Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 24, 2022 (SKNIS): Senior officials at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort praised members of the country’s security forces and emergency services who professionally executed an active shooter simulation at the resort on Wednesday (March 23, 2022).
Police patrol officers were the first on-site. They created a secured environment while awaiting the response from tactical units. Upon arrival, the specialized unit proceeded to clear a three-storey building recovering firearms, rescuing a victim shot by the assailant, and securing the suspect without incident. Members of St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, Fire and Rescue Services and Emergency Medical Technicians also participated in the training drill.
Kareem Galloway, Facilities Manager of Marriott Vacation Club, said the level of response by authorities was “phenomenal.”
“The police reacted in a timely manner, each entity did their part and I’m pretty much pleased and feel more secure in the event that should [something like this] happen that we are in competent hands,” he said.
Carlos Avendano, Security Director of the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, said that he was surprised by the high level of response from the authorities. He noted that the deployment of forensic officers and EMTs were a welcome inclusion.
“They [local authorities} really took it seriously, and I am (grateful) for all of the efforts,” Mr. Avendano stated.
The simulation was held in partnership with the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. It is one of many simulated emergency response scenarios that Marriott Vacation Club must stage annually. The purpose is to sensitize the club’s associates, guests and owners on how to react in the event of various emergencies and/or disasters while allowing valuable experience to police, fire and rescue, military, and medical personnel.
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