PM Chastanet

(PRESS RELEASE) – The Government of Saint Lucia continues its efforts to work with communities as part of the National Crime Fighting strategy. Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet joined the Gros Islet Police Station as they embarked on a new community engagement program.

The objective of the meeting held at the Gros Islet Human Resource Development Centre was to help ascertain the needs and concerns of community members and provide vital information about community crime fighting strategies.

ASP Thomas of the Gros Islet Police Station went on to highlight some of the improvements made to their service delivery and community outreach programs.

Charon Gardener Hippolyte of the Project Management and Delivery Unit made a presentation on the national crime fighting strategy, research findings, data and plans for continued improvement and development within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

Residents also got the chance to have open dialogue with the commissioner of police, the parliamentary representative Honourable Lenard Spider Montoute and Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet.

This forms part of ongoing outreach meetings to create healthier synergies between the police and the communities they serve.

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Layne believes more can be done to tackle crime

(SNO) – The National Youth Council (NCY) has called on the authorities to put in place proactive measures for young people as the island faces a crime wave.

On Saturday, January 25th a double homicide took place in Boguis, Babonneau and while the organization’s PRO, Eddison Layne, described it as alarming, he said it is an alarm to do more.

“We certainly look on to our officials, on to our leaders to continue to be proactive in terms of the measures, not only to support the infrastructural development of the crime and violent defence but also to protect young people, to put in place strong social programs to engage young people and to keep them occupied within the positive ambit of the society,” he said on Wednesday.

He said a lot more can be done to assist young people in terms of social development such as sports and technical/vocational activities.

“I think we can do a lot in terms of these social developments, to be proactive and to give young people the opportunity and to give them the chance to further develop and to really become outstanding citizens,” Layne stated.

He said the double homicide serves as a call for more action in Saint Lucia.

“This is definitely a call for more action, continued action and the Saint Lucia NYC will continue to advocate on the behalf of our branches, our district youth and sports branches who I do believe, with support, can do so much within our communities, can actually begin of course to work on the ground and help to develop our social fabric,” he stated.

He added, “so this is alarming but I think it is an alarm for us to do more and do better.”

The bodies of Thorne ‘Ashtray’ Sylvaine and Garvin ‘Rand’ Willie were discovered outside Sylvaine’s home at Boguis, Babonneau.

At least one firearm was found on the scene.

Police said the two men are cousins and they had received information that they had some misunderstandings before and were not on good terms.

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(GIS) – Saint Lucia is inching closer to producing its own Domestic Violence Bill.

Recent consultations facilitated by Sisters for Change brought together a technical team including magistrates, lawyers and the police to discuss the current draft bill with a view to producing the most effective bill possible.

Sisters for Change is an international non-profit organization, working to combat discrimination and violence against women and girls. The organization is part of the Equality and Justice Alliance who is currently working on a Pan-Commonwealth programme to reform laws that discriminate against women, girls and the LGBT community. As part of that programme, the organization has been working with the Department of Gender Relations within the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development on technical assistance measures including the Domestic Violence Bill.

Sisters for Change has been conducting consultations on the existing draft Domestic Violence Bill of 2016, allowing stakeholders and civil society to give their thoughts on the bill.

Jane Gordon, Legal Advisor for Sisters for Change believes that once Saint Lucia adopts its domestic violence bill, it will be one of the strongest within the Caribbean.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – This morning around 8am, a caretaker/watchman at the Castries Anglican Primary School was accosted on the school compound by two individuals.

The team from the Department of Education, headed by Minister Rigobert and the Chief Education Officer Mrs. Fiona Phillip-Mayer responded immediately to the report.

After observing the necessary protocol on the ground, the team visited the Victoria Hospital, where the caretaker is being attended to.

The Department of Education extends its well-wishes to the family and loved ones of the victim. We also wish him a speedy recovery.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – On Thursday, February 6, 2020 IGY Rodney Bay Marina presented the Gros-Islet Police Station with a brand-new marine VHF radio.

This piece of equipment will aid the officers based at the station with their efforts in providing support to the yachting community of St. Lucia.

