The High Command of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis police Force remained tight lipped and evasive in responding to questions from thje media at Monday’s Press Conference, called by the high command to address the shooting death of Philo Wallace by an off duty policeman.Several questions remain unanswered and according to the police “the investigation is still ongoing.”
Monday’s very brief press conference began with a statement by Acting Police Commissioner Stafford Liburd who addressed Wallace’s shooting by an unnamed police officer. COP Liburd described the incident as tragic as he revealed the injuries that were sustained.
He said, “The facts known to date are, at approximately 3:45am on Saturday, an altercation took place between several people including a police officer at Enrique Bar, located in Cedar Trees in Charlestown, Nevis,” adding that “During this incident, the officer discharged his firearm. The 17 year old male was fatally wounded. The officer received a head injury. The deceased was taken to the Alexandra Hospital by a private vehicle and was later pronounced dead at 4:l0am.”
Liburd told the media that the investigations would be carried out “thoroughly and transparently” but said the officer’s identity could not be revealed in order to ensure his safety.
It was further revealed at the press conference that the officer who shot Wallace was granted sick leave with pay following the shooting on Saturday. ACP Vaughn Henderson explained that following such traumatic circumstances, the officer would be given sick leave to recuperate while the investigation continued.
A question about the police policy as it relates to off duty officers carrying firearms created a bit of a debate following remarks by Assistant Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley. “First of all, police officers are police officers and police officers are trained to take their firearms. In our situation, not all police officers do have firearms off duty. Particular sections of the police force and individuals for varying reasons would be permitted to have firearms while off duty.”
In the end, Superintendent Hilroy Brandy, Commander in charge of the Nevis Division, gave a definitive response after veteran VON Radio broadcaster Evered Herbert became the third journalist to ask whether the officer had permission to carry a gun while off duty.Brandy said, “That officer in question, yes, had the necessary permission to carry a firearm off duty.”
Nevis’ Premier and Minister responsible for Security in Nevis, Hon. Vance Amory attended as a show of support but said nothing to publicly extend condolences to the family of the deceased. Relatives of Philo Wallace were at the press conference but remained on the outside.