JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM THE PUBLIC PROSECUTORS OFFICE AND KPSM
PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Public Prosecutors Office and the Police Force are glad to report that the “Jouvert Jump up” which was held on Wednesday April 27th 2016 and which was very well attended by thousands of residents and visitors to island was a success. The jump-up started at approximately 04.15 a.m. on the Walter Nisbet road at the Salt Picker round about and headed around the Salt Pond via the Freedom Fighter round about, Sucker garden road, Arch road, A. Th. Illidge road, Walter Nisbet road, Soualiga Boulevard and arriving shortly after 09.00 a.m. in front of the Festival Village.
During the jump up a total of 16 arrests were made by police, nine female and six male suspects. Three of these suspects were put into custody, 10 paid for their conditional dismissal, there were three stabbing incidents reported, two of which were quite serious and the victims had to be transported by ambulance to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further medical attention. There was one report of a rape, one person because of their illegal status on the island. Three persons arrested were students. The total amount in fines that were collected is Nafls. 4.375, – (US$ 2471.75)
What was again clearly noticeable during this jump was the alcohol use and abuse by the youth and has definitely raised some concern by the Public prosecutors office and the Police department. During the parade the paramedics were constantly called to assist involving youngsters who drank an excessive amount of alcohol and had become ill or had passed out.
The Public Prosecutors Office and Police Department is sending a very serious warning to the youth and their parents/guardians, regarding the short and long term use and/or abuse of alcohol which could lead to serious health issues such as: Nausea and vomiting, loss of bladder and bowel control, black outs in which the drinker does not remember what happened while he or she was drinking, temporary lost of consciousness, coma and even death.
Parents should talk seriously to their children about the use and abuse of alcohol
Police Report on the “Jouvert Jump-up”
