By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 5th April 2023)- Following the recent upsurge in gun violence which has resulted in five (5) homicides in a few days shy of two weeks, police have launched Operation Re-assurance in giving the public insight about their work focus in keeping communities safe.
Homicide victims are 18yearold Zion Huggins of Soho Village, 30-year-old Shanquille ‘Jun Jun’Walters of Stapleton Village, 35-year-old Jermaine ‘Zuce’ Henry and 34-year-old Denzil Edwards, both of Stapleton Village and 32-year-old Bernel ‘BJ’ Whyte of Fort Thomas Road, McKnight. All-except Walters who was fatally stabbedwere gunned down during an eleven-day period from Saturday 25th March to Tuesday 4th April 2023 which included double killings on two separate days.
“It is with great concern that we address the recent upsurge in gun violence that has resulted in the tragic loss of lives. The safety and well-being of our residents are of utmost importance, and we are taking all necessary measures to address this situation.
In collaboration with other National Security agencies, the Police have launched a full-scale extended special operation named Operation Re-assurance, to contain and suppress the violence,” a police press release dated Tuesday 4th April disclosed. At about 9:55 am on Apr 4, 2023, police responded to a report of a shooting at Soho Village, Basseterre and met Huggins’ lifeless body.
Investigations revealed that Huggins was in his yard when he was approached by a group of men. Police say he attempted to run away but was shot in the process. The District Medical Officer pronounced him dead at the scene.
The scene was processed by the Crime Scene Unit and items of evidential value were recovered. At about 1:55 pm on Apr 4, 2023, police received a report of a stabbing incident at Stapleton Village which resulted from an altercation between two men.
Walters was transported to the JNF Hospital in a private vehicle, where he was pronounced dead. Police say one suspect is in custody. Police appeal to persons with information on this incident to call the Violent Crime Unit at 662-3468. – LOCAL NEWS – 3He called on the public and all citizens to give support to the security forces.
“I want to ask the public and all of our citizens to support the security forces, support the police, support the defence force as they implement their plan to deal with the issues of national security but I also want to say to those who are involved in criminal activities that crime does not pay in the long run.” Dr. Drew highlighted spoke about “generational changes” currently being undertaken and that the government will not shy away from the issue”.
Front Banner Image: Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for National Security Dr. Terrance Drew speaking during the sitting of the National Assembly on Tuesday 4th April 2023 (SKNIS photo) Police are investigating a fatal shooting in the McKnight Community in Basseterre on , at about 9:00 p.m. that resulted in Whyte’s death.
Police responded to a report of a shooting incident and visited an alley between Central Fiennes Avenue, and Upper Malone Avenue, McKnight, where they observed the motionless body of Whyte, who appeared to have multiple gunshot wounds about his body. Enquiries so far have revealed that Mr.
Whyte was in the company of a female inside his motor vehicle P4850 on Central Street when he was accosted by two masked gunmen who fired several shots at him and his female companion. He exited his vehicle and ran down Central Fiennes Avenue but was chased by the gunmen who shot him several times about his body.
His female companion made good her escape and drove Mr. Whyte’s vehicle to the Basseterre Police Station where she reported what had transpired. Whyte was pronounced dead at the scene by the District Medical Doctor Dr. Oduntan at about 10:30 p.m.
The scene was processed by staff of the Crime Scene Unit and items of evidential value were taken into custody. An autopsy will be performed on the body of Mr. Whyte to determine the exact cause of death. Police are appealing to persons with any information on this crime, to contact the Violent Crime Unit at 467-1886. 1887 or 1888 or the Basseterre Police Station at 465-2241.
Police are also investigating a fatal shooting incident in Stapleton Village, which occurred at about 2:00 am on Saturday, March 25 that resulted in the demise of Henry and Edwards. Police investigations thus far have uncovered that a group of men were playing cards in a yard when a lone gunman wearing a hoodie entered the yard and opened fire on them.
Two of the men were shot and a third man sustained a broken leg while attempting General Hospital by the EMS. to escape. Henry was pronounced dead on scene, while Edwards Edwards succumbed to his and the man with the broken leg were transported to the JNF injuries shortly thereafter.
The scene was processed by the Crime Scene Unit and items of evidential value were gathered. Police are soliciting the cooperation of the public in providing any information that will aid the ongoing investigation.
Persons with information can call the Stapleton Police Station at 465-2418 or the Violent Crime Unit at 467-1886, 1887 or 1888. More information on Operation Re-assurance indicate that: “This operation is designed to specifically target those who are perpetrating these heinous acts and to bring them to justice.
It will be multidimensional and jointly executed by the security forces to achieve our operational objectives. We want to reassure the public that we are committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all residents.
We urge anyone with information about the violence to come forward and report it to the police. Your cooperation is vital in ensuring that we put an end to this scourge.” Additionally: “We also appeal to residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
We understand that these incidents can cause fear and anxiety in our community, and we want to assure you that we are doing everything in our power to ensure your safety. As a country, we must stand together in the fight against crime and violence.
We ask for your patience and understanding during this time, as we work to make our community a safer place for all.” Local authorities have condemned these acts of violence and call upon citizens to assist the police to bring the perpetrators to justice. Individuals can do so by providing any information you may have on this or any other crime by anonymously calling the Violent Crime Unit at 662-3468.
Police say any information provided will be kept in the strictest confidence. Front Page Image: New Commissioner of Police James Sutton
