{"id":135215,"date":"2021-08-18T13:30:15","date_gmt":"2021-08-18T17:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=135215"},"modified":"2021-08-18T13:35:37","modified_gmt":"2021-08-18T17:35:37","slug":"quickly-the-gathered-quickly-they-scattered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/quickly-the-gathered-quickly-they-scattered\/","title":{"rendered":"Quickly They Gathered \u2013 Quickly They Scattered"},"content":{"rendered":"
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by Rawlston Pompey<\/strong><\/p>

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The small impoverished, sun-drenched, white sand beaches, 108 Square mile, tourism-based economy, nation of Antigua and Barbuda has not escaped the ravages of the \u2018Coronavirus-19 Pandemic. None may deny that the \u2018Coronavirus-19\u2019<\/strong>has dominated every aspect of human lives. It has impacted the lives of every man, woman and child and nation in some fundamental way; (a) \u2018\u2026Medically; (b) \u2026Socially; (c) \u2026Religiously; and (d) \u2026Economically.<\/strong>\u2019 Even so, none may deny the dire need to protect the health of the citizenry by preventing its spread among the populace.<\/p>\n

PREVENT AND CONTROL <\/strong><\/p>

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Its population of \u201897, 118\u2019 [Google: 2019]<\/strong> indigent, but God-fearing, peace-loving and law-abiding people have, experienced the bad and ugly. They have seen rather inconvenience and difficult measures being imposed upon them. Yet they have accepted that these were for the expressed intention of addressing medical and health issues. In fact, the measures were intended only to prevent super spreading of the deadly virus. Conversely, a \u2018National Vaccine Inoculation Policy\u2019<\/strong> has been appropriately considered and implemented. Not only have medical resources, limited medical facilities and health workers have been; (i) \u2018\u2026Challenged; (ii) \u2026Overwhelmed; (iii) \u2026Overstretched; with (iii) \u2026Burial grounds running out of \u2018Burying Spaces,\u2019 <\/strong>but have also been of serious concerns to the \u2018Government.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>

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BEHAVIOR OF SECURITY FORCES<\/strong><\/p>\n

Evidence of the \u2018Virus\u2019 Carnage,\u2019<\/strong> has been widely reported from every corner of the Earth. In most of the affected nations, the \u2018Coronavirus-19 Pandemic\u2019<\/strong> has been one thing, while the measures implemented have been another. Citizens however, have become more mortally afraid of the behavior of members of the \u2018Security Forces,\u2019 <\/strong>than of \u2018Virus and Vaccines.\u2019<\/strong> That which seemed to have been provoking angst in the citizenry has been their \u2018insensitive, heavy-handed and brutal tactical behavior.\u2019 <\/strong>This may have been evident last \u2018Sunday\u2019 [August 8, 2021].<\/strong><\/p>

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SWIFT AND DRAMATIC<\/strong><\/p>\n

When defiant protesters gathered in \u2018St. John\u2019s, their response was \u2018Swift and Dramatic.\u2019 <\/strong>As \u2018Police Riot Squads,\u2019 <\/strong>moved in to disperse gathering and grumbling protesters, pandemonium broke out around the \u2018Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Bust.\u2019<\/strong> Neither could \u2018Papa\u2019 move, nor could he have prevented that which was poised to descend upon the disobedient, unruly and innocent. That which they may not have known was what was to be descended upon them.\u00a0 It was neither \u2018Rain nor Manna from Heaven.\u2019<\/strong> However, it was to their awareness when two government-owned yellow 20-ton dump trucks rolled into the City of St. John\u2019s. One-Way or not, it was clear that any accessible route to quell a protestation was to used.<\/p>

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FRIGHTENING ENGINES – CHOKING FUMES<\/strong><\/p>

