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Prison Officer’s Home Raided

Prison Officer’s Home RaidedAntigua St. John's - Police officers executed a warrant early Sunday on the home of Grant Beggs, senior officer at Her Majesty’s Prison.

Reportedly, officers showed up at his home in Upper Gambles at about 3 am.

The search warrant was for drugs and guns. The effort proved to be futile.

The prison official had reportedly been at home with four of his children - aged 11 to 16. He said three officers were present, along with about five soldiers. Although Beggs said he was not sure where the suspicion stemmed from, and why he was targeted, he felt envy and jealousy were the root cause.

He made a public appeal during a ZDK radio show on Monday asking anyone with real evidence of foul play to bring this to the forefront, and if found guilty, he would resign from his current position.



Beggs will return to work next week, and plans to meet with his seniors to discuss who was responsible for such an allegation. “I have a few vehicles, and the way I live has made some workmates have envy and jealousy towards me,” he said.

As far as this particular matter, and raids on a whole, Corporal Frankie Thomas said the police force acted on information in its fight against crime. It is possible that some sources are frivolous or malicious, he said, although a search can confirm or even clarify a situation.

He said, “Fighting crime is done with the co-operation of the general public. We act on information, then apply at the court for a search warrant, and then turn information into intelligence. The best way to make confirmation is to execute a search warrant. We have the right by power of a search warrant, which must be authorized by the court. Information is the essence of police work.”

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70 Comments In This Article   

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We are too Jealous and bad-minded

#70 Tired of the Rumours » 2013-02-22 15:55

That's the biggest problem with our people in this country, we love too much nasty, and we are too dam bad-minded and love to be in peoples business. Most of the times we have no idea and does not know anything about people and how they make a living and the first thing we get up and say is that the person is involve in drugs, we must stop it. Something is wrong with our people we do not like to our black brothers and sisters progress. I wonder if madness had a white man living next to her with an employee if she would conclude that it is drugs he must be doing? Whats wrong with us, black people can not make money legally, black people can't be successful? Some of these persons have their 8-4 and still have businesses, they do legal hustling because they are ambitious. That's all we do, sit back and watch others and badmouth them, its sickening.
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Tired of the Rumours

Next issue

#69 gmaa » 2013-02-22 08:38

All these shotting and robbery or we need the full seven days
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gmaa

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#68 trine » 2013-02-21 20:05

Maye it is time to walk the walk ....instead of just Talk
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trine

re: madness

#67 fnpsr » 2013-02-21 19:33

Madness, I feel your pain. As a citizen, you have every right to be concerned with the activity you described happening right under your nose. This information should be passed to the police. If I were you I would videotape the activity. This will serve as evidence of suspicious activity. The police could act on your tip and use your property as a stake out. They could record all of of the "going-ons", taking note of all the license places, people, etc., that come by. If done correctly, this has the potential to be one of the biggest bust in Antigua. The question is: do we have the will to do it?

Much Respect!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE Before we attempt to fix the big things."
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fnpsr

@fnpsr

#66 Madness » 2013-02-21 16:49

"I wonder how many of these persons, with no visible means of support, driving these fancy cars, you would like living next to you?"

I have one of those living next to me, right next door, and this man is back and forth every few weeks, bringing stuff back with him, suspicious cars come and go from his house with lights dimmed, he even has an employee. But no, I don't have any evidence so even if I contacted the Police what good would it do? Police need evidence. He brings in the stuff right through our international airport so maybe they need to be looking at customs there too. There is so much corruption in this country (and drug trafficking) going on right under our noses. I'm also scared that somehow he would find out who blew the whistle on him, I have to protect my family. :sad:
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Madness

Prison officer Search

#65 Observer 2 » 2013-02-21 16:22

Interesting comment by the gentle man. "asking anyone with real evidence of foul play to bring this to the forefront, and if found guilty, he would resign from his current position".

