(SNO) — A shooting incident in Boguis, Babonneau was among several violent incidents reported in Saint Lucia on Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day).

A male was shot in the leg in Boguis and was transported to hospital in stable condition, according to an emergency official.

Two chopping incidents and a stabbing were also reported on that day but details were not immediately available.

We will provide the details as soon as they become available.

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(DALLAS NEWS) — The City of Dallas won’t be held liable for the death of Botham Jean, a federal district judge ruled this week.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn dismissed the city from a civil lawsuit filed by Jean’s family.

Jean, a black man from St. Lucia living in Dallas, was killed in his own home by Amber Guyger, a white off-duty police officer, on Sept. 6, 2018.

Though the lawsuit did not seek a specific amount, Gugyer is now the only defendant in the civil lawsuit filed in 2018, making a high-dollar settlement unlikely.

Gugyer was still in uniform when she shot Jean using her service weapon. She said she believed she was in her own apartment. She was later fired from the department. In October, Gugyer was found guilty of murder in Jean’s death and is serving a 10-year-sentence.

The two-week trial captivated Dallas and the world as it renewed focus on white officers shooting unarmed black men.

Jean’s family argued in their civil lawsuit that Jean’s death was a result of a pattern of excessive force by Dallas police and that better training could have prevented his death.

“By simply following proper police procedures and the best police practices and not the protocol of the DPD to ‘shoot first and ask questions later’, Defendant Guyger would have not shot Jean,” the lawsuit read. “Essentially, Officer Guyger was ill-trained, and as a result, defaulted to the defective DPD policy: to use deadly force even when there exist no immediate threat of harm to themselves or others.”

The city countered that the lawsuit failed to provide evidence to their claims and could not prove causation.

Prior to Lynn’s decision, a magistrate judge agreed with the city and suggested it be dismissed from the lawsuit. Legal experts said that because Guyger was off duty, a lawsuit against the city was unlikely to be successful.

Dallas interim city attorney Christopher Caso declined to comment Thursday. Daryl Washington, the Jean family’s lawyer, was not immediately available for comment.

The lawsuit was filed by Jean’s parents, Allison and Bertrum Jean and his sister, Allisa Findley. Jean grew up in St. Lucia but came to the U.S. for college in Arkansas. He later worked as an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dallas.

Dallas bucks the national trend in holding police officers accountable for murder. Since 2016, four Dallas-area police officers have been indicted on murder charges. Guyger was the third to be sent to prison.

On Wednesday, in an exclusive interview with The Dallas Morning News, Allison Jean said healing hasn’t been easy but she wanted to move on.

“I have no hatred toward Amber Guyger,” she said. “It’s time to focus on me and heal in the best way I know how.”

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(SNO) — A man was the victim of a shooting incident in Boguis, Babonneau on Wednesday morning, December 25 (Christmas Day), according to law enforcement sources.

He has been identified as Mandel Auguste.

Reports indicate that Auguste sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to Victoria Hospital in stable condition.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not available.

Babonneau fire personnel responded to the report at 6:52 a.m., sources said.

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Screenshot from the video

(PRESS RELEASE) – About 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 25, 2019, Officers attached to the Micoud Police Station, received a report of a chopping at Anse Ger, Micoud.

On arrival, officers encountered Aaron Cooper, a forty five year (45) year old resident of Anse Ger, who sustained an injury to his neck, following an altercation with a known male. He was conveyed to the St. Jude Hospital via ambulance, where he was admitted. On Thursday, December 26, 2019, about 11:30 p.m. Aaron Cooper succumbed at the said medical facility.

A post mortem examination is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday December 28, 2019.

One male is currently in police custody in relation to this incident.

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The parliament of St Vincent and the Grenadines has raised the age of criminal responsibility for a child from eight to 12 years old.

The new law dictates that a child under 12 shall not be prosecuted for an offence that he or she has allegedly committed.

“A child age 12 but under the age of 14 years shall be presumed not to have the capacity to appreciate the difference between right and wrong unless this is proved otherwise,” Minister of National Mobilisation Frederick Stephenson explained to parliament regarding the law, called the Child Justice Act.

Additionally, corporal punishment or a life sentence cannot be imposed on a child under 12 under the new law.

