STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF SERGEANT DWIGHT DAVIS BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE MR. IAN M. QUEELEY JP, DSA, MBA

On behalf of the High Command, Gazetted Officers rank and file of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of the late Sergeant Dwight Davis and the rank and file of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.

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I was away attending the Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) in Jamaica when I learned of his death. Receiving that kind of news was tough to deal with, and not being here with my fellow officers during such a difficult time made it even harder.

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I am in constant communication with his family members and a full range of support is being made available to the family members and close friends, as well as the members of the force with regards to counselling and emotional support. I want to encourage his family and every Police Officer to utilize this service and to be strong. As we reflect on his life, let us use our fondest memories of him to carry us through each day. He would have wanted nothing less.

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We have lost a dedicated Police Officer. Sergeant Dwight Davis had a passion for policing and was committed to his profession. He often went the extra mile to ensure that the task at hand was completed. He accepted the challenges of policing and was fearless in the execution of his duties. And, he did so diligently and in a professional manner. The void created by his death will certainly be hard to fill.

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The Investigative Team is working tirelessly on this case and while the evidence to date suggests that this might be an isolated case, let me make it very clear that an attack on one Police Officer is an attack on the entire organization, and by extension the State. As mentioned previously in a statement that the Force issued, the men and women of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force place their lives on the line daily. They have committed themselves to keeping the public safe and the risks they face are unlike those in any other profession. As they serve and protect others, the Police Force will not tolerate any act of violence against them. We are determined to ensure that the matter involving Sergeant Davis is addressed swiftly, and in so doing, no stone will be left unturned.

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This organisation will use all resources available at its disposal to find the perpetrator(s) of this crime and bring them to justice. I am therefore appealing to the person(s) responsible for the death of Sergeant Davis to turn themselves in to the nearest Police Station. In my new capacity as President of the ACCP, I will also leverage that post to reach out to any other agency that can assist. Holding that post also means that I am the International Vice President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and that post should allow us access to even greater resources should the need arise in this and any other case. As indicated earlier, no efforts will be spared.

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Since my return to the Federation over the weekend, having been duly briefed, I have held an emergency meeting with all Senior Officers and updated them on the progress of the investigation and our plans moving forward. I will be meeting with the junior ranks on St. Kitts on Tuesday (08/05/18) morning and in Nevis in the afternoon. I have also been in contact with my regional colleagues and international agencies seeking assistance as we advance this investigation.

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I want to also use this opportunity to call on all members of the public to shun this kind of behaviour and I am urging you to come forward with every bit of information no matter how little or insignificant it may seem. You are reminded that your role in solving this and any other crime is a critical one.

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Therefore, I am also asking the public to be responsible and sensitive to the needs of his family in this their most difficult hour as they grieve the loss of their loved one. There are rumours that are being circulated and these might negatively affect the investigation and, even worse, negatively impact his family. So, please refrain from engaging in such acts.

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We will continue our efforts to root out the criminal elements in our society wherever they may be hiding and we will not rest until we are satisfied that our communities are safe.

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In closing, once again, the High Command, other Gazetted Officers and the rank and file of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Sergeant Dwight Davis.

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May the soul of our dearly departed brother rest in eternal peace and rise in glory.

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Thank you.