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The drivers reportedly drove furiously down the statutory north-bound \u2018One-way driving directional Street.\u2019 <\/strong>The revved-up Public Works-owned diesel-powered engines, emitting harmful exhaust fumes, was as frightening as the fumes were choking.\u00a0 Aboard were highly-motivated, adequately equipped and heavily armed \u2018Riot Personnel.\u2019<\/strong> They were all clothed in the dreaded-looking black uniforms. Such speaks to a fierce group of men ready for any eventuality, confrontational and combative. Before the significant number of protesters could respond to the orders of \u2018Tactical Unit Commander James \u2018Jimmy\u2019 Tonge<\/strong>\u2019 could have said; \u2018Disperse or I will use Tear Gas,\u2019 <\/strong>pandemonium broke out. This reportedly came after \u2018Ground Commander,\u2019 <\/strong>Deputy Commissioner of Police, Albert M.P. Wade QPM\u2019<\/strong> had persuasively failed to influence compliance and obedience.<\/p>\n

PERSPECTIVE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Growing anti-vaccine sentiments and other concerns saw the springing up of a \u2018Leaderless Group\u2019 called \u2018Freedom Fighters.\u2019 <\/strong>They saw those legally-bound to \u2018Serve and Protect\u2019<\/strong> them as \u2018Enemies of Freedom.\u2019<\/strong> When protesters converged upon the \u2018Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Bust\u2019 <\/strong>at Lower Market Street, they knew what the \u2018Bust\u2019<\/strong> represents- Freedom; \u2026Liberty and Justice.\u2019 This commentary reflects upon developments within the nation. This followed theunscheduled and unwelcomed visit by the \u2018Coronavirus-19 Pandemic.\u2019<\/strong> That which have been among the \u2018Chronicled Events,\u2019<\/strong> occurring within this nation, includes; (i)<\/strong> \u2018\u2026Police storming, disquieting, disrupting and dispersing assembled Worshippers at the \u2018Bolans New Testament Church of God\u2019<\/strong> [March 29, 2020]; (ii) \u2026Arresting of Pastor Uriah Taylor and two congregants <\/strong>[Dominica News Online: March 30, 2020];<\/strong> (iii)<\/strong> \u2026Mass arrests of Curfew and Covid Protocols Breakers: (iv) \u2026Imposition of hefty fines of EC$5, 000: (v)<\/strong> \u2026Default payment that have attracted custodial sentences of 6 months at Her Majesty\u2019s Prison [March 2020-]: (vi) \u2026Alleged curfew-breaker disappearance and strangulation murder of Falmouth resident Bruce Greenaway [April 2020];<\/strong> (vii)<\/strong> …Arrest of four (4) members of the Security Forces (1 Police officer\/3 Soldiers).<\/p>\n

OTHER ISSUES<\/strong><\/p>\n

Moreover, the commentary specifically looks at the \u2018Public Order Act\u2019<\/strong> as it affects: (a)<\/strong> ..Application to organize public march; (b)<\/strong> \u2026Refusal of Permit to hold public march; (c)<\/strong> \u2026Denial of opportunity whereby an appeal may have been made within seven (7) days<\/strong> to the Minister with responsibility for\u00a0 the maintenance of law and order [POA: Chapter 357: Section 40]: (d) \u2026Illegal gathering of protesters at the \u2018Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Bust\u2019 [<\/strong>Lower Market Street: August 8, 2021];<\/strong>\u00a0 (e) <\/strong>\u2026Tear Gas dispersing of protesters; (f)<\/strong> \u2026Responding with harmful rubber projectiles,\u2019<\/strong> having been allegedly attacked by missile-throwing protesters; (g)<\/strong> \u2026Searching of organizers homes for Firearms, ammunition, drugs, electronic devices and documents;<\/strong> (h)<\/strong> \u2026Arrest of two female organizers with application of hand and foot cuffs\u2019 [August 9, 2021].\u2019<\/p>\n

