The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is issuing a firm reminder as the Christmas and Carnival season approaches: public indecency will not be tolerated. This follows recent incidents reported in public areas, including the Basseterre Ferry Terminal.

The Police Force stresses that behavior of this nature is not only inappropriate but illegal and enforcement will be strict under the Small Charges Act of 2017.

Under the Act:

• A person found repeatedly committing offences under the law may be deemed an incorrigible rogue, carrying penalties of up to six months imprisonment.

• Anyone behaving in an indecent manner in a public place faces up to one month in jail.

• And anyone who exposes obscene material – or exposes themselves – in a public place can face up to three months imprisonment.

These are arrestable offences, with no exceptions for Carnival, Christmas events or entertainment activities.

Event promoters and venue operators are also being reminded of their obligations for the season. They are required to maintain order, prevent indecent acts on their premises and work with security to address misconduct. Failure to do so may lead to shutdown of an event or affect future permissions.

The RSCNPF says the guiding policy for the festive season is clear: “Zero Tolerance. Zero Excuses.” Anyone witnessing unlawful behavior is encouraged to report it to the nearest Police Station.