Resign if found guilty? he would not need to resign then, would he have a choice, he will be fired I'm sure. Not sure if he was advised to take this matter public and via radio but I think he made an error. Keep off the airways and out of the media with this matter, you are not doing yourself any good. That's my bit of advice to you.
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Observer 2

re: morris

#64 fnpsr » 2013-02-21 12:09

Morris, we are not going to solve this problem any time soon. We have both made interesting points for our side of the argument. I think we both want a better Antigua & Barbuda; it is just that our approach may differ. But when you take the workable parts of our discussions and weave it into a procedure, I am sure Antigua & Barbuda will be a better place. I enjoyed the debate and I am looking forward to the next issue.

Much Respect!!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."
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fnpsr

@ fnpsr (final post)

#63 Morris » 2013-02-21 10:44

Jay-Z was pull over because he fit the profile of a drug dealer (probable cause?), a search then is understandable. No argument there. However, what would they be pulling the drivers over for in ANU other than being poor? If they commit a traffic violation and must be stopped, then by all means, but don't just pull them over because they want to know how he can afford such a vehicle. That is my argument!
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Morris

raid

#62 kojacks » 2013-02-21 10:38

When the government tramples on our civil and human rights we have to fight back. We know that the police is under pressure to produce results, but that does not give them the right to act unlawfully with the aid of a judge. This is outrageous, because it is happening all over Antigua on a regular basis.
yet the Minister in his press conference said that 73 warrants was issue, of the 73 how many was for the same place in the same month more that 4 times and yet they found nothing, some are for the same house 2 and three times in the same week, only two guns were found from the 73 warrants, so i guess the very common practice by the police to bypass Magistrates and Judges to get warrants signed needs to be addressed urgently.
The many victims of these unfounded acts of intrusion by the state should band together and bring a cause of action against the state for MALICIOUS PROSECUTION, also naming the COP and the Judge that signed the Warrant as defendants.
you Police Officers in Antigua and Barbuda have to check your own doings before you can check others. Your houses might be dirty and in need of thorough cleansing.
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@ fnpsr

#61 Morris » 2013-02-21 10:23

I did read the links provided by JFII, and I am fully aware that ANU is predominantly black. My testimony was only to point out an experience.
Should the Police stop and treat the children of the well-to-do in ANU who don't work the same way? I can tell you that it does not happen; and they do it in style. The problem with the suggestion is that only poor people will be targeted. This is ANU we are talking about, where the rich and powerful are free to do whatever they want whenever and wherever. I also suggested something to think about, but I notice you didn't respond on that. However, I too enjoy the exchange.
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Morris

re: morris

#60 fnpsr » 2013-02-21 09:47

Morris, I thank you for responding. I always look forward to a good debate on issues. As you probably know, I call a spade a spade. "Finding" a way to pull someone over, the officer suspects of illegal activity, is not ha**ment or profiling. It can hardly be said that in Antigua, when a police officer pulls one over, he is doing so because one is black or poor. JF II provided two links and I would suggest that if you have not read the second article, please do so. You will see what the police in America can and cannot do and what the courts have supported and not supported.

Much Respect!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."
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fnpsr

@ fnpsr

#59 Morris » 2013-02-21 07:31

Please forgive me for using the wrong word (credible v. probable); however, it does not take away from my argument. In fact, your post adds to my argument by suggesting that the cops find a way. All that is a green light for the cops to ha** poor people at anytime and any place. Here in the US, blacks and minorities fought against the very same thing you are suggesting the cops in ANU should be doing. It is none of their business!
I know the feeling. I remember being stopped for ridiculous questions while attending basic training in AL in the 80s, even though I was not driving any vehicle. The only reason I was stopped was because the neighborhood was predominantly white and they wanted to know if I (a black man) knew anyone or had business in the area. Thanks to the other trainees (all white) who were there to speak up for me. We have to be very careful regarding the powers we give to the authorities.
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Morris

Prison Officer Raid

#58 sense less » 2013-02-21 07:06

so what are persons saying if the police have probable cause to search a man house they must tell the public or if from the outside a person looks upstanding to the public and they got information that illegal weapons or drugs is at the persons home from about 100 inmates at HMP they must just say well we dont think he is that kinda person so leave him.you people better stop u all stupidness and leave the police let them do what we pay them to do.everybody want to be lawyers and judges.
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sense less

Re: morris - part 3 & final

#57 fnpsr » 2013-02-21 01:16

It is quite possible that persons, who are considered well-to-do, may be involved in crime and one of the reasons that we cannot put a dent in the crime, is because folks are not willing to face facts and or the truth and are willing to look the other way and make every excuse to give the person a pass. Just look at the responses on this article today and you will see where the problem lies.