SMOKY SUNDAY<\/strong><\/p>\n

The \u2018Public Order Act\u2019<\/strong> makes it sufficiently clear for even \u2018Form III Students, Teachers and Principal\u2019<\/strong> at the \u2018Sir Novell Richards Academy (SNRA)\u2019 <\/strong>to understand. Moreover, it was also made easy for \u2018Prime Minster Gaston Browne\u2019s <\/strong>10-month-old daughter to understand. It has been the view of many law-abiding citizens, parents and guardians that which reportedly occurred on \u2018Smoky Sunday\u2019<\/strong> may have been averted. This may have been the case if those that reportedly ordered the use of \u2018Tear gas and rubber projectiles\u2019<\/strong> against unarmed women and little girls, had approached the situation with \u2018Discretion and Peace.\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n

QUICKLY GATHERED – QUICKLY SCATTERED<\/strong><\/p>\n

Moreover, if they had remembered the name of the Prime Minister Gaston Browne\u2019s Daughter, – \u2018Princess PEACE.\u2019 <\/strong>Seemingly, there had been little \u2018Security Intelligence\u2019 <\/strong>or starvation of such intelligence or serious impairment of administrative judgment. One of these may have led to an underestimation of the will and resolve of the people. Thus, defiantly and without being issued the requisite permit to conduct a \u2018Public March,\u2019 <\/strong>scores of protesters made their presence felt in St. John\u2019s. However, in a show and use of force that had triggered panic and fear in both protesters and by-standers, as quickly as they had \u2018Gathered,\u2019 <\/strong>as quickly they \u2018Scattered.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

STATE SUBJECT TO LAW<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Commissioner of Police of average intelligence shall know stipulations contained in enforceable criminal law. Moreover, likened to the citizens, a Commissioner shall also be seen as showing \u2018\u2026undivided allegiance and obedience to the law.\u2019<\/strong> For instance, speaking to itself as the- \u2018Supreme Law\u2019<\/strong> [CO: 1981: Section 2].<\/strong> One of its founding principles states; (a)<\/strong> \u2018\u2026The people of Antigua recognize that the law symbolizes the public conscience; (b) <\/strong>\u2026That every citizen owes to it an undivided allegiance, not to be limited by private views of justice, or expediency; and (c) \u2026The State is subject to the Law\u2019 <\/strong>[CO: 1981: Principle (e)].<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

QUESTIONABLE CIRCUMSTANCES<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instructively, two females have been charged with committing offences under the \u2018Public Order Act.\u2019<\/strong> Yet their homes were searched for items not connected to \u2018Public Order or Public Safety\u2019 [POA: Section 12]. <\/strong>Mindbogglingly, their homes were being rummaged by officers of the \u2018Criminal Investigations Department (CID). <\/strong>Irrefutably, \u2018Warrants to Search\u2019 <\/strong>were issued. seemingly applied for, and obtained under \u2018Questionable Circumstances.\u2019<\/strong> The search for items unrelated to an authorized march included; (a) \u2026Illegally possessed Firearms; (b) \u2026Ammunition; and (c) \u2026Controlled Drugs.\u2019<\/strong> None were found and seized and no related charges have been slapped against them.<\/p>\n

THE ARRESTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Magistrate acting upon \u2018Sworn Information,\u2019 <\/strong>if so sworn, may have been duped. An applicant so sworn to such information knowing that he was dealing with matters of \u2018Public Order and Public Safety,\u2019<\/strong> may have committed the serious indictable criminal offence of \u2018Perjury.\u2019 <\/strong>From professional law enforcement practice and familiarity with the \u2018Public Order Act,\u2019<\/strong> when \u2018Donette Simon and Shenel Williams\u2019 <\/strong>were arrested they had not contravened any of the provisions of this Act. Moreover, neither defendant was anywhere near, at or in the vicinity of the \u2018Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Bust at Market Square\u2019<\/strong> [St. John\u2019s: Antigua and Barbuda].<\/p>\n

