Protester released, files assault complaint against Police; Police say she resisted arrest

A young lady who was arrested while protesting the government’s decision to build the new Basseterre High School on the Basseterre aquifer during the ceremony for the unveiling of the 3D rendition of the school, has been released.

Nerys Dockery was released sometime around 6p.m. on Thursday evening, May 2. The conditions of her release are not known.

However, there are conflicting accounts about the incident.

Dockery has indicated that she is taking legal action and revealed that she has filed an official complaint of assault against one of the officers.

The Police issued a statement saying that “the High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force would like to dispel the false reports being circulated in the public domain regarding an arrest made at the unveiling ceremony of the 3D model for the new Basseterre High School. The event took place on May 02, 2019.”

The Police account indicated “there were a number of protesters present at the event. During the proceedings, Officers received reports of noise complaints against one of the protesters. Police responded and warned the individual on multiple occasions who refused to comply with the orders given.

“The Police took action to arrest the individual and she resisted. She was subsequently brought under control and taken into custody,” in continued.

The Police released also indicated that charges are forthcoming.

One witness claimed that one Police officer initiated physical contact with Dockery, of Cayon, as she was on the fringes of the tent where the ceremony was being conducted, holding a placard denouncing construction on the site and voicing her displeasure with the government.

Video footage shows Police moving in for the arrest and walking her away.

There was heavy security at the event. Police officers and members of the Defence Force, with weapons at ready, were seen around the perimeter of the function.