On hand to make the presentation to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Thomas from the Gros-Islet Police Station, was the General Manager of the IGY Rodney Bay Marina; Sean Devaux.

Both parties agreed that the contribution will significantly shorten response times to any calls of yachting-related incidents in Rodney Bay and the Gros-Islet area. This donation made by the IGY Rodney Bay Marina is the continuation of initiatives that the marina has taken, in partnership with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, to ameliorate security in the yachting sector. By extension, St. Lucia as a destination and the community which has supported IGY as well as the yachting sector over the years will certainly benefit from IGY’s continued efforts.

In the upcoming weeks, the IGY Rodney Bay Marina will coordinate the training sessions for all the officers attached to the Gros-Islet Police Station on the use of the marine VHF radio.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – The Training Division of the Department of the Public Service is responsible for ensuring that the right training are made available to government employees, in keeping with their training and development needs.

The Division has been embarking on a series of training programmes primarily focused on report writing, an area which has been identified as requiring attention.

So far, the Division has conducted a number of five-day report writing training programmes targeting Correctional, Fire, and Technical Officers. However, Police Officers are the focus group for the period January 2020 to March 2020. The training assist participants in:

• Recognizing and applying the steps required from beginning to end in report writing
• Identifying the best methods for constructing reports
• Effectively and strategically communicating with stakeholders
• Managing, interpreting and communicating key messages to a range of target groups
• Developing the knowledge and the practical skills required to produce effective
documents and reports
• Understanding and applying the structure of the report document

The Training Division is hopeful, that upon completion of the programme, participants would have acquired the abilities to combine appropriate data and critical reasoning skills, to draft logical and well-reasoned reports that are coherent and persuasive. The programme outline covers the following five broad areas:

• The Report: Definition and Purpose
• The Internal Memorandum
• The Formal Report
• Techniques: The Classical Arrangements
• Drafting and Revising the Report

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Gaston was last seen on February 11

(SNO) – The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is appealing to citizens to help locate a teenager who has been reported missing.

The police said that Kloni Gaston of Monchy, Gros Islet was last seen in the Bisee area on February 11, 2020, about 3:00 p.m.

She is about five feet, five inches tall, brown in complexion, slim and has relaxed hair.

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact the nearest police station or the Criminal Investigation Department at 456-3770 or 456-3817.

Meanwhile a senior citizen that was reported missing has been found alive.

90-year-old Ursula Noel of Bonneterre was found in the Gros Islet area on Tuesday.

She was taken to a medical facility where she is being treated.

She was last seen on February 16, 2020 about 10 a.m. on Trinity Church Road, Castries.

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(GIS) – UK Resident British High Commissioner, Steve McCready, indicated that the British Consular Services is taking a new approach to assisting British nationals by focusing more on preventative measures.

Out of this, the British High Commission developed, funded and facilitated the Serious Sexual Offences Course for members Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Officers attached to the Vulnerable Persons Unit (VPU). The course was geared towards enhancing the capabilities of the officers to deal with serious sexual offences.

“Under the banner of consular prevention work, the British High Commission and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force have collaborated to deliver training to the police officers of the Vulnerable Persons Unit VPU,” said Mr. McCready. “We have many of them here tonight and we are very grateful for them being here tonight. The training has been about the handling of sexual assault cases. This of course is very important to recognize, it’s not only a consular issue affecting British nationals, it’s a hugely important social issue affecting Saint Lucians and indeed anyone affected by sexual assault. It’s an issue which connects the issues of domestic violence, child abuse, gender, human rights, economic development amongst many others. It’s an issue which is too important to be ignored and it was for this reason that we wanted to work with the police to deliver this training.”

British Consular Services are offered by the British government, assisting British nationals overseas in their time of need. Consulars assess their situation and tailor the level and type of assistance to suit the individual circumstances of each case.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crucita Pelius, expressed gratitude to the British High Commission for its partnership.

“Sexual assault offences for us is very serious like any other crime because of the negative impact it has on the victims. The participants today here, their skillsets have been enhanced in the various areas of investigation in this particular field of work. This sends a very strong message to the citizens and also to the perpetrators that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated in our country. We do not want it and we are grateful that this training has helped them to investigate these matters better. So we are ensured moving forward they will prosecute these matters better and these offenders will be dealt with accordingly.”