EVIDENTIALLY TROUBLING<\/strong><\/p>\n

From \u2018Sir Wright Fitzhenly George KCN, CVO, QPM\u2019<\/strong> down and up to Sunday August 9, 2021, it has never been within professional knowledge that; (i) \u2018\u2026A Deputy Commissioner; (ii) \u2026Superintendent; or (iii) \u2026An Assistant Superintendent of Police\u2019<\/strong> reporting to a \u2018Senior Sergeant,\u2019<\/strong> any contraventions that they had observed. This may happen when personnel are positioned well above the level of their professional competencies. It may very well prove prosecutorally difficult for arresting officer \u2018Senior Sergeant Raymond Findlay\u2019<\/strong> and embarrassing to the Police administration to delegate and assigned him to conduct investigations into that he had not observed, but witnessed by his superiors. He may therefore, find it \u2018Evidentially Troubling\u2019<\/strong> in adducing facts supportive of the charges.<\/p>\n

CUFFED HANDS \u2013 SHACKLED FEET<\/strong><\/p>\n

For instance, he had not seen the defendants anywhere near to the events of Sunday [August 8, 2021], but at their respective \u2018Tindale Road and Villa Residences.\u2019<\/strong> In all these, the two female defendants appeared to have been more distraught over the \u2018Indiscretions and Insensitivity\u2019<\/strong> shown when they were not permitted to be hygienically fresh. Additionally, the indignities and humiliation suffered and psychological pain and anxieties experienced are of more concern to the citizenry, than of that which prosecutorally looms. These include their \u2018Cuffed Hands and Shackled Feet.\u2019<\/strong> Criminal investigators know that such instruments of restraint, are reserved and applied to the hands and feet of the most vicious, violent, dangerous and deadly criminals. Such treatment could easily be frowned upon as that frowned upon by the \u2018Constitution Order.\u2019 This speaks to \u2018\u2026Degrading and inhuman treatment\u2019 [CO: 1981: Section 7].<\/strong><\/p>\n

BEADS OF PERSPIRATION<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parliament pre-supposes that citizens may contravene certain provisions contained in the \u2018Public Order Act.\u2019 <\/strong>Consequently, it provides a \u2018Power of Arrest\u2019<\/strong> to Police officers who would have seen or personally witnessed any person contravening such provisions. Facing a \u2018Defence Team, comprising of Attorneys; (i) \u2018\u2026Charlesworth Tabor; (ii) \u2026Leon \u2018Chaku\u2019 Symister; and (iii) \u2026Wendell Robinson (former Police Commissioner),\u2019<\/strong> the \u2018Arresting officer\u2019<\/strong> could see \u2018Beads of Perspiration\u2019<\/strong> saturating his clothes. For the Act states; \u2018\u2026A member of the Police Force may arrest without a warrant any person who commits an offence against this Act \u2018In His Presence\u2019<\/strong> or any person reasonably suspected by him to be committing or to have committed any offence against this Act\u2019 [POA: Chapter 357: Section 38].<\/strong><\/p>\n

SERIOUS POLICE BLUNDER<\/strong><\/p>\n

From a strictly law enforcement and administrative perspective, the turn of events last Sunday undoubtedly speaks to defiance to the \u2018Rule of Law\u2019<\/strong> [August 8, 2021]. However, the developments, viewed from an administrative perspective, speaks to a \u2018Serious Police Blunder.\u2019 <\/strong>The latter might be discerned from this statement; \u2018\u2026It is apparent that his late response was a calculated and deliberate act by the Police Commissioner, since he knew that his decision can be appealed to the Minister responsible for the Police\u2019<\/strong> [Barbados Today: August 8, 2021]. <\/strong>This statement was attributed to one of two female organizers, \u2018Donette Simon and Shenel Williams,\u2019<\/strong> compliant with the requirements of law, as contained in the \u2018Public Order Act.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