Much Respect!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."
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fnpsr

Re: morris - part 2

#56 fnpsr » 2013-02-21 01:16

Credible Evidence is for the courts. Probable Cause is what the officer needs to make the inquiry into illegal activities. For example, the officer smells marijuana and alcohol. This is probable cause to search the car. The search turns up drugs and an open bottle of liquor. This is credible evidence of illegal activities. The officer sees a break-light out. This is probable cause to pull the driver over.

I believe that many have said that crime is on the rise and that drugs and money laundering are probable the catalyst driving the increased crime rate. Therefore, it is argumentative and condescending to suggest that Antigua is a society where only the well-to-do can purchase certain things. This is nothing more than "rum-shop talk" and does not advance the discussion.
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fnpsr

Re: morris - part 1

#55 fnpsr » 2013-02-21 01:14

Morris, "The blogger "small minded people" asks, "What about people up and about the streets of Antigua in brand new vehicle and don't have a job do you raid their home?" I would say no, but a few light bulbs would go off. Morris, The question here is not that the police "think" that persons should not be driving certain vehicles, but rather how did these persons without a job acquire the vehicles, maintain the vehicles, and support themselves? If as you say, they are being supported by family overseas, then they do not have anything to worry about. I wonder how many family members you know, are willing to send someone $80K to buy a fancy car to just drive around all day and night? Recall I said that a good patrol officer would find a way, (probable cause) to pull the driver over and during the stop certain questions are asked and where appropriate, the information is passed to the proper authorities. Ha**ment and profiling are good buzz words that engender a lot of emotion. I wonder how many of these persons, with no visible means of support, driving these fancy cars, you would like living next to you?
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fnpsr

@ Morris - Credible Evidence!

#54 John French II » 2013-02-21 00:10

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock!
Well Said!

Some missed Tenman's two quotes and in flights of fancy, given Historical Antecedents began connecting dots because they know someone and something.

Hopefully, some will take a close reading of the second linked article which provides a line by line legal analysis of the second verse of the Rap Song 99 Problems, which even though american, has significance and provides guidance for cops and perps throughout much of the world with Common Law, Civil Code & Civill Law Systems.

Go Well! Much Respect!
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John French II

Office Home raided

#53 Camp Zone » 2013-02-20 23:30

How come police do not ask for warrant to sarch other police officers home who they know dealing with ilegal things,
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Camp Zone

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#52 Morris » 2013-02-20 23:20

I respectfully disagree with all those who suggest the police should stop and question drivers they "think" should not be driving certain vehicles. Doing so could be seen as ha**ment and profiling. Public servants disclosing their financial status to the gov't is a completely different animal in and of itself. It should be none of the Police business what vehicle an individual is driving unless they have "credib le" evidence of illegal activities. What if the person has families abroad who support him/her financially? Checking for license, insurance, etc. is one thing, because they are required to legally operate a vehicle on the highway.
The danger of this suggestion by some is that it paints ANU as a caste society where only the well-to-do can afford certain things. Well, here is something to ponder, since some think that only the well-to-do can afford numerous or expensive vehicles, could they be the masterminds behind the importation of drugs and guns into the island? No wonder we can't put a dent in crime and drugs on the island.
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Morris

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#51 gmaa » 2013-02-20 21:14

It depends on the damage and sometimes it takes a while to put a vehicle on the road colour can catch your eyes too
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gmaa

Re: envy & gmaa

#50 fnpsr » 2013-02-20 20:28

Envy and Gmaa, you guys are missing the point. No one is saying that you cannot buy what you want. It is a good deal if you can buy damaged vehicles and repair them. The relevant question is how did you acquire the money to do buy as many damaged vehicles and return them to working condition. If this question can be answered satisfactorily then there is no problem. If you are having difficulty or unable to answer, then that's a horse of a different color.

