher,” he noted.
The Education Minister pointed to a science subject saying: “Of concern is Integrated Science which returned 94 passes out of 237 (39.66 %).”

Richards went on to say: “Visual arts which returned 18 out of 37 passes (48.65%) after seeing gradual improvement the past two years.”

He also shared that the “School Based Assessment (SBA) component was introduced for the first time this year for English A and English B (which is Literature) and Mathematics.
Returns in school are: English A- 439 subject passes out of 546 (80.40%), English B- 57 passes out of 63 (90.48 %) and Mathematics returned with 327 passes out of 500 entries 65.40 %).

Court Date Set For Larry Vaughan

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Court Date Set For Larry Vaughan

By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 15th August 2018) – A court date has been set for bailed customs officer Larry Vaughan whereby he is expected to answer to four offences following his arrest at his workplace yesterday.

A press release issued this afternoon from the Police Public Relations Department has informed that he has been charged with Trespassing, Battery on Police, Resisting Arrest and Obstruction.

Reportedly, Vaughan received bail later that same day of his arrest in the amount of $5,000 with two sureties for his appearance at the Basseterre Magistrate Court on October 02, 2018.

The local authorities have indicated that assistance from the police was requested  in Vaughan’s matter.

“Sometime after midday on August 14, 2018 the Police received a request for assistance from Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department,” today’s police statement read.

It has been further reported that preliminary investigations have revealed that Vaughan of Keys Village was asked to leave the premises by the Comptroller of Customs several times and “After failing to do so, the assistance of the Police was requested.”

According to police: “When they arrived, the Police also asked Mr. Vaughan to leave the premises. When he failed to follow the instructions, he was arrested for trespassing and taken into Police custody, however, while carrying out the arrest, Mr. Vaughan obstructed the Officer in the execution of her duties.”

Well-known Customs Officer Charged With Resisting Arrest Plus More

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Well-known Customs Officer Charged With Resisting Arrest Plus More

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 16th August 2018)- Yesterday, a cell-phone video widely circulated via social media, particularly Facebook and Whatsapp, captured a controversial issue involving a well-known vocal customs officer Larry Vaughan during a confrontation with three police officers before being placed under arrest, and now he is currently out on bail stemming from that situation.

According to information received by this media house, Vaughan has been slapped with at least four charges including Resisting Arrest and Battery on a police officer and that he received bail yesterday (Tuesday).

The video recording took place while Vaughan was in his office space at the Customs and Excise Department located at Bird Rock in Bassterre.

In that 1 minute-36 seconds video filmed by Vaughan himself, he could be heard saying to a female cop “Officer, do not touch my phone” as she proceeds to tell him “You are under arrest for trespassing.”

One of the officers apparently took his phone away and he could be heard requesting “Officer may I have my phone please.”

During a verbal exchange with the female police officer, he also expresses “Let me take my bag and leave…officer do not touch me” to which the officer replies “Well, take you bag and leave.”

The female cop also tells Vaughan that “I’m going to charge you with resisting Arrest and Battery on an officer” which was verbally challenged by Vaughan who seems surprised at that claim and responds while putting his bag together “You’re arresting me?”

Nearing the end of the video, Vaughan-who is dressed in his uniform- says “I have it recorded so you are not going to say anything that I didn’t say.”

In a letter dated 13th August from Chief Personnel Officer (Human Resource Management Department Office of the Prime Minister) S. Warner addressed to Vaughan, he is told that “I have been directed to inform you that you are to proceed on administrative leave with effect from today 13th August 2018 until further notice.”

In the video, Vaughan also shares that “I wrote back to the person who said I was on leave.”

Vaughan being escorted by police (video screenshot)

The bailed customs officer was a hot topic on social media one week ago for a piece penned to Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris in which he cited areas of alleged victimisation and an analysis of his perception of poor leadership.

That letter dated Wednesday 8th August comprises of over 1500 words.

Public speculation abound as to the reasoning behind Vaughan’s work dismissal.

More on this matter as information becomes available including coverage in this weekend’s paper.

Photo: Well-known customs officer Larry Vaughan

CFBC ROBOTICS TEAM TO SHOWCASE EXPERTISE AT ROBOTICS OLYMPICS IN MEXICO

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CFBC ROBOTICS TEAM TO SHOWCASE EXPERTISE AT ROBOTICS OLYMPICS IN MEXICO

 

(EMU) – St. Kitts, August 9, 2018: Five scholarly students from the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) have been invited to Mexico City to participate in the FIRST Global Robotics Olympics slated for August 15-18, 2018 under the theme ‘Energy Impact’.

For the second consecutive year, Advisor, Dr. Ricardo Neil and students from the Information Technology Department, within the Technical Vocational and Management Studies Division have been selected to represent the Federation at this influential event.

On Thursday 9th August, the team visited the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Hon. Shawn Richards, for a competition simulation by the robot model, Gambino.

“The aim is to simulate the use of alternate sources of energy, solar, wind, combustion plant and reactor plants could be used, via Gambino,” said Jermellia Henry, Spokesperson, during the simulation.

“This is truly STEM at work! Exclaimed Minister Richards, as he marvelled at the demonstration. “I have no doubt that you can do better, having placed 36thout of 163 last year, additionally, you will enter the competition with a blend of experience which should work well for the team.”

The education minister praised the students and their advisor for the exceptional work done and the level of expertise and commitment exhibited thus far.

“Thank you for taking the initiative and getting involved in this type of competition, two years ago we may have never thought that students in St. Kitts and Nevis would have been interested in robotics, but that has changed,” Minister Richards stated.“In St. Kitts and Nevis we have quite a bit to go on in terms of developing technology. No longer can we be the consumers and I think it would be more meaningful and economical, if we continue to build on what we have.”

FIRST Global is a United States based not-for-profit charity which organizes a yearly international robotics challenge. The aim of the competition is to explore the impact of different types of energies used and how we can make them more sustainable.

-More-

Team SKN: Robotics Competition

When asked if the team intends to participate in other competitions in hopes of promoting the Information Technology Programme at the Technical Division, Christina Cho, Engineer stated, “As we find chances to advance the programme we will certainly take it.”

The 2018 Robotics team consists of Jervik Lapsley, Captain; Jermellia Henry, Spokesperson; Zhavier Shaw, Programmer and Assistant Mentor; Christina Cho, Engineer; Tanuja Delaney, Assistant Engineer; and Dr. Ricardo Neil, Advisor, all of whom are attached to the Information Technology Department of the Technical Vocational Education and Management Studies at CFBC. The team will depart the Federation on Monday 13th August, 2018.
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