July 6, 2008 — St. John and St. Croix enjoyed crime-free Emancipation and Independence Day holidays while the four-day annual festival was only marred on St. Thomas by a trio of less serious offenses.
According to a police statement, on St. John the police presence was highly visible throughout the festival which ended late Saturday, July 5. St. John Deputy Chief Darren Foy said local law enforcement was augmented by peace officers from several local and federal agencies.
Additionally, Transportation Security Administration officials conducted random searches of people going to and from St. John by ferry. “This was a great help and a great deterrent to criminal behavior,” Foy said.
There were a few minor skirmishes that were quickly quelled by officers, he said. “That was to be expected, because of the amount of alcohol that was consumed during the Festival,” Foy said.
Acting Commissioner Novelle Francis congratulated the St. John police team on a violence-free festival. “We are three for three,” he said, noting that both the recent St. Thomas Carnival and St. Croix Festival were also peaceful.
“The strategies we put in place are making a real difference,” he said.
St. Croix also saw large crowds at the Emancipation commemoration and Independence Day Fireworks. Acting Chief Oakland Benta said police were covering not only Frederiksted events but keeping an eye on several dances at local nightclubs.
“Things were quiet over the weekend,” Benta said.
Police said two assaults were reported on St. Thomas, one in Estate Nadir and the other reported from the Roy L. Schneider Hospital. Police also responded to a burglary in progress at the Joseph Gomez School.
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