Much Respect!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."
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fnpsr

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#49 yo check dis » 2013-02-20 19:55

@ Envy - LOL i hear you though. People hatin' aint nutten new. Just do ur thing and "lef dem to God"
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yo check dis

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#48 gmaa » 2013-02-20 19:44

Envy I agree with you
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gmaa

Bad minded people

#47 Envy » 2013-02-20 18:48

Same way they look at me buying crashed cars from insurance for 3-8 thousand the most , fix them and keep and they say i into drugs. SUCH SHALLOW people... When a man buy a jeep for $120,000 for example a new honda crv ... that would be around 10 vehicles bought and repaired from the insurance.... antigua people wake and stop the bad mind... anna me tell areu fu go wendys and diamond ice fu done areu money
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Envy

99 Problems!

#46 John French II » 2013-02-20 18:33

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Friends, Pay Attention to Tenman's comments.
Growing up on the Rock, It was "Bobol". Many houses & businesses were built on Brown & Co., Brysons, Dews, Mendes, Murdocks, Piggotts et al. Fast forward to the recent past of yesterday, Many a petty Officer at Various GoAB Revenue Offices have built, Businesses, Hotels, Apartment Complexes & Huge Haciendas. No need to hide our heads in the sands where the beach is just the beginning & Sun, Sea & Sand make Beauty. Today the terrain has become more violent given the nature of the merchandise & Transactions.Quote:
Never ask Me about my Business -The Godfather
Everyone on the Rock knows someone & something.
The title was a big hit song in 2004. Journey with me on this learning opportunity. This should not be a wild ride but a legal eye opener. The 1st URL is for the "Quickies"! The 2nd is for the Philly Lawyers, Students & Researchers! www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/10/99-problems-law-review-article-jay-z_n_1662922.html
Second - slu.edu/Documents/law/Law%20Journal/Archives/LJ56-2_Mason_Article.pdf
Oh Gad! Pray Wid Mi!
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John French II

TRUTH

#45 EX JAIL MAN » 2013-02-20 16:34

THERE WAS A COUNSELOR THAT USE TO FREQUENT THE JAIL. A WOMAN MS xxxxN INMATES DOES TELL HER ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN THE JAIL.BECAUSE SHE IS VERY CARING AND THE INMATES AT THAT TIME TRUST HER.SHE CAN HELP THE POLICE SHE KNOWS ALMOST ALL OF THE OFFICERS THAT SMUGGLE BECAUSE INMATE TILL CALL SHE FROM JAIL.AND TELL SHE WHAT IS GOING ON. THE SUPPA HE TOO KNOW WHA A GWAN NAH.BUT HE JUS PLAY HE NAH KNOW.
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EX JAIL MAN

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#44 gmaa » 2013-02-20 16:09

This culture! In seven days all chatting dun. The man just love vehicle why other people love cloth
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gmaa

cutie

#43 gmaa » 2013-02-20 15:54

you so wish you where Mrs. Beggs lmao
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gmaa

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#42 gmaa » 2013-02-20 15:51

Police stopping drivers and ask them where they work all they need are your license and to make sure you vehicle is insure and licensed by trapper board if I drive a Lexus and I tell the officer I work a farm what he should say that can't be what only people that work In bank and wear suits are the only ones to live comfortable
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gmaa

@ Lord Have Mercy AGAIN

#41 skyewill » 2013-02-20 15:49

You will need the assistance of John French II, Antigua's number one Secret Service Agent for deep cover and Tenman our Top Civilian contractor information manager
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skyewill

@ Lord Have Mercy DEFCON 4?

#40 skyewill » 2013-02-20 15:45

Some equipment cannot leave the USA legally, because it is not cleared for export and I am a law abiding citizen. If I can be on the advance team I would be glad to do the intel and recon work. A few years back I track the thieves that broke into my place, took me several days of work but I do know the terrain. The problem what are you going to do with them once you catch them. The police will not lock them up and if they get locked up they get light jail time and out on the street 123.
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skyewill

re: united states

#39 fnpsr » 2013-02-20 15:37

United Sates, that is food for thought! In addition to the new cars, don't forget the weekly entertaining to show off the house.

Much respect!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."
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fnpsr

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#38 UNITED STATES » 2013-02-20 15:15

Why not check all of those who are making $60,000.00 ec per annum.They own million dollars homes and new cars.Where are they getting the funds to maintain such a life style.Did they win the lottery,just asking.
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UNITED STATES

What's the fuss?