DISSATISFACTION AND DEFIANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n

In view of provisions contained in the \u2018Public Order Act\u2019 [Chapter 357: Section 40],<\/strong> they contended that the \u2018Refusal\u2019<\/strong>in granting a permit [Section 12],<\/strong> together with the denial of an opportunity to \u2018Appeal\u2019<\/strong> the decision of \u2018Commissioner of Police Atlee Patrick Rodney QPM,\u2019<\/strong> may have fueled \u2018Dissatisfaction and Defiance.\u2019<\/strong> A Commissioner of Police\u2019 would have been reckless not to know the law and to show allegiance as contained in one of the \u2018Founding Constitutional Principles.\u2019 Lest it be misunderstood, the \u2018Public Order Act\u2019<\/strong> provides for a \u2018Commissioner of Police\u2019<\/strong> to \u2018Grant or Refuse\u2019<\/strong> a permit to any law-abiding citizen to; (i) \u2018\u2026Hold public march; (ii) \u2026Hold public meeting; or (iii) \u2026Use a public address system.<\/strong>\u2019<\/p>\n

NOTIFICATION OF REFUSAL<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Act states; \u2018\u2026Any person who desires to organize any public march, shall at least 3 days before the day on which such public march is to take place, apply to the Commissioner of Police for a permit\u2019 [POA: Chapter 357: Section 10]. That which has not been denied or refuted was that an application to hold a \u2018Public March on August 8, 2021,\u2019<\/strong> was reportedly submitted in writing to the office of the \u2018Commissioner of Police\u2019 [July 24, 2021]. <\/strong>Administratively, it was inexcusable that the applicants received a \u2018Notification of Refusal,\u2019 <\/strong>less than forty-eight (48) hours [August 6, 2021]. <\/strong><\/p>\n

NEGATIVE DECISIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whether by inadvertence, calculation or collusion, or professional deficiency, a \u2018Commissioner of Police\u2019 <\/strong>runs the risk of being seen as \u2018administratively inefficient.\u2019 <\/strong>Early response, allows for the applicant to write an appeal to the Minister charged with responsibility for the \u2018Maintenance of Law and Order,\u2019<\/strong> if the application to hold a \u2018Public March,\u2019<\/strong> is refused. As a consequence, those responsible for enactment of the \u2018Public Order Act,\u2019<\/strong> not only removed sole discretion from the \u2018Commissioner of Police,\u2019<\/strong> but also subject \u2018Negative Decisions\u2019<\/strong> to \u2018Ministerial Scrutiny and Consideration.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

DISSATISFIED APPLICANT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Such \u2018Minister, charged with responsibility for the maintenance of law and order may act rationally, but in the interest of \u2018Public order and Public Safety\u2019 <\/strong>[POA: Chapter<\/strong> 357: Section 40]. This Section unambiguously states; \u2018\u2026Any person who is dissatisfied with the refusal of the Commissioner of Police to grant a permit under this Act, may withing \u2018Seven Days\u2019 appeal in writing to the Minister.\u2019 <\/strong>It may very well have been the last-minute refusal to grant of a \u2018Permit to March,\u2019<\/strong> that had incensed protesters, who incidentally, imprudently and ill-advisedly sought to engage two well-equipped \u2018Police Riot Squads.\u2019<\/strong> \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONTROLLED<\/strong><\/p>\n

Incidental to an application, the Act provides for the \u2018Commissioner of Police\u2019<\/strong> to accept and respond. This shall be done within a reasonable time. Thinking prudently, \u2018Parliament\u2019 <\/strong>anticipated that a \u2018Commissioner of Police\u2019<\/strong> might be environmentally controlled, as to be perceived by general public as acting \u2018irrationally, unjustifiably and brutally.\u2019<\/strong>Some applicants may believe that a \u2018Commissioner\u2019 may also act spitefully and vindictively. Parliament also anticipated that the \u2018Refusal\u2019<\/strong> of a permit without justified reasons, compounded by an inordinate delay, though acting in conformity and guided by the \u2018Rule of Law,\u2019<\/strong> may provoke wrath.<\/p>\n

