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Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 11, 2016 (RSCNPF):  A very productive meeting between the Police and a group of auto rental owners and managers was held on Thursday (November 10) to discuss concerns faced by the owners and the Police. 

The potential use of rented vehicles in drive-by shooting incidents and other criminal activities in the federation was a pressing issue discussed by the parties. In addition, compliance to the “tinting” regulations specific to rental vehicles was also addressed.  Other items discussed in the meeting included adherence to pre and post rental policies in the particular inspection of vehicles upon return.   

Mr. Kenrick Duncan, owner of Ken’s Car Rental in Sandy Point who pointed out that he has been in the business for over thirty-two (32) years said the meeting was important, very timely and he also admonished other owners, “don’t let it be about the money only.  Screen your renters properly, pay attention,  and just as important, we must work together.”

One company highlighted that it is common in most countries to take proactive efforts to ensure the proper use of their vehicles and shared that they have already installed systems and software to simplify driver qualification file management (investigate this site for more info) and to monitor all their fleet. After giving a brief overview of the use and the proven benefits of the systems so far,  other owners at the meeting were quick to express their interest in doing the same.   

Commissioner of Police Mr. Ian M. Queeley said, “we are very appreciative of the willingness of the rental companies to meet with us, and we applaud their commitment to doing their part as our nation combats crime. They are aware of the challenges faced by the possible use of rental vehicles in criminal activity. Collectively we will work together to reduce the opportunity of persons using rentals to commit crimes.

One of the immediate outcomes of the meeting was a commitment from all the owners present to remove non-factory “tints” from their fleet by the end of November. 

Commissioner Queeley was accompanied by Deputy  Commissioner Hilroy Brandy, Superintendent Cromwell Henry,  Inspector Carl Caines, and other representatives from the Traffic Department.  

Both parties expressed a commitment to continued dialogue.