Minister for Tourism, Information and Broadcasting, Culture and Creatives Industries Hon. Dominic Fedee, expressed gratitude to the British Government for its continued support.

“I think that whether it’s in safety and security, whether it’s in trade or whether it’s in climate change we can always count on the United Kingdom for help with the Commonwealth. We are pleased by this signal of deeper cooperation and friendship that this workshop indicates. I thank your government on behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia and for your continued cooperation and your continued investment in the people and indeed the development of the Caribbean.”

The Serious Sexual Offences Course commenced on Ja. 27, and lasted a period of two weeks. The closing ceremony for the Serious Sexual Offences Course was held jointly with the Consular Reception on Feb. 6.

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Mr Henry

(PRESS RELEASE) – Benignus Henry received debilitating “blow on the head” that has left him physically disabled and completely incapacitated.

The retired Postmaster General and Manager of Catholic Charities Warehouse and current Justice of the Peace in Castries was on February 5th violently struck in the back of his head and knocked to the ground. The assault left him unable to use his hands, or walk, stand or move on his own.

Hopeful but helpless, Mr. Henry, a devoted Catholic and well-loved member of the Castries Community, is in serious need of support. According to Mr. Henry, at this delicate senior stage of his life “after decades of dedicated public service and a life of devoted prayer, I never expected to walk out of the Church sanctuary to be struck down and left so helpless”.

Mr. Henry’s injuries have left him unable to feed himself, stand or sit, walk. The family has issued a call for donations in any amount towards the purchase of a special bed, a shower chair and special toilet chair. At the time of his attack, the 77year-old retiree relied on his income from his duties as a Justice of the Peace. Given the damage to his spine, his prognosis in terms of the restoration of his mobility remains uncertain.

Mr. Henry and his family have expressed gratitude for the deluge of love, encouragement and prayers received to date.

Persons wishing to contribute cash towards the purchase of the needed medical equipment or which to donate in-kind, are asked to contact his children, Mr. Gasper Henry at 1 (758) 519 8528 or Ms. Pearl Shondelle Henry at 1 (758) 719 0024.

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(PRESS RELEASE) – The Regional Security System (RSS) Headquarters through the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) has procured much needed crime scene investigations equipment for member territories of the organization inclusive of a significant amount of products for law enforcement in Saint Lucia.

The formal presentation of equipment set for Wednesday, March 4, 2020 will be presided over by Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security the Honorable Hermangild Francis, along with the Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Milton Desir.

RSS officials say it is expected that the equipment will help improve the operational capacity of the various member states. The array of equipment include protective gear such as CSI overalls, gloves, face masks, boots, glasses, and evidence bags to name a few of the articles procured.

The presentation ceremony will take place at the Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa from 2 p.m.

A delegation of senior officials from the RSS will be on island for this very important occasion.

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Hermangild Francis

(PRESS RELEASE) – Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security Senator Honourable Hermangild Francis has indicated there is a need for a major reduction in stigma against former prison inmates in Saint Lucia.

The reduction in stigma, he explained, is not because the impact of crime on the society is not understood, but because high levels of stigma increases the possibility that persons recommit themselves.

“In order for us to reduce recidivism, we must give them the chance to reform and lead productive lives. There are career criminals but you will also find genuine people who want to change the course of their lives. ”

Minister Francis, who has made this appeal before, recently attended the Fourth Meeting of Officials responsible for Penitentiary and Prison Policies of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. The two day meeting was held in the Dominican Republic. The minister was accompanied by the director of the Bordelais Correctional Facility Mr. Hilary Herman.

Commenting on that meeting Mr. Francis says it was very productive as the region shares many common concerns on the issue of incarceration and reform. “At the meeting we deliberated on programs of rehabilitation and the social reintegration of prisoners in the community”.

