By Wasana Nadeeshani Sellahewa
Commonwealth _ An investigation into the escape of three Grenadian prisoners charged with the murders of American sailors Ralph Hendry and Kathy Brandel has uncovered critical lapses in security procedures, leading to disciplinary action against four police officers. Prime Minister and National Security Minister Dickon Mitchell announced the measures during a news conference, specifying charges under the Police Act, including making false statements, permitting prisoner escape, and breaches of Standing Orders.
The escape of Ron Mitchell, Atiba Stanisclaus, and Trevon Robertson from the South St George Police Station on February 18, 2024, was revealed in detail. The trio, later charged with immigration-related offenses in St Vincent and the Grenadines, had hijacked a yacht named ‘Simplicity’ at Grand Anse Beach in Grenada before illegally entering SVG. Deported back to Grenada, they were subsequently charged with capital murder.
Prime Minister Mitchell highlighted that Police Commissioner Don McKenzie had previously hinted at an investigation during a media briefing on February 25, emphasizing that adherence to standard police protocols should have prevented the escape. The final investigation revealed that secure locking mechanisms existed in individual cells at the police station, but the prisoners were not placed inside these cells. Instead, they were in a corridor with a vulnerable burglar bar, enabling their escape by bending the wrought iron.
Two days before the escape, warnings were issued regarding the high and flight risk posed by the prisoners. Despite these alerts, standard operating procedures were neglected, along with supervisory negligence and improper shift handover. Mitchell asserted that these factors collectively provided the opportunity for the prisoners to escape.
Expressing confidence in the Commissioner of Police and the executive management, Mitchell stressed the need for accountability when officers fall short of expected standards. Leadership at the South St George Police Station is under review, with an investigation commissioned to assess its role at the time of the incident.
The entire episode prompted the Police Commissioner to instruct Divisional Heads to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of all police cell infrastructure. Prime Minister Mitchell acknowledged the dilapidated state of many police stations in Grenada, attributing it to the State’s failure to invest in modern amenities over decades. He emphasized the necessity for the State to invest in upgrading physical infrastructure.
While acknowledging public concerns about crime and the police response, Mitchell urged citizens not to malign, hinder, or disrespect the police. Simultaneously, he expressed disappointment over another escape, involving Lyvon Date, charged with capital murder, from the Grenville Magistrate Court. Police searches are ongoing, with a reward of EC$5,000 for information leading to Date’s recapture.
Mitchell, in addressing the public, reiterated the civic responsibility of citizens to actively support law enforcement efforts. He emphasized the need for collective cooperation in preventing the assistance of individuals evading the authorities. The call to citizens included a stern warning against aiding those on the run, stressing the potential consequences and the importance of maintaining public safety.
As the narrative unfolds, the escape incident has served as a critical revelation, exposing deep-seated systemic issues within the Royal Grenada Police Force. The escape of the prisoners has triggered both immediate and long-term responses, with disciplinary actions swiftly implemented to address the shortcomings in security protocols.
Furthermore, the incident underscores the intricate challenges faced by the law enforcement agencies in Grenada. Beyond the immediate repercussions of the escape, there is a pressing demand for a thorough examination of the structural and operational aspects of the police force. This introspection aims to identify and rectify any systemic weaknesses that may compromise the effectiveness of the force in safeguarding the public.
