Commissioner of Police Reynell Frazer supports the move to implement a curfew for youths in the Territory following suggestions from a Cane Garden Bay resident, who voiced his concern over the large number of minors seen ‘liming’ in the wee hours of the morning.

“I was pleased to hear that Minister for Education and Culture, Andrew Fahie, has recently mentioned this [curfew], and just recently after leaving a function I saw several youngsters about eight and nine years hanging out around 3 am. Now that’s serious,” Commissioner Frazer said at a community meeting held on Tuesday at the Ivan Dawson Primary School.

Therefore in an effort to rein in this growing trend, the Commissioner promised he will follow up and make recommendations to the National Security Council with the aim to have the necessary legislation be put in place. His pledge drew a loud applause from residents.

The candid meeting also had Police officers squirming in their seats, as residents quizzed them on the force’s approach to tackling crime in the Territory.

Kareem Rhymer, who owns a business in the buzzing tourist community, declared that “people are getting impatient because it seems that the [bad] guys are one step ahead of us.”

He asked what reassurances the police can give CGB residents that would make them feel more secured, and pushed home the point that tourists who want to holiday in the Territory have asked him “if they should wear bullet proof vests.”

“Decisions have to be made,” Rhymer pointed out.

Don’t panic

Roy Stoutt, the Head of Eastern and Western Community Policing, in response to Rhymer’s uneasiness said, “Don’t panic. Give us a chance and you will see some results.”

He noted that armed patrols have stepped up, more stop and search exercises are being conducted, ‘hot spots’ are being searched and the installation of security cameras is underway.

“….so in less than six months results will be seen,” Stoutt said.

With regard to patrolling the CGB beach especially in the evening one resident, while complimenting the officers’ efforts to make the residents feel safe, pointed out that officers need more arms.

Although no definitive answer was given to arming the Officers, another resident suggested that night vision goggles could be an alternative move that would reap the results and keep the officers from harm’s way.

Another resident, David Archer, also suggested that to strike a balance a boat could be rented from the Moorings which will allow officers to patrol the waters.

“…it will show that something is happening,” he noted.

Accidents a grave concern

Traffic accidents topped the list of offences in CGB and Inspector Rena Rivera Cornette, attached to the Cane Garden Bay Police Station disclosed to residents the statistics for the last two years.

It was revealed that the number of offences committed has already surpassed last year’s number.

In 2007, there were 53 offences committed compared to 62 so far for this year.

Inspector Cornette in breaking down the offences stated in 2007 there were five burglaries, eight thefts, one sexual assault, five minor assaults, three reports of damages, four drug arrests, 25 traffic accidents and two traffic accidents with injuries.

Meanwhile in 2008, 12 burglaries were reported, 10 thefts, one serious assault, four minor assaults, three reports of damages, one drug arrest, 28 traffic accidents and three traffic accidents with injuries.       

Inspector of Traffic Kenrick Headley considers the increasing number of traffic accidents to be excessive.

“So far for the year, we have 1,171 accidents on record and the number one factor is drivers’ error. We also have a large number of vehicles on the roadways,” he said.  However, one mother told the Traffic Cop that during the tourist season vehicular traffic is extremely heavy and wondered what measure the Traffic Department would do to protect the students.

Headley reassured her that within the next two weeks an auxiliary officer will be based in the community to direct traffic.

Police Station to be relocated

Protective of the conditions under which the officers have to live and work, one resident asked Stoutt if he would live and work in the CGB Police Station with all the cracks, which were exposed during recent tremors felt in the VI.

Stoutt replied he is aware of the building’s condition and openly told residents if funding is not available – the officers attached to the Station will have to be relocated to West End.

However, Commissioner Frazer stood up and announced that at the end of the month, the Police Station will be temporarily relocated to Patsy Rhymer’s building, located opposite the existing Station, which will undergo repairs.

The rotation process of Police officers too was addressed. At the moment an officer mans the station alone for three days before he is replaced. Stoutt noted that with the new batch of officers recruited – a solution is now in sight.

Attending the meeting as well were UK Police Officers, Tony Smith and Sergeant Tilda Henry Lewis.  

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