By Kenneth Williams
Nevis police moved Wednesday September 19th to abort a planned Independence Day car race slated for the Port Road. The police parked at least two vehicles in the center of the road and patrolled on another, thus preventing the race from commencing.
Superintendent of Police Joseph Liburd told The Observer on Thursday that he first heard of the planned race last Friday September the 14th when Premier of Nevis Joseph Parry and Minister of Agriculture and Lands Mr. Robelto Hector asked him “if he received information from St. Kitts concerning the race schedule for Independence Day.” Liburd said that he replied that he did not. According to the Superintend, in a subsequent conversation with Minister Hector he pointed out to Mr. Hector that vehicle racing on a public road is illegal.
Chapter 270, section 54 subsection (1) states, “any person who promoted or takes part in a race or trial of speed between motor vehicles on a road shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or to imprisonment with or without hard labour, for a term not exceeding four months, or to both such fine and imprisonment.”
But Superintendent Liburd told The Observer that even in conversation with Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Stafford Liburd no clear directions were given. An executive member of the Nevis Auto Association speaking on condition of anonymity toldThe Observer Wednesday that his association had a meeting on Sunday 16th September at the Cultural centre with Minister of Agriculture and Lands Honourable Robelto Hector. Sergeant Hector of the Nevis Police department also attended. The source said that an Independence race was agreed to be conducted between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm with the conditions that the Police, Paramedics and fire trucks would be present.
Nevis Auto Association executive said that The Minister and the club executives met on the Port road to mark out the road. Superintendent Liburd maintains that car racing on public roads is against the Law and he and his men will uphold the Law.
Up to press time Minister Robelto Hector did not return The Observer’s telephone calls.
