PRESS STATEMENT: ST KITTS AND NEVIS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION STRONGLY CONDEMNS STABBING INCIDENT

The St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association strongly condemns the stabbing incident, which took place on Saturday 20 April 2019, following the conclusion of the National Bank Premier League match Rams Village Superstars vs. SOL IAS Conaree, which left Rams Village Superstars and National team player Raheem Francis hospitalized in a critical condition. We are extremely concerned and alarmed at this senseless and wanton act of violence against a player in our league and wish to state categorically that there is absolutely no place whatsoever for this kind of brutal and criminal act against any player, match official, spectator or other stakeholder. The sport of football is a game, which is aimed at promoting the principles of respect and “Fair Play” while bringing together people from various religious, ethnic, social, political and other backgrounds.

We are aware that the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is currently carrying out investigations into this criminal matter and that at least at one person, is currently in police custody assisting with the investigations. We therefore encourage anyone with information about the said incident to come forward and provide the police authorities with such. In addition, the SKNFA has commenced its own investigation into the matter and wishes to hereby assure our member clubs, match officials, patrons, sponsors and the people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis that extremely strong action will be taken against the person or persons involved in such a heinous act of violence, that threatens the survival of the sport in our beloved country. The SKNFA Executive Committee has already convened an emergency meeting at which sanctions have been imposed against the parties involved, the details of which shall be made public very shortly.

Further, over the course of the next few days, the SKNFA will engage its member clubs and other stakeholders regarding additional methods of dealing with acts of violence, disorderly conduct and other negative behavior by players, team officials and patrons. We believe that this unfortunate incident has brought the sport football in St. Kitts and Nevis to a crossroad and as such we must, along with our partners, clubs, and sponsors decide on the path forward that would ensure that such acts of violence do not reoccur in our sport. In addition, we will be making a closer examination of our security procedures at the various football stadiums in order to ensure enhanced safety of our footballers, patrons and officials.

In closing, SKNFA herby express our gratitude to the medical staff at JNF Hospital, who have worked tirelessly in respect of this matter and also wishes Raheem Francis a speedy recovery and urge that you continue to keep him, his family and his club in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult period.

“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD” ~ Jeremiah 30:17