By Lesroy W. Williams Observer Reporter
(Basseterre, St. Kitts) – A recent arrest and shackling of a photojournalist for taking a picture at a crime scene has resulted in an impasse between the police and media. Stachio Williams of SKNVibes was shackled and taken into custody at the Cayon Police Station for taking a photo behind the police crossing at the crime scene of the murder of Randy “Robby” Scott. Mr. Scott was gunned down in his front yard on Dec. 12 at about 6 a.m. by unknown assailants. Mr. Williams, who was embarrassed by his arrest, said that he was going to seek legal redress for the violation of his rights. On the heels of this incident there has been a call for the St. Kitts and Nevis Media Association, which has been dormant for some time, to be revitalized. President of the Media Association, Mr. Clive Bacchus of WINN FM, called for a meeting of all media workers to be held at University of the West Indies Centre on Dec.18. A representative from the High Command of the Police is expected to attend. The purpose of the meeting would be to address the role of the media and the role of the Police with respect to reporting crime. In the meanwhile, Editor in Chief of SKNVibes, Mr. Stanford Conway, briefed the Police High Command and members of the Police force at Police Headquarters, Cayon Street, on December 18. “It is imperative that the media and the police work in harmony and not be adversaries. There should be a relationship of mutual trust and respect between the Police and the media,” Mr. Conway said.