#37 Reeva » 2013-02-20 15:01

I think the office doth protest too much? I am sure he is not alone in having been searched but his loud ranting does give me pause. Perhaps where there is smoke, there is indeed fire. Maybe the officers need to search better or elsewhere in relation to this officer.
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Reeva

college student

#36 skyewill » 2013-02-20 14:59

You are joking, your house? a bunch of women? Give me the address, I'll investigate. All joke aside. This is what happen when they go into panic mode. There is a reason they went to this guy house. We must not take his word for anything. My gut tells me it's all bogus. He is a part of the fraturnity and could have been tipped off and we are supposed to believe everythink is ok it was all a mistake, he is an innocent bystander caughtup in and error. I taught that class last semister.
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skyewill

re: small minded people - part & final

#35 fnpsr » 2013-02-20 14:37

During the investigation,t he driver may have to explain how he paid or is paying for the car. How does he license the car and pay for the insurance? How does he maintain the car and put gas in it? How does he maintain himself, i.e., rent, food, clothes, utilities, cell phone, entertainment and the like?

Much respect!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."
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fnpsr

re: small minded people - part 1

#34 fnpsr » 2013-02-20 14:36

The blogger "small minded people" asks, "What about people up and about the streets of Antigua in brand new vehicle and don't have a job do you raid their home? I would say no, but a few light bulbs would go off. A good patrol officer would find a way to pull the driver over. He would ask him for his driver's license and insurance information. While he is looking for the information he would ask him if he owns the car. He might ask him where does he works and what does he do. Now the officer ascertains that the driver owns the car and does not work. His job is basically done. He writes a ticket for the violation, or gives him a warning and sends him on his merry way, as appropriate. The officer now turns over the information to the drug enforcement agency for follow up and investigation.
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fnpsr

correction

#33 fnpsr » 2013-02-20 14:07

In part 1 the this sentence should read,"As a prison official, and one who has sworn to uphold the law, his confidence in the police should not be shaken."
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fnpsr

re: Antiguan - part 3 & final

#32 fnpsr » 2013-02-20 13:51

I agree with you that we all have rights under [under the constitution], but I disagree that the officer's rights were violated. The police were acting on a tip and considering the "going-ons" and investigation at the prison, they had a duty to act.

Finally, a prison officer has a higher duty of trust, and the public confidence in him should never be shaken, as here.

Much Respect!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."
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fnpsr

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#31 small minded people » 2013-02-20 13:51

What about people up and about the streets of Antigua in brand new vehicle and don't have a job do you raid their home? when you keep to yourself and don't tell people your business they assume all bad no good. Small minded people
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small minded people

re: Antiguan - part 2

#30 fnpsr » 2013-02-20 13:50

While the police did not find anything on this search, does not mean that he is clean. The "stuff" could be stored elsewhere.

I agree wholeheartedly with your statement that "All public servants in high risk positions for bribes/illegal activity should have to declare all their sources of income." This would comport with the Integrity Act. I would go further and make this information public. This would eliminate a lot of the doubt that we have today.

Again, I would agree with you that, "Just because one man might have been able to turn one dollar into many, does not mean that there is anything illegal." This is called investing and taking risk. However, as a public official we need to know what he is investing in and how it is performing. This would be disclosed under the Integrity Act. Again, all doubt and suspicion would be removed. This is called full disclosure!
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fnpsr

re: Antiguan - part 1

#29 fnpsr » 2013-02-20 13:47

Antiguan, you have said a mouthful, but it needs to be analyzed. I do not see how the police have "tarnished" the prison officer's name. The police were acting on a tip. Considering the current investigation that is ongoing at the prison at this time, the police would have been negligent if they had not conducted the search. Then, many would have said the police are protecting the individual and claim corruption.

As a prison official, and one who has sworn to uphold the law, his confidence in the police should be be shaken. Furthermore, his co-workers already have an image, rightly or wrongly, of him. He is aware of it. He says, "I have a few vehicles, and the way I live has made some workmates have envy and jealousy towards me."

