Fix Dutch side/French side
cooperation, says Jefferson
~ In wake of Duracell’s detention ~
St. Maarten/St. Martin--A French national who carries the alias “Duracell” turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday, June 13, in connection with allegations that he was the main suspect in a gay-bashing incident near Sunset Beach Bar on April 6.
His incarceration has been welcomed by Richard Jefferson, one of the American visitors who was badly beaten with a car wrench.
Jefferson is now demanding a response from Police Chief Commissioner Derrick Holiday as to why his officers “failed to admit” the incident had occurred and why they did not take his statement on April 6.
He has also expressed concern about the relationship between the Dutch and French sides. “I hope leaders on both sides of this unique two-nation island formalise this working relationship and its value in preventing the Duracells of the future from terrorising one side only to retreat to the sovereign sanctuary of the other,” Jefferson said in a statement to The Daily Herald Wednesday.
He contended that the French seemingly had been reluctant to act and had requested translations of all documents before deciding to detain Duracell and that this had prolonged bringing the suspect to justice. He also said he believed the suspect had only turned himself in after realising that police would finally act.
Duracell, who had remained at large for more than two months, was accompanied by his attorney when he turned himself in to the authorities. He reportedly admitted that he was one of the persons involved in the beating of the American visitors, but denied being the main assailant.
Jefferson, a senior CBS producer who sustained head injuries in the April 6 attack, is back at work, but his friend and colleague Ryan Smith is still receiving medical care for his head injuries.
In his statement to this newspaper Wednesday, Jefferson demanded a response from Police Chief Commissioner Derrick Holiday as to why his officers had “failed to admit” the incident had occurred and to take his statement on April 6.
“While Duracell and his posse may have committed the most violent crime, St. Maarten Police Chief Commissioner Derrick Holiday has committed the most serious one in that he has so far refused to comply with an order by his Government’s top leaders to explain why his department repeatedly denied an attack took place or even take my statement before I was airlifted to the safety of Miami,” said Jefferson.
He said the people of St. Maarten and the millions of tourists the island invites each year are the victims of his contempt. He said, “His (Holiday’s) contempt is now so loud, the people of St. Maarten should demand answers before his screech of disrespect reverberates across the world and silences the brand new airport that would welcome visitors to the ‘so-called Friendly Island.’”
Jefferson had told this newspaper that since the incident occurred he was displeased with police who did not show up at the scene, and who, after visiting him at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), rudely asked, “Why should I bother with you and take any statement when you going to leave the island and not press charges anyway?”
Chief Prosecutor Taco Stein said Holiday had been asked to investigate the matter to see what had gone wrong. However, Jefferson said that report had not been completed. Stein had also said that action could be taken against officers if it was found that they had been negligent in any way.
According to Jefferson, although another newspaper had “glorified” his and Smith’s beating, he was thankful to the many people who saw fit to do their civic duty and report to police what they knew about the matter.
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