SECURITY BRIEFING<\/strong><\/p>\n

This bears no difference from feelings harbored by \u2018Prime Minister Gaston Browne\u2019<\/strong> who warns of repelling any missile attack upon his person. Misguided social media commenters were said to be wanting to \u2018Ralph\u2019<\/strong> him. [ANR: August 15, 2021]. Social media research revealed some interesting information.\u2019 It states; \u2018\u2026Before his departure Prime Minister Gaston Browne received \u2018Security Briefing\u2019<\/strong> from Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney and Deputy Chief of Defence Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather\u2019 [PM\u2019s Office: August 5, 2021]. <\/strong>This was accompanied by a photograph. Such certainly worth a \u2018Thousand words.\u2019<\/strong> While none may speculate, they may still draw reasonable inferences. Incidentally, the \u2018Refusal Response\u2019 was reportedly received a day after [August 6, 2021].<\/strong> Then two days later there was the unleashing of \u2018Tear Gas and Rubber Projectiles\u2019 <\/strong>upon defiant protesters [August 8, 2021].<\/strong><\/p>\n

ADMINISTRATIVE NEGLIGENCE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instructively, the Act provides for the \u2018Commissioner\u2019<\/strong> acting in an administrative capacity, gives favorable or unfavorable consideration to an application hold meeting or public march. A decision to grant or refuse is contingent upon; (a) \u2018\u2026Giving due regard to the preservation of public order; and (b) \u2026Considering the interest of public safety\u2019 <\/strong>[POA: Section 12]. Consequent upon that which reportedly transpired, and the \u2018State\u2019s subjection to the Law,\u2019 it may have been justifiably considered that serious \u2018Administrative Negligence\u2019 <\/strong>was occasioned. Though citizens shall be obedient to the Law, such considered negligence may have provoked the \u2018Streaks of Defiance\u2019 <\/strong>in the otherwise, law-abiding.<\/p>\n

TACTICAL WARNINGS<\/strong><\/p>\n

From professional knowledge, the \u2018Tactical Warnings\u2019<\/strong> to protesters were to be delivered by \u2018Tactical Unit Commanders.\u2019<\/strong> Defiant protesters were to be verbally and loudly told, using a \u2018Public Address System;\u2019<\/strong> \u2018\u2026Disperse and go about your lawful business or: (i) \u2018\u2026I shall use Batons and Shields\u2019<\/strong> (if attacked with missiles-bottles\/stones).\u2019 If such may not be effective; (ii) \u2026I shall use Smoke-Tear Gas; or (iii) \u2026If attacked with Firearms: \u2026I shall fire upon you.\u2019 <\/strong>It appeared that the \u2018Batton Section,\u2019 <\/strong>if any was deployed, was not used. A \u2018Commissioner of Police\u2019 shall seek to inform himself and \u2018Ground Commanders,\u2019<\/strong> that \u2018Failed Persuasion\u2019<\/strong> has never been the first level of force [ABS TV: August 9, 2021].<\/strong> It was clear there had been serious command and control and tactical errors. Even so, the \u2018Riot Squads\u2019 had achieved their objectives (i)<\/strong> \u2018\u2026Clearing the City Streets\u2019 <\/strong>of angry protesters; and (ii) \u2026Restoring order.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

TACTICAL FURY<\/strong><\/p>\n

The \u2018Riot Squads\u2019<\/strong> were said to have been more \u2018Riotous\u2019<\/strong> than the \u2018Missile-Throwing Mobsters.\u2019<\/strong> In the event of violence or other infractions of law that may result in criminal prosecutions, \u2018Banners\u2019<\/strong> displayed are of no evidential value. Besides, \u2018Dummies\u2019<\/strong> are not so deployed. Unexpectedly, the protesters and -on-lookers were on the receiving end of the \u2018Tactical Fury\u2019 <\/strong>of the \u2018riot-ready personnel.\u2019 This occurred when the \u2018Riot Squads\u2019<\/strong> reportedly discharged several volleys of \u2018Tear Gas and Rubber Projectiles\u2019<\/strong> at the gathered protesters, as well as upon personnel deployed to perform crowd-control duties.<\/p>\n