The trauma that his family may have endured, is unfortunate, but it goes with the territory. If the family, knew or should have known that he may be engaged in illegal activities and partaking in the spoils, then there would be no trauma. Considering what has been going on at the prison, public information available, the lavish lifestyle and the like, his neighbors may already have a negative image of him.
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fnpsr

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#28 bus » 2013-02-20 12:40

it is evident to every one and the mothers that the police force her is one of the caribbean's most currupt!! leave innocent people in peace and start checking the homes of the police....high and low ranking.... one officer of the law is a person of interest for YEARS because of HIS expensive vehicles yet has he ever been searched or raided. i know the gentleman Beggs well and he has been subject of co worker hatred for years!! Black people cannot see someone living good and dem uh teef or B**l for it???
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bus

Law Abiding Criminals

#27 Ms Ting » 2013-02-20 12:29

What law abiding criminals do you know who would keep dem 'tings' in dem yard? Duh!
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Ms Ting

@ Antiguan et al

#26 Research Student » 2013-02-20 12:13

Teach me how to turn $1 into many (legally and visibly). I have college bills to pay and need to buy some old cars to fix up not to resell but to drive around in.

It is time we get a strong proceeds of crime act like Jamaica. Then the burden is on you to prove the ligitimacy of your assets.

By the way, don't I need money to buy old cars and the parts to fix them up? Things are so expensive in Antigua right now my salary cant even afford 1 old car much less a prison officer's salary. Get real, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks it probably is a duck.
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Research Student

Cant win

#25 Villager » 2013-02-20 11:52

The police can't win at all.....If the police did not conduct the raid and something disastrous happens or reveal later, folks would be saying police have information and did not act on it. Police force continue to do your job...it is tough working with the resources you have, but fight on men & women of ABPF.
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Villager

@ Honourable POMPEY

#24 MY WAY OF HELPING » 2013-02-20 11:34

What is the procedural Law in regards to warrants being issue in Antigua?
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MY WAY OF HELPING

Lavish Living

#23 chupz » 2013-02-20 11:12

The man fix broken car and drive dem. So he have 6 broken car he fix up and live in a 2 bedroom house with 4 kids people say he living lavish? You all joking right? Call me when he move to blue waters and he has a boat....
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chupz

Property Search 101

#22 DadliSun » 2013-02-20 10:41

2 words for our law enforcers : Credible Intel.
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DadliSun

Police are wrong in this case

#21 Antiguan » 2013-02-20 10:27

...so the downside you tarnish a man's name, you shake the confidence that he has in the police establishment and his coworkers at the prison, you traumatise his family, and his neighbours now think that they are living next to a criminal.

In return, you have got what again? Nothing!

All public servants in high risk positions for bribes/illegal activity should have to declare all their sources of income.

Just because one man might have been able to turn one dollar into many, does not mean that there is anything illegal.

Each of us has rights, and considering the size of Antigua, the police have ignored this man's right to live without being presumed to be a criminal.
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Antiguan

Above the Law?

#20 Eleanor » 2013-02-20 10:24

Is this officer suggesting that he is above the law and should not be searched?? He seems to have taken great offense to his property being searched; why is this? If he is so clean and a high ranking part of crime fighting and maintaining the integrity of the prison, he should be aware that it is necessary for the police to do their job. They said they received information and they acted on it, so what?

How dare him act affronted, unless he actually does have something to hide and is hoping that by ranting loudly this time, he will divert attention from him to carry on whatever he may be engaged in.

Come on now, this is very immature behaviour for such a senior officer. The public need not even have known and he ought to have simply felt vindicated that nothing was found. I smell something here. Maybe the police should search again later on! We all know that there is corruption at the prison and it is high time the police try diligently to find the source(s) of it.
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Eleanor

re: Tenman

#19 fnpsr » 2013-02-20 10:22

Tenman, I am trying to understand the connection between the Observer Article, your post, and the CA article. Are you saying that the raid on the prison officer's home is an extension of the prison investigation? I am trying to connect the dots. Also, I did not get your take, one way or the other, on the current article. Did I miss something?

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."
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fnpsr

ahhh...

