Former Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer has called for a “cleansing” of the police force, citing troubling behavioral patterns that he says must be urgently addressed.
Spencer made the comments on Friday, outside Police Headquarters on American Road, where he joined relatives and supporters of Khaleel Simon, the young man fatally shot by police in Bolans several weeks ago.
Although the family had postponed their planned protest to 3 p.m. Monday, a small group of residents still turned up earlier in the day carrying placards demanding justice on Friday. Their chants echoed frustration over what they describe as excessive use of force by law enforcement.
Speaking to reporters, Spencer stressed that the incident involving Simon was symptomatic of a deeper issue within the police force.
The former Prime Minister’s appearance lent weight to the simmering calls for reform. Residents say Simon’s death has become a flashpoint for wider concerns about police conduct and community trust.
The official protest is expected to continue this afternoon, with larger numbers anticipated as the Simon family and their supporters demand action against the officer involved and broader accountability measures for the police force.
This is a cause for concern if the former prime minister Hon. Baldwin Spencer is in the protest.
A very humble man.
I totally agree with the former PM. For a country this small, there are too many crimes and too many of them go unsolved. Investigate the police and terminate and prosecute whoever needs to be because something is seriously wrong here.
This case is not just about Bolans it’s about every community in Antigua. If we allow this to slide, it could be anyone’s son next
The police must be held accountable when lives are lost, but we also need to recognize the difficult and dangerous situations they face daily. Reform should focus on accountability and better training, not tearing down the whole force
Every time a civilian dies at the hands of police, we hear excuses but no accountability. The officer should be charged like any other citizen.
The call for ‘cleansing’ sounds harsh, but many citizens feel the system has failed young Khaleel. A deep review of policing culture is needed.
fireeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee bun policeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Politicians only pay attention when the cameras are rolling. Spencer showing up is good, but what we really need is concrete action to root out corruption and violence in the police
The police act like they are above the law. Until there is accountability, the cycle of abuse will continue. We need justice, not cover-ups
A cleansing should have taken place a long time ago but it’s never too late to start. These young officers are very trigger happy
Too many families have been left to bury their children at the hands of those sworn to protect us. Enough is enough reform the police force from the top down.
Khaleel Simon’s death is tragic, and the family deserves answers. At the same time, we cannot paint every officer with the same brush there are many who serve honorably.