New security scanners and more CCTV cameras are among several measures being implemented to improve public safety in Anguilla following a surge in violent gun crime.
The initiatives were discussed during a meeting of the Criminal Justice Board – an entity focused on coordinating and improving the island’s criminal justice system.
Governor Julia Crouch chaired the meeting on Monday, 15 July, which was held following the three shooting deaths and a number of other gun-related incidents this past month.
A Facebook post from the Governor’s Office listed the safety and security measures that had been detailed during the meeting.
New walk-through scanners for passengers arriving and leaving Anguilla will be in place by the end of the week, and a scanner for incoming bags will be installed, the post said.
Additional CCTV cameras are expected “shortly” which will provide additional security around the key carnival sites.
A new social worker has been employed this week specifically to work with vulnerable families.
The Royal Anguilla Police Force is also working with UK and Jamaica forces to review the DARE programme – teaching school children how to make good decisions, the post read.
Urgent work is underway to enable the police boat to return to the water.
And planning for the new emergency 911 control room is “complex but on track for roll out by end of 2024”, the Governor’s Office added.
Three shooting deaths
On 7 July, police fatally shot a 19-year-old from Rey Hill during a suspected armed robbery at Island Supermarket in White Hill sometime after 4.45pm.
The name of the young man has not yet been made public.
A local investigation has been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and a team of investigators from the British Virgin Islands are reviewing the inquiry.
Just a few days later, on 10 July, 26-year-old Jahreem Carter was killed in a shooting on Long Bay Road.
According to a police statement, officers of the Royal Anguilla Police Force attended the scene to the west of the island shortly after 11.30pm.
They confirmed that a man had been shot and fatally wounded. The scene was locked down and a full investigation began.
During a government press conference on 15 July, Acting Commissioner of Police Haslyn Patterson said another person had died in a shooting on 14 July at Blowing Point.
He did not offer further details.
Anyone with information on these or any other incidents can call 911 or (264) 497-2333, or leave an anonymous message at www.gov.ai/911
Top priority
On Friday, 12 July, the acting commissioner briefed the governor, Premier Ellis Webster and ministers on the crime spree, according to an earlier post from the Governor’s Office.
Patterson said tackling gun crime continues to be the top priority for the force and that all available resources are being used in the investigations into the recent shootings.
The 20 newly-recruited officers to the force and the 13 UK-trained officers that are in Anguilla are assisting with public safety, he told the gathered officials.
There are more police patrols and members of the public are likely to see increased vehicle stops island wide in the coming weeks, the acting commissioner added.
Patterson said detailed operational planning for the upcoming carnival celebrations began over two months ago.
This includes additional temporary CCTV for areas holding carnival events, increased border control and the sharing of intelligence and joint operations with counterparts in Saint Martin and Sint Maarten.