#18 marco polo » 2013-02-20 10:12

As usual, "context" is everything....
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marco polo

Cutie

#17 Mrs Beggs » 2013-02-20 10:11

I sure do believe his Sugar Mamas fund his lifestyle. He's a cute guy!
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Mrs Beggs

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#16 Fed Up » 2013-02-20 09:57

This is typical of the RPFAB, lack of experience & knowledge of procedures, very ignorant policing by a ragtag bunch. The CoP should ensure that these kinds of waste of resources should never happen, bad management of an inefficient force. Like Government on the whole really isn't it, bad management since independence.
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Fed Up

context part 2 of 2

#15 tenman » 2013-02-20 09:50

Quote:
In the meantime, he promised the police will continue to monitor the jail. “What we have done and will continue to do, is to ensure we carry out periodic inspections and those inspections are done, not by prison officers, but by the police force. We do unannounced raids to look for illegal substances and phones and the like,” he said. The claims of abuse, bribery and contraband smuggling addressed in OBSERVER’s previous report, were levelled by former inmates and prison officers.
..
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tenman

context part 1 of 2

#14 tenman » 2013-02-20 09:50

Prison probe to begin – security minister
By Martina Johnson - Friday, November 23rd, 2012.
Quote:
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – An investigation has been launched into allegations of corruption inside Her Majesty’s Prison, days after OBSERVER Media released an investigative report detailing claims of wardens’ involvement in bribery, contraband smuggling and ill treatment of inmates. National Security Minister Dr Errol Cort, who is conducting the probe, said it is to determine whether another more extensive independent probe is necessary. “I am carrying out my own internal investigations … I have met with one or two prison officers to hear from them and then I will make an informed decision in terms of how we will go forward in the matter,” he said. Dr Cort said he is not surprised over the findings of OBSERVER’s investigations, but if the allegations continue to be pervasive, then it may warrant a more in depth probe into the operations of the penitentiary.
..
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RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#13 MY WAY OF HELPING » 2013-02-20 09:38

Not sure hot it is in Antigua but to get a warrant, someone needed to have swear before the judge that they have seen something, have reasonable suspicion that something is going on. They needed to provide some evidence, what evidence was provided for a judge to have approve this warrant? who swore?

Is this evidence that we aren't ready for appeal courts here or even any court of law? Well, at this time, this situation is not enough for me to use it in my argument against appeal court in Caricom.

However, with real evidence, no one is off limit for a search.
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MY WAY OF HELPING

MALICIOUS PROSECUTION

#12 Lord Have Mercy » 2013-02-20 09:11

The many victims of these unfounded acts of intrusion by the state should band together and bring a cause of action against the state for MALICIOUS PROSECUTION, also naming the COP and the Judge that signed the Warrant as defendants.

An acusatory statement from even a reliable informant most have police corroboration before a judge can find that there is probable cause for issuance os a search warrant. I do not find anything in this article that points to any form of police corroboration, and the state should be made to pay for the illegal conduct of its agents.

When the government tramples on our civil and human rights we have to fight back. We know that the police is under pressure to produce results, but that does not give them the right to act unlawfully with the aid of a judge. This is ourtageous, because it is happening all over Antigua on a regular basis.

If they do not know what to do call in Skye, Professor and Morris and the other ex-military patriots to lead the "Radication". Jamaica adopted a successful ongoing eradication program to deal with its crime problem. Maybe it time to do something that will definitely work.
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Lord Have Mercy

Time to change this ridiculous system

#11 Dax Rebel » 2013-02-20 08:54

A very common practice by the police to bypass Magistrates and Judges to get warrants signed needs to be addressed urgently.

When information is received by the police and they believe the magistrate will question the validity of said claims, they simply go to a “Justice of the peace”, which means anyone who sits on the Board to oversee the rights of prisoners. This Board is comprised of party hacks, who simply receive a monthly pay packet to secure the votes of the family.

This system is so ridiculous, I heard that the “Justice of the peace” simply signs without reading what is presented to him/her. This is now the norm, and needs to be revised.

If the reports have any validity, why not do it through the Judges and Magistrates? By reading these blogs, the public seem to be of the belief Judges and Magistrates actually sign off on these warrants. Nothing is further from the truth.
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RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#10 fire » 2013-02-20 08:31

That's the best that Error Caught could produce, even after a man lies on what could possible be his dying bed in the hospital from a gun shot wound.

