Five people have been charged with affray and remanded in prison until March 2 to await sentencing over the fight inside KFC in Kingstown.
On Tuesday, Kezron Peters, a 17-year-old car wash attendant, of Campden Park, Jasrick, 16, a Student of Lower Questelles, Gabrielle Haywood, 18, unemployed of Campden Park, Veron Holder, 17, a sales clerk, of Lowmans Leeward, and Ivorn Thomas, 23, unemployed, of Brighton, appeared before the Serious Offences Court in Kingstown.
They were charged that on Feb. 13, in Kingstown, in a public place to wit, “Kentucky Fried Chicken Building” did take part in a fight.
The defendants each pleaded guilty to the charge and were remanded in custody for the reading of the facts and sentencing.
The defendants were among the people seen in videos widely circulated on social media showing people beating each other with objects inside the restaurant.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force said:
“Public confrontations of this nature will not be allowed to take hold. Any effort to
normalise intimidation, organised fighting, or initiation-type behaviour will be identified early and addressed firmly.”
iWitness News understands that the defendants had gone to the restaurant after the Bethel High School sports at Independence Park, in Kingstown.
While inside the restaurant, an argument ensued between Peters and another person.
A fight broke out between Peters and the other person, after which several others, including the defendants, began fighting.
During the altercation, they used objects from the customer area to beat each other.
On Saturday, police said in a statement that they were investigating the violent altercation, saying that it “began at a business establishment in Kingstown and continued at another location”.
Police noted that the incidents caused significant disruption and placed patrons and bystanders at risk.
“The RSVGPF views this conduct as reckless and wholly unacceptable. Investigators are reviewing video footage, witness accounts, and all available intelligence. Those persons involved are in the process of being identified. The necessary enforcement actions will follow based on the evidence.”
Police are also asking members of the public who were present during the incidents or who have recordings or information to assist by calling investigators at 1784-457-1211.
“Community cooperation remains critical in restoring order and ensuring accountability,” the statement said.
“The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force will not permit public spaces, businesses, or transportation areas to become arenas for violence and intimidation. Such conduct threatens the safety of law-abiding citizens and will be addressed with the full weight of the law.”
