BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 17th April 2020) – Individuals making prank calls to the COVID-19 hotline (311) and those playing “cat and mouse” with police during curfew hours have become a serious concern as the nation fights the spread of the novel coronavirus.
More than 70 individuals have been arrested for disobeying “stay at home” rules. Chairman of the National Disaster Mitigation Council Vincent Byron Jr. described prank calls to the 311 hotline as a “disturbing” matter.
“We consider this to be very serious. The 311 is a hotline for emergencies for those who may require assistance. It is unacceptable for those who do not have any proper business or proper question to try to give prank calls to the 311 hotline. This must stop,” he stated.
Superintendent Cromwell Henry reported that from 28th March to 15th April, there were 72 arrests: 38 in Division A (Basseterre area), 25 in Division B (West Farm to Lodge) and 9 in Division C (Nevis). Of those, 48 were formally charged and 24 were to be reported via summons.