UPP take note of what occurred in Grenada. :D


Election will come and UPP will loose!
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fire

Ms

#9 Helen Carr » 2013-02-20 08:25

Yes you do have the rights to implement allegations, but, you also have to do your home work of surveillances before you can prance on people especially a key worker because some busy body draw your attention to something.

You Police Officers in Antigua and Barbuda have to check your own doings before you can check others. Your houses might be dirty and in need of thorough cleansing.
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chupz

#8 reality » 2013-02-20 08:24

not because someone is living a lavish life style that mean they are engage in illegal activities..... . not judging him i dont know him but i mean so if i work hard for what i want and i live good that mean am doing drugs smh anu people sick
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reality

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#7 GoodJobBob » 2013-02-20 08:14

How about raiding the second "Blood Brother"'s house for his Swiss Bank account records? He's just waiting there to be "Caught"!
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GoodJobBob

@skyewill

#6 college student » 2013-02-20 08:12

judge i dont think judge still issue warrant now in Antigua because if they do something is not right with the judge reasoning , that happen to our home about 3 weeks ago where they were 12 head quarters police and 6 army man raid our house saying they were looking for the same guns and animation and bear in mind is all woman live in our house.... i mean yh they are doing their job but i think the information they are receiving is just ridiculous... while they are searching innocent people house the real criminal are getting away....
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college student

strengthen and enforce the integrity act

#5 fnpsr » 2013-02-20 08:09

Beggs said, “I have a few vehicles, and the way I live has made some workmates have envy and jealousy towards me." Duh! The workmates know the salary of a prison officer and they know that it does not support your lifestyle. This is not jealousy!

The officer seems to be acknowledging that he has a lavish lifestyle. The question is: is it above his means? In order to ascertain this, it would be necessary for him to disclose his financial information through the Integrity Act. Oh, excuse me! Senior government officials do not have to disclose financial information and even if they are required to do so, no one is reviewing the information and the law requires no public disclosure.

Strengthen and enforce the Integrity Act, to include severe penalties for perjury, and you would not have to be conducting raids at 3 a.m., in the morning.

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the little things."
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fnpsr

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#4 Morris » 2013-02-20 07:37

It is possible that some sources are frivolous or malicious, he said, although a search can confirm or even clarify a situation. He said, “Fighting crime is done with the co-operation of the general public. We act on information, then apply at the court for a search warrant, and then turn information into intelligence.

I totally agree that crime fighting is a joint effort between the Police and the public; however, where does "credibility" fits into all of this if Corporal Thomas is willing to admit that some sources are frivolous and malicious?
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Morris

Now wait a minute

#3 skyewill » 2013-02-20 07:34

Information is the essence of police work? What kind of crap is this? You mean good information. Something is wrong here. They must have probable cause to get a warrant. They must prove to a judge they have something, so did they? Was there a tip off? Was it a set up? or was it a diversion? You just don’t look at a guys house and say ok let’s raid. It could just be to through everybody off track. It would certainly be the move to make. Now he thinks he is clear? Something is weird here. Why would they suspect a prison officer of illegal drugs and weapons? Timing is everything and if he is a suspect why waits until he left for weeks (he would have to clean up before he leaves) they come in with a false bust/diversion? Is this the end of that? Is he clean now? The organization is getting nervious?
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skyewill

Dumb raid

#2 NYC » 2013-02-20 07:03

Next time be sure to seek out the bandits hideout and you will certainly find something there.
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NYC

RE: Prison Officer’s Home Raided

#1 bjsm » 2013-02-20 06:50

OH BOY WHILE REAL CRIMINALS OUT DEY AH KILL MAN 24/7 ARU HA TIME FU PLAY ROUND WID MINOR MATTERS...SHEES H!! PATROL THE DARN STREET AH NIGHT TIME AND TAP MEK MAN GET SHOT JUS SO... I CAN IMAGINE THE AMOUNT OF RUBBERY TOOK PLACE WHILE U GUYS AH FARM FOOL WID ARU SELF....PATROL THE STREET, THE VILLAGE CRAP LIKE THAT MAN.. NO WANDA CRIME NA GET NONE WEY IN LITTLE OLE ANU...
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bjsm

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