However, it points out that prosecution of a child age 12 but less than 14 years old must be on the basis of certification of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Stephenson noted that the new law applies to any person who turns 18 before the proceedings that had been instituted are concluded.

He explained that the law also applies to persons over 18 but under 21, on the direction of the DPP in special circumstances.

The new law replaces the Juveniles Act.

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(SNO) – The police are presently investigating the stabbing death of 53-year-old Moses Degonzague of Hospital Road, Castries.

One person is in custody in relation to the incident.

A report from the police indicates that on Friday, December 27, at 9:30 p.m., officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department, responded to a report of a stabbing at the said address.

Upon arrival the police noticed an injury to Degonzague’s neck following an altercation with a known female.

He was taken to the Victoria Hospital via ambulance, where he was admitted.

On Monday, December 30, 2019, Degonzague died at the hospital.

A post mortem examination is scheduled for today, Tuesday December 31, 2019.

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A video screenshot from the incident

(SNO) – The police are investigating an incident during which an officer shot and injured a man who was wielding a cutlass.

The incident took place in Riviere Mitan, Monchy.

“Every time there is a police shooting there is an internal investigation being carried out and that investigation has been launched into that matter,” Superintendent of Police, George Nicholas told the media during a press conference.

He explained that during the incident the police officer felt it was necessary for him to fire his weapon and he did so.

Reports are that there was a heated altercation between two men in the community last Sunday afternoon.

However, it turned deadly when one of the men took a cutlass and reportedly attacked the other man.

The officer, who was off duty at the time, was nearby and he attempted to halt the situation.

The man with the cutlass was shot in the leg.

The two men are now at hospital.

Nicholas said the investigation will reveal whether the officer was justified in using his firearm.

A video of the incident was uploaded to social media where it quickly spread like a wildfire.

It is unsure who shot the video and Nicholas was asked whether the officer was involved.

“I cannot comment on the recording too much as to who did the recording,” he responded. “But that is something that we would condemn especially if it was done by an officer. We would definitely condemn that kind of behavior. We will not tolerate that behavior.”

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(SNO) – Superintendent of Police, George Nicholas, is of the opinion that there is no need, at least for now, for police officers in Saint Lucia to wear body cams during patrols.

In some countries police wear small cameras attached to their clothing, helmet, or sunglasses which captures from their point of view video and audio recordings of activities, including traffic stops, arrests, searches, interrogations, and critical incidents such as officer-involved shootings.

Nicholas was pressed on the matter following an incident in which an off-duty police officer allegedly shot and injured a cutlass-wielding man in Riviere Mitan, Gros Islet.

“I think the intention behind the body cam is to record police action,” he said. “I know we have had a few situations where police may have acted wrongly or people believe they have acted wrongly but I don’t think the situation is such that it would warrant that kind of intervention at this point in time.”

He pointed out that monies for body cams could be spent in other areas of policing on the island.

“That type of money can be better spent in areas to assist police officers in other areas as opposed to body cams,” Nicholas stated.

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(SNO) — A resident of Morne Serpent, Gros Islet who was arrested for an illegal firearm on Friday, December 27, 2019, has been granted bail, according to a law enforcement official.

Thompson Roberty, 42, was granted $10,000 bail or suitable surety when he appeared in a Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, December 30, 2019, charged for the possession of a firearm without a license.

Police discovered a .22 rifle at Roberty’s home while carrying out a search warrant at about 4:15 a.m., according to reports.

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(SNO) — Saint Lucia has recorded possibly its first recorded shooting of the new year after a man was injured in Grand Riviere, Gros Islet late Saturday night, Jan. 4., according to law enforcement officials.

Benedict Leon, 35, sustained two gunshot wounds to one of his legs minutes before midnight Saturday, officials said.

Leon was transported to Victoria Hospital by ambulance in stable condition, according to an emergency official.

No further details were available.

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Still from a surveillance camera shows the burglar (bottom left)

(SNO) – It’s everyone’s nightmare to have a burglar enter their home and terrorize their family, in broad daylight at that.

But this is exactly what happened to a Carellie family on January 3, 2020.

A family member, who prefers to remain anonymous, said the incident began unfolding at around 11:44 a.m. when a burglar entered the property by scaling a side roof to enter the master bedroom.

“My small children, aged three and five were in the room at the time on their tablets,” the family member said. “The burglar forced them out of the room.”

