Police explained that they were protecting the identity and privacy of the teens.

By Eulana Weekes

St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Police have confirmed that a teenager escaped from the New Horizons Rehabilitation Center in St. Kitts.

Despite news circulating on social media that several teenagers had run away from home and were last seen on August 16, police or center officials did not notify the public when the incident occurred. However, when one of the teenagers was still not found nearly two weeks later, people’s interest in the matter increased. Police issued a missing person notice on August 26.

At a Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force news conference on August 29, Deputy Commissioner Cromwell Henry said police did not inform the public of the teenagers’ escape in order to protect their identities and privacy.

“These are minors and we always protect minors who are in situations like this, who are in conflict with the law. We protect their privacy and don’t want them to be portrayed as fugitives or criminals at the juvenile center.”

Commissioner James Sutton reminded the public that everything posted on the internet is likely to remain there permanently, so it is important to protect children.

“You have to remember that once you put something on the internet, it’s there forever. That’s something we know about and we’re having ongoing discussions about whether or how to release this type of information and things like that.”

When asked about the security of the facility, the commissioner said New Horizons Rehabilitation Center has limited security measures but did not disclose what security measures are provided.

“Security arrangements are limited. Police also conduct regular checks to meet security needs.”

All the teenagers who escaped from the rehabilitation center have been found, and police said they will take steps to ensure such incidents do not happen again.