By S.Browne. Updated 4:20 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Attorney-at-law Carlos James has served formal notice of intended civil proceedings against the State, alleging that a mentally vulnerable man was subjected to multiple assaults while in police custody across three separate incidents between March and May 2026.
Speaking at a live press conference this morning at the Star House Conference Centre, Murray’s Road, Kingstown, James said the matter involves Kenton Harris of Lodge Village, whom he described as “a vulnerable patient… who has a mental challenge.”
He alleged that the first incident occurred on or about March 11, 2026, at the Central Police Station in Kingstown, where Mr Harris “was physically attacked by an officer or officers” and sustained a fractured arm.
Two further incidents are alleged to have occurred on May 24, 2026, while Mr Harris was in custody and during transport to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. James said the incidents involved “several instances of police abuse” while in detention and escort.
“As his legal representative, I am aware that there has been an investigation that was launched in relation to the May 24 matter,” James said. “However, it has been an entire month and we are yet to hear officially from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution or the investigating officers.”
A statutory notice has been served on the Attorney General indicating the intention to pursue civil proceedings under the Crown Proceedings Act, with claims including assault and battery, negligence, misfeasance in public office, and alleged breaches of constitutional rights.
James stressed that the allegations should not be interpreted as a blanket indictment of the police force, stating:
“There are very good police officers… but there is absolutely no room for grave instances of injustice, abuse of power, and abuse of process.”
The matter may proceed to the High Court if not resolved within the statutory timeframe.
This comes in the aftermath of public concern over a separate incident in May 2026, in which video footage circulated on social media prompted a statement from the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and the launch of an internal investigation.
In that statement, the RSVGPF said allegations of brutality and abuse of authority “have no place” within the organisation, and confirmed that the Commissioner of Police had ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the footage.
The statement added that the investigation would be “thorough, fair, and guided by evidence,” and would examine video recordings, witness accounts, and officer conduct, while cautioning the public against drawing conclusions before the process is completed.
The force further stated that any officer found to have acted outside lawful authority would face disciplinary or criminal consequences, and reaffirmed that accountability would be pursued “regardless of rank or position.”
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