PURSUED AND PEPPERED<\/strong><\/p>\n

Overwhelmed by choking fumes of the irritant-based tear-gas and exhaust emissions of the diesel-powered engines, every frantically attempted to escape the \u2018Fury of the Riot Squads.\u2019<\/strong> Running angry protesters were said to have retaliated with missiles, described as bottle and stones. These incidents reportedly occurred after the assembled area at the \u2018Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Bust\u2019 <\/strong>at Lower Market Street\u2019 was cleared [August 8, 2021]. Instructively, protesters who reportedly ran from the \u2018Market Square,\u2019<\/strong> were said to have been under hot \u2018Pursuit.\u2019<\/strong> When the streets became an inferno and missiles directed at the \u2018Riot Squads,\u2019 <\/strong>they were reportedly \u2018Peppered with Rubber Projectiles.\u2019<\/strong> Such pursuit may have been comparable to the gallant efforts being made by \u2018Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph KCN\u2019<\/strong> to control the community spread of the dangerous infectious and deadly \u2018Coronavirus-19 Pandemic.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

FURY OF RIOT SQUADS<\/strong><\/p>\n

With burning and reddened eyes, tripping and falling on each other, everyone, protesters, by-standers and \u2018Crowd Control Police officers, reportedly ran in all directions. Adding to the Sunday afternoon \u2018Drama and Confusion\u2019<\/strong> were said to have been several uniformed officers initially deployed on crowd control duty. Caught between the protesters and \u2018Riot Squads,\u2019<\/strong> were the out-numbered \u2018Crowd Control Officers.\u2019 Driven from the \u2018City Square,\u2019 <\/strong>in a running stone-throwing battle, they reportedly vented anger and frustration upon the \u2018PDO Building\u2019<\/strong> on Lower Kentish Road, they forced to flee to the quiet communities of; (a) \u2018\u2026Kentish Road; (b) \u2026Ottos; and (c) \u2026Grays Farm.\u2019 <\/strong>These are located on the periphery of the city of St. John.\u2019<\/p>\n

CROWD DISPERSAL WEAPONRY<\/strong><\/p>\n

That which appeared not to have been referenced were \u2018Crowd Dispersal Weaponry\u2019 <\/strong>that included,<\/strong> \u2018Tear-Gas and Rubber Projectiles.\u2019<\/strong> These were reportedly used by the \u2018Riot Squad\u2019<\/strong> when irate protesters retaliated violently with missiles of \u2018Bottles and Stones.<\/strong>\u2019 Incidentally, no one was identified as giving orders for such use of force. From professional tactical training, knowledge and practical experience, \u2018Ground Commanders,\u2019<\/strong> shall progressively guide superiors or \u2018Off-the scene Commanders\u2019<\/strong> of changing situations. Save as the immediacy of the situation, and as circumstances dictate, as a civil force, \u2018Ground Commanders\u2019<\/strong> are required to act swiftly and firmly, yet sensibly, civilly and with tact and restraint. In the instant situation, by the time the tear gas fumes<\/strong> had dissipated into the atmosphere and the \u2018Rubber Projectiles\u2019<\/strong> had stopped raining down on protesters and by-standers, several persons were either left to nurse bodily or head injuries.\u2019<\/p>\n

PEACEFULLY SPEAKING<\/strong><\/p>\n

Those forced to flee were said to have been mostly women, including the elderly, the pregnant women and innocent children. Those in retaliatory mode, were said to have been mostly male youth. Said to have been \u2018Peacefully Speaking\u2019 <\/strong>and inter-mingling with protesters, were said to have been the \u2018physically-statured Acting Superintendent Cordel O\u2019Garro.<\/strong>\u2019 Video-footage showed him exhibiting great athletic talent. Matching his sprinting skills was said to be \u2018Leader of the Go Green Party, Owen George.\u2019 <\/strong>They have shown great athleticism. In that instance, it was not size that mattered. Both reportedly out-maneuvered the less agile subordinates and protesters, comprising mostly women, girls and children. Though running and panting for oxygenated-air, they reportedly sprinted like hares on the run from the vicious clutches of prey ready for a meal.<\/p>\n

