An employee of FirstCaribbean Bank and his wife were kidnapped on St. Kitts sometime on Thursday evening, according to a recent SKNVibes report:
When contacted, Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Operations, Joseph Richardson confirmed that the kidnapping incident did occur and that he could not provide additional details at the time.
He however declared that officers were at the couple’s home investigating the matter and a press release would be issued shortly.
With Halloween weekend at hand, it is extremely important to exercise caution in social activities. Don’t go anywhere alone, don’t lose control of yourself or your surroundings, and use common sense. Also, Dr. Burns, Dean of Factulty at RUSVM, released a list of safety tips in May that is still available on Eye on St. Kitts. Here are some important ones:
· Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t assume you are always safe. Your best protection is to avoid dangerous situations.
· Travel in groups.
· Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, leave.
· Vary daily routines; avoid predictable patterns.
Road Junky Travel has recommendations for how to avoid getting kidnapped in a country like St. Kitts and Nevis:
– Be wary of anyone who asks too many questions regarding your income, residence, professional and family situation. Not that you should get paranoid when making smalltalk but if it sounds like a list is being made then it’s possible you’re being sized up…
– If living somewhere high-risk…change your route into town on a regular basis so that your movements becomes that extra bit unpredictable and you become harder to apprehend.
– Avoid making large payments by credit card as big spenders find their way onto kidnappers’ wish lists in a hurry. I’s a cinch for them to get hold of sensitive information as informants looking for a commission are everywhere.
– …travel only by day and preferably in company.
We’ll have more info as this story develops. But for now, take all necessary measures to keep yourself safe.
Eye on St. Kitts 