Police in St. Kitts say several incidents on Wednesday brought a premature end to this year’s Jouvert in the streets of Basseterre and the arrest of more than 60 people.
There were reports of a shooting incident and multiple stone-throwing incidents, fights between revellers, and revellers and law enforcement, that sent hundreds of revellers ducking for cover.
Police were observed making scores of arrests as several bands and revellers made the rounds along West Independence Square Street, the Bay Road, The Circus, Fort Street, Cayon Street, Church Street and Liverpool Row.
In a statement Wednesday afternoon, police said the decision to stop the Jouvert was made in the interest of public safety.
“The Police are aware that a number of the incidents were gang-related and the others were fights that occurred during the street jam. The Police condemn the use of bottles and stones as missiles during the Jouvert Jam which resulted in injury to several persons, including two Police Officers,” the statement from Police Headquarters said.
The statement said the injuries to the civilians are not life-threatening.
“Arising out of these incidents some 64 persons were taken into custody and are assisting police with their investigations,” said the police.
The Police are asking anyone with information regarding the incidents that took place Wednesday morning to contact the Basseterre Police Station by dialling 465-2241.
After most of the disappointed revellers and onlookers departed The Circus and Fort Street after police stopped the jamming, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Timothy Harris was observed in the area with at least 12 of his security officers for protection.
