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.