Published 8 July 2026
Buckie Got It,
St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office to Discontinue Proceedings Against Members of the Kollision Band
Basseterre, St. Kitts — July 8, 2026
The Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office (DPPO) advises that steps are being taken to discontinue
the criminal proceedings instituted against eight members of the Kollision Band, who were charged
by the Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Force with playing music on a public road without
the required police permission.
The Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Force has the important responsibility of maintaining
peace, good order and public safety throughout the Federation. In carrying out that responsibility,
the Police are required to enforce the law and, where offences are committed, particularly where
lawful police directives are not complied with, they have both the authority and the duty to
investigate and, where appropriate, to lay criminal charges. Compliance with the laws of the
Federation and with lawful directions given by police officers is essential to maintaining a safe,
orderly and peaceful society.
Similarly, the Director of Public Prosecutions exercises an independent constitutional function in
determining whether criminal proceedings should continue. In every case, the Director must
consider not only whether there is sufficient evidence to support a prosecution, but also whether
proceeding with the matter is in the public interest.
Having carefully reviewed the circumstances of this matter, including the context in which the
alleged offence occurred, the Director of Public Prosecutions has concluded that it is not in the
public interest for these proceedings to continue. In reaching that decision, the following
considerations were taken into account:
i. The alleged offence is regulatory in nature and did not involve violence or any threat to
public safety.
ii. The surrounding circumstances of the incident were carefully considered in assessing
whether a criminal prosecution was the most appropriate response.
iii. The effective use of limited judicial resources requires that criminal trials be reserved for
matters where prosecution is necessary, proportionate and in the public interest.
iv. The Government intends to introduce the Diversionary Caution Bill, 2026, which will
provide appropriate alternatives to prosecution for suitable minor offences.
v. A criminal prosecution may carry lasting consequences for individuals, including effects
on employment and other opportunities, and such consequences should be imposed
only where they are justified in the public interest.
vi. The administration of justice is strengthened when prosecutorial discretion is exercised
independently, fairly and proportionately, while respecting the important law
enforcement role performed by the Police.
This matter illustrates the importance of the proposed Diversionary Caution Bill, 2026, which has
been under development over the past two years. Once enacted, the legislation will establish a
formal cautioning framework, providing an alternative to prosecution for appropriate lower-level
offences. The proposed framework is intended to:
i. Divert suitable individuals away from the formal criminal justice system where a
prosecution is unnecessary.
ii. Address underlying factors contributing to offending behaviour, including by facilitating
access to counselling, treatment or other rehabilitative services where appropriate.
iii. Promote accountability through an admission of responsibility and appropriate
restorative measures, such as community service, counselling or financial penalties
proportionate to a person’s means.
iv. Ensure that the interests and views of victims are appropriately considered throughout
the process.
v. Enable the courts to devote greater attention and resources to the prosecution of more
serious criminal offences.
The proposed cautioning framework is intended to be administered by the Ministry of Justice and
Legal Affairs through a dedicated officer and an oversight committee to ensure fairness, consistency
and accountability.
The DPPO has engaged with counsel representing the members of the Kollision Band, and it is
understood that the band has committed to producing anti-gang music or otherwise participating in
an anti-gang public awareness campaign. The DPPO welcomes this positive response and their
willingness to make a meaningful contribution to the Federation’s ongoing anti-gang and antiviolence efforts.
The DPPO remains committed to the fair, independent and impartial administration of justice,
ensuring that prosecutorial decisions are made in accordance with the law, the evidence and the
public interest. The Office also reaffirms its support for the Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police
Force in the lawful execution of its duties and encourages all members of the public to comply with
the laws of the Federation and with lawful directions issued by police officers.