The Meeting of Officials responsible for Penitentiary and Prison Policies forum annually meets to look at solutions to incarceration problems including alternatives to incarceration, inadequate programs for rehabilitation and social reintegration, poorly capacity- building for prison officers, combating corruption, and incarcerated minors, as well as disaggregated data and gender sensitive information

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(GIS) – The Regional Security System (RSS) Headquarters through the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) has procured much needed crime scene investigations equipment for member territories of the organization inclusive of a significant amount of CSI items for law enforcement in Saint Lucia.

The contribution of items will be given to the scenes of crime office with the objective of improving in the areas of crime scedne handling, collection of evidence practices and overall increase in the detection of crimes.

Milton Desir, Ag. Commissioner of Police, noted that the equipment will underdoubtedly assist the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force in its crime fighting initiatives.

“The need for contemporary crime fighting efforts is not negotiable as there is a need to enhance our investigative skills and process crime scenes effectively. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force continues to benefit from being a part of RSS and looking forward to the benefits delivered from the member. These equipments will not be taken for granted and will undoubtedly assist investigators and crime scene officers with cases which range from vehicular accidents to homicides during the investigations.”

One of the objectives of the program was to increase capacity building of officers predominantly through skills development.The RSS seeks to strengthen the competencies of law enforcement agencies in Saint Lucia with special regards to illicit drug trafficking and drug offenders.

Graham Archer, Deputy Executive Director of the RSS, noted that of the RSS member states received CSI equipment valued at an estimated EC$67,000.

“We want to thank the European Union for their sternum support for the overall program, and specifically for the donation of this equipment. The the lecture series that was that was held in the various countries was part of that program as well, and this handover is one of the items on the last leg of the program.”

Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Hon. Hermanguild Francis, expressed gratitude to the RSS and EU for the donation of crime fighting tools.

“The state has a duty to do all it can to ensure that the body of evidence speaks to us and points to the perpetrator of a crime, from even beyond the grave,” he said. “Not all that is done to fight crime is made public for obvious reasons. But we continue to position ourselves and build our capacity to use forensic science as a tool against crime.”

The ceremony took place on March 4, at the Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa.

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Chicot

(SNO) — President of the Saint Lucia Police Welfare Association (PWA) Travis Chicot was admitted to hospital on Friday after he was struck in the head with a missile when he intervened in a fight in Marchand, Castries, according to sources.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. when Officer Chicot, who was off duty, attempted to separate a fight over a minor accident involving two motor vehicles, sources have told St. Lucia News Online.

The officer was struck in the head with a bottle while escorting an injured male from the scene where about an angry mob had descended, sources said.

Reports indicate that Chicot was transported to a hospital in stable condition.

He is reportedly being treated for a possible fractured skull as he had lost consciousness on two occasions.

The incident is being investigated. It is not clear if anyone has been arrested.

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(SNO) — Law enforcement officials are reporting that two men were shot dead and another injured in Marc, Bexon late Sunday.

Dead are 37-year-old Mosiah Soolal and 78-year-old Joseph Nicholas.

The identity of the injured male was not disclosed. His condition is unknown at this time.

The shooting occurred at a residence, close to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not immediately available.

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(SNO) — The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), in a post on its official page on Monday (March 16), wrote that they are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a man who is wanted for “questioning in connection by law enforcement officials with an ongoing investigation”.

The RSLPF posted two photos of the man on their social media page.

They did not disclose his name nor say why he is wanted.

According to the post, the public is being advised not to approach the man, or “refrain from making contact with him” — instead relay the information to the nearest police station or the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at 758 456 3770.

The RSLPF’s original message: “HAVE YOU SEEN HIM? If seen, do NOT approach! The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is seeking the assistance of the general public in locating this individual, who is wanted for questioning by law enforcement officials, in connection with an ongoing investigation. Anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to refrain from making contact with him and to relay the information to the nearest police station or the Criminal Investigations Department at 4563770.

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(NOTICE) — The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force wishes to inform the general public that with immediate effect NO mass crowd events or other social gatherings will be approved by the Office of the Commissioner of Police or any other designated authority.

Permission for all previously approved activities is hereby revoked, in keeping with the guidelines set out for mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

These provisions will remain in effect from today, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, until further notice.

We urge persons to adhere to the precautionary measures set out by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to minimize the risk of contracting the virus.

