Published 1 May 2024
Basseterre, Buckie Got It Media Source
WEAPONS DISPLAYS IN VIDEOS
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) is aware of an unfortunate social media trend with persons depicting and displaying various forms of weaponry in videos. To date, we have seen at least two (2) local artistes brandishing what appear to be firearms in videos that continue to be circulated via the social media platform, Whatsapp. The High Command outrightly and forcefully condemns such actions and behaviors as they hold no positive value whatsoever for our nation’s safety, security, and social development.
As the RSCNPF works assiduously with the other National Security agencies to curb the recent crime spike, be advised that the organization has officially expanded its “zerotolerance” stance to include the display, depiction*, or description of all forms of weaponry in locally produced and owned digital content. Such actions are a confirmed source of negative influence on the young at heart and the young in mind among us. Irresponsible acts that further propagate anti-social behaviors and violent tendencies cannot and will not be tolerated. The RSCNPF therefore regards such acts as a clear celebration and encouragement of the committing of violent crimes against citizens and residents.
Further, the general public is advised that all person resident in the Federation of St. Kitts-Nevis who are involved in the production of – or identified as present in – any digital content where they or others are engaging in the above-mentioned activities, will be regarded as suspected threats to life, liberty, and property. All suspected, confirmed, and active threats to life, liberty, and property will be treated with severe prejudice by the RSCNPF.
During the last decade, social media became an integral part of our personal and professional lives. It is prudent that we understand that using an electronic device to disseminate reckless digital content in no way exempts persons from the consequences of irresponsible social media usage. Our investigations have revealed that in almost all circumstances, the adults engaging in these activities are fully aware of their actions’ level of influence, and the potential for far-reaching consequences. Nevertheless, they persistently display a high level of indifference and wilful ignorance. To combat the
spread of this regressive school of thought, the RSCNPF will not be taking into consideration any excuses, explanations, arguments, or pleas from persons whose reckless actions automatically categorise them as suspected threats to life, liberty, and property. As with everything in life, the choice is yours to make. The RSCNPF simply encourages one and all to choose wisely.
*depiction = any weapon or item fashioned to have the appearance of a weapon, that is displayed or described in audiovisual digital content recorded, written, and disseminated within St. Kitts and Nevis