He explained that the three-year-old began crying for her tablet, which was taken by the burglar.

“My wife went upstairs to the bedroom to enter the password (for the tablet) but it appeared that the burglar hid in the closet,” he stated. “When my wife left the children were forced out and the bedroom was locked. The burglar took a FIRE HD 8-inch tablet, my wife’s wedding rings, gold watch, and other gold jewelry. Even her birth certificate was stolen.”

He explained other similar documents were stolen.

The burglar soon made good his escape.

“He left by going down the roof and onto the ground, thereafter scaling the fence into an empty lot at the back of the house,” he said. “On that same day, another report was made of a burglar entering another house in the neighborhood.”

The family, which was left shaken but unharmed, called the police who responded quickly.

“Reports have been made to the Police who took fingerprints and are currently conducting investigations,” the family member said.

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Iranians burn American flags

(SNO) — The United States (US) Embassy in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean has put US citizens on alert as a result of “heightened tensions in the Middle East”.

The tensions refer to the assassination of Iran’s military commander Qassem Soleimani, carried out on the order of US President Donald Trump. Soleimani, who was arguably the second most powerful man in Iran and was well-loved by his people, was killed along with nine others in a U.S. drone strike in Iraq several days ago.

Iran has vowed to take revenge for his death.

As a result, the US Embassy, based in Barbados, and which also has responsibility for the Eastern Caribbean, issued a security alert on Monday, January 6, 2020, warning its citizens. The alert was also posted on the Embassy’s official Facebook page on Tuesday, January 7.

“There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad,” the alert states. “The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed.

The alert advises US citizens to take a number of precautions including:

– Keep a low profile.
– Be aware of your surroundings.
– Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists
– Review your personal security plans.
– Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.

In the alert, the Embassy also posted phone numbers for their Bridgetown, Barbados and State Department – Consular Affairs offices, email address, and website in the event citizens require assistance.

The Embassy also encourages its citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

The funeral for the slain military leaders has attracted hundreds of thousands of mourners.

An Iranian military advisor said Iran will surely respond militarily. Iran has often said it would choose the time and place of any retaliation in past standoffs with Washington, according to CNN.

The daughter of the slain Iranian commander has warned the US and Isreal that they face a “dark day” for her father’s death, calling the US president “crazy”.

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Bordelais Correctional Facility

(SNO) — A law enforcement official has confirmed that an inmate sustained chop wounds at the hands of another inmate at the Bordelais Correctional Facility on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.

The inmate, Francis Bertie, was treated for wounds to his shoulder and leg at Victoria Hospital. He is in stable condition, according to reports.

The incident occurred in the Delta Unit, the maximum security section of the prison, in the morning, the official said.

A makeshift wooden weapon was used in the attack, the official said.

Prison authorities are reportedly investigating the incident.

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(SNO) — Video clips of a man sending kicks on a young female in a Dennery house has gone viral (see videos below story).

According to law enforcement sources, police are investigating allegations that the man in the video is the father of the female who is being beaten.

It is alleged that the female is 13 years old and the man is of a Dennery address.

Reports indicate that the victim’s sister recorded in the incident which occurred recently. It is not clear who uploaded the video to social media.

St. Lucia News Online obtained two video clips of the Dennery incident. (See them below article).

In one of the videos, the teen cries out “… stop I’ve had enough, had enough.”

The alleged father exclaims “you had enough?!” then attacks his daughter again as someone (sounding female) in the background shouts “not in my room, not in my room.”

Sources said the police and social services are investigating the attack which is similar to an incident in December last year in which a woman, Tessa Albert, 25, was caught on video beaten a schoolgirl with a stick for allegedly wearing her shoes.

Albert pleaded guilty to causing harm and was granted $1,000 bail or suitable surety pending a pre-sentence report in early January 2020.

Her bail conditions include surrendering her travel documents to the court, make no contact with the victim, not permitted to leave the State without the court’s permission and reporting to the Anse La Raye Police Station every Friday before or by 6 p.m.

Be advised, before watching, that the videos are extremely violent and can be disturbing to some.

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(SNO) – The police have taken into custody a father who was recorded violently beating his daughter in Dennery.

The video of the incident was uploaded to social media and it has since gone viral.