Remember, in case of an emergency, contact the nearest medical facility or the emergency lines at 999/ 911.

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File photo

(THE DAILY HERALD) — Two women were sentenced by the Court of First Instance on Wednesday for having smuggled 3.28 kilogrammes of cocaine into St. Maarten on November 26, 2019.

The women were held by Customs at Princess Juliana International Airport on their arrival from Trinidad and Tobago. The illicit drugs were hidden behind panels in their suitcases.

Suspects Jeanelle Rhonda Griffin (25) from St. Lucia and Tanisha Sonelle Chan (38) from Trinidad both denied any knowledge of the drugs in their luggage and claimed they had been framed by a man identified as “Short Man”.

The cocaine was equally divided between the two suitcases, each of which contained 16 packages with 1.6 kilos of the substance. The drugs had a street value of US $100,000, the prosecutor said.

Chan seemed to be more open in her statements in which she said she had been framed by a “bad” man.

Griffin was more reluctant to make a statement. “I don’t know anything about the drugs,” was all she told investigators during questioning, declining to say more.

“I’m not lying. I’m telling you the truth. I want to return to my home and family. I’m not a drug smuggler,” she told the judge on Wednesday.

The prosecutor did not buy the women’s stories and called on the court to sentence them both to 24 months.

Attorney-at-law Sjamira Roseburg pleaded for acquittals, stating that both her clients had been “framed” by Short Man. “The drugs were hidden in the suitcases and the women could not have known that there were drugs hidden inside,” the lawyer said.

Roseburg also pointed out that her clients are held inside the overcrowded Pointe Blanche Prison without any coronavirus COVID-19 measures in place, such as extra cleaning and sanitation.

The judge said that both women might not have been intentional drug smugglers, but this does not mean that they could not be held responsible for what was in their luggage.

Chan had provided consistent statements about being set up. “That is possible. It happens, and I have no reason not to believe you,” the judge said in acquitting her of the charge of intentional drug smuggling.

Chan was sentenced to two months for unintentional smuggling. As she had already spent this time in pre-trial detention, the judge ordered her release.

The judge did not lend as much credibility to Griffin’s statement. “A set-up is possible, but you did not speak out to the authorities and during the hearing you copied the statement of your co-defendant. Therefore, I do not believe you,” the judge said in sentencing Griffin to 12 months, four of which were suspended.

Both defendants were released from detention and were handed over to Immigration authorities, attorney Roseburg informed later on Wednesday.

Chan, who hails from Trinidad, was flown out immediately because otherwise she would not have been able to fly home due to flight restrictions in connection with the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. Griffin, who is a national of St. Lucia, will be sent home as soon as possible, her lawyer stated.

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(St. Lucia News Online) — Law enforcement officials are searching for one of five inmates who escaped from the Bordelais Correctional Facility on Saturday around 6 p.m.

Four of the prisoners were caught shortly after they escaped. They were reportedly nabbed in the vicinity of the prison.

Details of how they escaped were not immediately available.

The authorities are now searching for Markin Marquis who is reportedly a suspect in a murder case.

He’s considered “armed and dangerous”, according to the authorities, who are advising the public not to approach him but to contact the nearest police station.

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Johnny

(St. Lucia News Online) — Violent crime continues to be committed despite the growing fears locally about the coronavirus outbreak.

The latest victim of violence is Assou Canal resident Johnathon Johnny who was shot dead in Assou Canal, Grand Riviere, Gros Islet on Saturday, according to reports.

Johnny, who was in his late 20s, was reportedly shot multiple times by an unknown individual while walking along the Assou Canal Road around 9 p.m.

No further details were available.

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Scene at the facility on Sunday morning

(St. Lucia News Online) — The Bordelais Correctional Facility erupted in riot on Sunday morning with prisoners setting fire in several locations in the interior.

Tension has been high at the facility after two prisoners escaped on Saturday.

Inmates were placed under lock down.

This and the fear of coronavirus brought tension to a boiling point which sparked the riot.

In a video circulating on social media, someone was heard saying the entire prison would be burnt down.

There are some 500 inmates at the facility.

This is a developing story.

See video below.

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