BLAME-SHIFTING ATTEMPT<\/strong><\/p>\n

There were schools of thought that either the \u2018Ground Commander\u2019<\/strong> may have been left to his own devices or that he had debriefing with the \u2018Commissioner of Police,\u2019<\/strong> who then wished to tread carefully with explanations on the turn of events. Reasonable inferences may have been drawn that a \u2018Blame-Shifting Attempt\u2019<\/strong> may have been evident when the \u2018Overall Off-Scene Commander,\u2019 Commissioner of Police Rodney\u2019<\/strong> sought to distance himself from the \u2018Ground Operations.\u2019 Reasonable inferences may have been drawn that he too had concerns over the apparent \u2018heavy-handed and imprudent use of \u2018mechanically-propelled tear gas and rubber projectiles,\u2019 <\/strong>against the then \u2018Peaceful Protesters.\u2019<\/strong>This may have been evident as \u2018Crowd Control officers\u2019 <\/strong>so deployed, also fled the scene.<\/p>\n

FACTS AND TRUTHS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Succumbing to media pressure exerted by news reporter \u2018Gemma Handy\u2019s\u2019 <\/strong>grilling over the ordering of the use of \u2018Tear Gas and Rubber Projectiles,\u2019<\/strong> \u2018Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney QPM\u2019 openly ducked the question. He was not the \u2018Ground Commander\u2019<\/strong> and was not going to be \u2018Reckless with Facts and Truths.\u2019<\/strong> Very carefully, he deflected the question to \u2018Deputy Commissioner of Police Albert M.P. Wade QPM.\u2019<\/strong> Uncomfortably positioned, the \u2018Ground Commander\u2019 <\/strong>was forced to offer \u2018Operational Explanations.\u2019<\/strong> Anxious and angry citizens heard that after repeated verbal warnings to disperse, the \u2018Riot Squads\u2019<\/strong> used \u2018Whatever means were available,\u2019<\/strong> and at their immediate disposal.<\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even as \u2018Minister\u2019<\/strong> with responsibility for the \u2018Police and Public Safety\u2019<\/strong> and the maintenance of law and order,<\/strong>Attorney General, Steadroy \u2018Cutie\u2019 Benjamin. Ironically, he held the enviable position of \u2018Acting Prime Minister.\u2019<\/strong> He reportedly promised that these incidents would be investigated. Even from a distance, in the heat of excitement, chaos and confusion, \u2018an Overall Commander\u2019 shall maintain control of his \u2018Crowd Dispersal Tactical Units.\u2019<\/strong> This, of course comes with exposure to the requisite \u2018Use of Force Training.\u2019 In dealing with non-violent protesters, such training is of critical importance. This is particularly so when dealing with unarmed civilians, whether or not boisterously angry or rowdy. This necessarily calls for flexibility, civility and restraint. These often avert untoward events, regrettable actions and consequences. Moreover, these often resulted in strained police\/public relations and ultimately avert embarrassment and liability, resulting from \u2018Public Inquiries and Jury Trials.\u2019 <\/strong>***<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

by Rawlston Pompey The small impoverished, sun-drenched, white sand beaches, 108 Square mile, tourism-based economy, nation of Antigua and Barbuda has not escaped the ravages of the \u2018Coronavirus-19 Pandemic. None may deny that the \u2018Coronavirus-19\u2019has dominated every aspect of human lives. It has impacted the lives of every man, woman and child and nation in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":134760,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-135215","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\nQuickly They Gathered \u2013 Quickly They Scattered - Antigua News Room<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/quickly-the-gathered-quickly-they-scattered\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Quickly They Gathered \u2013 Quickly They Scattered\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"by Rawlston Pompey The small impoverished, sun-drenched, white sand beaches, 108 Square mile, tourism-based economy, nation of Antigua and Barbuda has not escaped the ravages of the \u2018Coronavirus-19 Pandemic. 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