Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 09, 2016 (SKNIS): Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, met with twenty-nine (29) family members of late Constable Brian J. Pacquette, including his mother Yvonne Harris, his grandfather Franklin Harris, grandmother Janice Harris, and his sisters, brothers and other relatives, at the Dominica Public Service Union Conference Room on August 8, a day before Constable Pacquette was laid to rest in his home country of Dominica (August 9) with full military honours.
Although the meeting was a sombre one, it was punctuated with fond memories of Constable Pacquette. Pacquette’s grandfather acclaimed him as “an upstanding individual”, while noting that Pacquette’s great grandfather was born in St. Kitts.
Another relative of Constable Pacquette, Cedric Harris, said that Pacquette was in high spirits leading up to his death and that he expressed appreciation for the support given by Prime Minister Harris. He said that the meeting with the prime minister showed the support of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. He also made mention of Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), Mr. Ian Queeley, whom he said was “a source of strength during this unfortunate incident.” He also expressed thanks to the medical team in Trinidad and Tobago for its support.
Several family members, including the grandmother of the deceased, thanked those who were supportive in the blood drive, making special mention of Benjamin Harris, who sought donations of blood from the Trinidadian Community and those who appealed for blood from the Dominican public. Special mention was also made of the Salvation Army of Trinidad for conducting a blood drive.
Austin Harris, uncle of the deceased, lamented that this unfortunate incident should never have happened to anyone. Prime Minister Harris, while sharing in Mr. Harris’ heartache, explained that the proper procedures were followed but that Constable Pacquette had lost an enormous amount of blood that left him not in a good condition to travel.
Constable Pacquette’s mother thanked Prime Minister Harris for his support of the family in its moment of loss.
Constable Pacquette’s uncle, Martin Harris, thanked Dr. Sophia George, a medical doctor, who made initial efforts to get Brian to the United States. She said that health care professionals in the Caribbean need to develop “an appreciation for the essence of time” particularly in the cases of trauma. She expressed her gratitude to the Trinidadian public for its donation of blood and the doctors for their excellent service.
A press release from the RSCNPF stated that a contingent of Police Officers and St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force personnel left the Federation on Monday (August 8) enroute to Dominica to participate in the funeral. The group included the Bearing Party, the Firing Party, the Colour Party, the Mourning Party and the Defence Force Band and Drum Corps. Commissioner of Police Mr. Ian M. Queeley led the contingent. Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Osmond Petty was also a part of the contingent.
On Saturday July 23. A candlelight vigil was held by the Police Welfare Association (PWA) in Constable Pacquette’s honour at the Police Training Centre in St. Kitts. Prime Minister Harris, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Shawn Richards and PS Petty were in attendance.
Police Constable Pacquette succumbed to his injuries on Monday, July 18, 2016, while undergoing treatment in Trinidad and Tobago. His injuries were sustained in the line of duty.