It caught the attention of the Vulnerable Persons Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and an investigation was launched.

HTS News4Force is reporting that it has confirmed the man has been arrested.

As of Thursday, it is unclear whether the man was charged or what offenses he will be charged with.

The incident was widely condemned by many who described it as appalling and shameful.

Many took to social media to express their disgust.

“That’s how a Father Beats his child…. by Kicking her in her Face…. I hope they arrest his A**,” one person said on Facebook.

Others quoted scripture.

“Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which The Lord thy God givest thee. Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath,” another wrote.

Others believe that the person who recorded the incident should have taken it right to the police.

“Don’t make it worse for the young girl,” one person said.

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Glasgow is well-known in his community of Marchand

(SNO) – Popular sports personality and coach of Big Players Football Club, Cassius “Cassy Boom” Glasgow, was shot and killed on Monday morning, SNO has been informed.

Details are sketchy at this time but reports are that he was killed at his home in Marchand in what appears to be an apparent robbery.

Glasgow is well-known for the development of sports and a number of players in his community.

SNO is following this story and will publish information as it becomes available.

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(SNO) – Police have said they are investigating the death of popular sports personality and coach of Big Players Football Club, Cassius “Cassy Boom” Glasgow as a homicide.

His body was found at his home on Monday, reportedly with a gunshot wound to the head.

His death was Saint Lucia’s first homicide for 2020.

“We can confirm that there is a homicide under investigation,” ACP Wayne Charlery told reporters at the scene on Monday morning, adding that there was no further comments.

Police Press Officer, Ann Joseph said Glasgow’s body was found around 8:00 am at his home in Cedars, Castries with an “apparent gunshot injury.”

“This is the first recorded homicide for the year 2020,” she said.

Glasgow was well-known and well-loved in his community and many has expressed outrage at his passing.

One of his colleagues, Canis Dujon, told the media that his loss is a sad moment for him and the entire community.

He said the coaches death will touch a lots of hearts, especially of the young people.

“We have coached the Marchand Senior Team,” he stated. “We have tried to build back the community to a lot of stigma people have had in their mind. So his death, trust me, is very hurtful, very, very hurtful.”

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(GIS) – Efforts by Government of Saint Lucia to improve citizen safety, are bearing fruit—so says Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet after a high caliber weapon was confiscated this past weekend.

As part of its medium-term development plan for the period ending 2022, government has made citizen safety a key area of focus, with the aim of reducing serious crime by 45 percent, while reducing repeat offenders by 35 percent.

As part of the initiative, over 500 more closed circuit television cameras are to be installed along the island’s roadways with the help of Digicel. Speaking at a pre-cabinet press briefing on Jan. 13, Prime Minister Chastanet said such interventions are necessary.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – The British High Commission will host a training workshop for Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) officers of the Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU), next week.

The first training workshop of its kind for the VPU, the workshop aims to increase and strengthen their capacity to deal with the sensitive cases that these officers have to handle.

The opening is scheduled for Monday, January 27 at 9:30 a.m. at the Police Training School. The opening will be addressed by UK Resident British Commissioner, Steve McCready, and Police Commissioner Moncherry.

The media is invited to this significant event that will build on the expertise of a key unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

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(GIS) – Minister for Education, Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert, met recently with heads of security, and telecommunications providers and regulators, to discuss to country’s response to cybercrime.

Also present at the meeting were Attorney General Stephen Julien, Minister for National Security, Sen. Hermangild Francis, met the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, and representatives from Digicel, FLOW and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.

Dr. Rigobert noted that there has been an increase in cyber-related crimes committed in Saint Lucia including but not limited to cyber bullying, revenge pornography and hacking. The meeting served to begin dialogue on “strategies that can be used to combat such crimes—especially when it involves our nation’s children,” she said.

Last year, an EU-funded “Conference on Cybercrime Strategies for Countries in the Caribbean Region” was held in Santo Domingo. The aim of the conference was to discuss elements that could be included in a national or regional cybercrime strategy, that would effectively respond to the growing threats of cybercrime, the conference report stated.

To date, Saint Lucia has already implemented the computer misuse act, the evidence act and the electronic transactions act, and is working to establish a national CERT. The main offences in Saint Lucia are primarily related to social media.

The meeting on cybercrime was held on Jan 23.

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