(St. Lucia News Online) — Two prisoners are still on the run following a daring escape from the Bordelais Correctional Facility (BCF) on Saturday around 6 p.m., according to law enforcement sources.

Four other prisoners who had escaped were recaptured shortly after, in the vicinity of the facility.

Officials have identified the ones still at large as Dave Joseph and Markin Marquis, who had been remanded for murder. It was initially reported that only Marquis was on the run after he allegedly overpowered a corrections officer and took away his keys.

The men are considered dangerous — possibly armed, according to officials.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the escapees is to encouraged to contact the nearest police station but advised not to approach the escapees.

Following the escape of the prisoners, a riot broke out in the facility, officials said.

Reports are that prisoners set fire to two mattresses — threatening to burn down the facility — and posted videos of the incident on social media.

There were no reports of injuries.

The prison is currently on lockdown.

(More in a subsequent report)

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BCF prisoners protest after fire was set to the facility. (Video-grab images)

(St. Lucia News Online) — A riot that broke out at the Bordelais Correctional Facility (BCF) on Sunday is now under control, according to officials. (SEE VIDEOS BELOW ARTICLE)

The incident comes a day after six inmates escaped — two of whom, murder suspects Dave Joseph and Markin Marquis, are still at large.

Official sources told St. Lucia News Online that the inmates set fire to two mattresses in the hallway of the facility, resulting in the evacuation of one of the remand units.

Videos of the incident were posted on social media in which inmates threatened to burn the facility.

The prisoners are reportedly angry over the total lockdown of the prison as a result of the prisoners who escaped, and fears about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the facility.

The prisoners are currently back in their cells and the situation is under control, according to sources.

However, members of the public have expressed concern about the incident on social media, questioning how are inmates allowed to have cell phones with internet connection to be able to post videos online, as well as be able to set fires.

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From left: Maingal, Soolal, and Joseph

(St. Lucia News Online) — A man who was suspected of shooting three people in Marc, Bexon — killing two — has been charged in connection with the incident.

Police said Reuben Mainval, also known as Reuben Mangal, of Marc, Bexon, was on Friday, March 20, 2020, charged for causing the death of 37-year-old Mosiah Soolal on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at Marc, Bexon.

He was also charged for the attempted murder of a 27-year-old male in the same incident.

It is expected that Mainval will be charged for causing the death of 78-year-old Joseph Nicholas, the stepfather of Soolal, if and when police gather enough evidence, according to sources.

All three men were shot at a Marc residence on the same evening of Sunday, March 15.

Reports indicate that shortly after Soolal and his 27-year-old friend were hospitalised for gunshot wounds, the suspect took  Nicholas’ life.

Soolal eventually succumbed to his injuries.

According to police sources, the incident stemmed from a dispute over stolen goats.

Police said Mainval was arrested during an early-morning operation, conducted by the Special Patrol Group of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at Marc, Bexon — days after the lawmen posted a bulletin and photos of Mainval (without putting his name) on their Facebook page, asking the public to assist in locating him.

Mainval is currently remanded in custody, police said.

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A photo of escapee Dave Joseph (left) prior to his arrest for the murder of a teenager and a photo shortly after he was captured on Sunday after a daring escape from Bordelais Correctional Facility a day before.

(St. Lucia News Online) — One of two inmates who escaped from the Bordelais Correctional Facility (BCF) on Saturday, has been recaptured.

Dave Joseph was nabbed on Sunday but details surrounding is capture were not immediately clear.

The other inmate, Markin Marquis,  who was on remand for murder, is still at large and is considered “armed and dangerous” — according to law enforcement sources.

Four other prisoners who escaped that same day were caught shortly after, near the BCF. This incident resulted in a total lockdown of the facility.

Inmates retaliated with a short-lived riot on Sunday morning — setting two mattresses on fire in the hallway of the facility.

The inmates posted videos on social media in which they say it’s unfair for everyone to be punished for the escapees. They also expressed concern over the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) inside the facility.

Scene at the facility on Sunday morning

Meanwhile, Joseph, also known as ‘Pirate’ and ‘Bird Eye’, of Bagatelle, Castries, is on remand for the charge of murder in the shooting death of 18-year-old Brandon Breedy at Hospital Road, Castries on September 7, 2015.

Reports reaching St. Lucia News Online at the time are that the teenager, who was recovering from an illness, was on his cell phone when his attacker entered his home and opened fire.

Breedy sustained three gunshot wounds to his chest and head.

His lifeless body was found lying in a pool of blood on his bed. At the time, relatives had told St. Lucia News Online that Breedy was killed by his friend, allegedly as a result of a dispute over a female.

Brandon Breedy

According to relatives, several eyewitnesses have reported seeing one or more suspects entering and fleeing the house around the time of the shooting.

Joseph was arrested on September 12 for questioning and charged several days later.

READ MORE ABOUT DAVE JOSEPH’S MURDER CASE by clicking the links:

Hospital Road shooting suspect charged with murder

Teen was warned about “bad company”

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Markin Marquis

(NOTICE) — The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is seeking the assistance of the general public in locating Markin Marquis, alias Road Block, of Grande Ravine, Dennery (also known to have resided in Vieux Fort and Victoria, Choiseul).

Marquis, was a prisoner on remand at the Bordelais Correctional Facility, after being charged for causing the death of Lyndon George in Bruceville, Vieux Fort.

On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Marquis escaped lawful custody, after an assault upon a correctional officer.

Distinguishing features: Facial tattoos including teardrops on the left side of his face.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the nearest police station immediately.

The public is advised to refrain from approaching Marquis if seen.

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URGENT NOTICE to ALL Special Reserve Police:

The Commissioner of Police wishes to inform all Special Reserve Police Officers, who are not actively on duty, that they are to report to the Police Force Academy (La Toc, Castries), tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. for a meeting with the Commissioner of Police.

Any persons with queries are asked to contact the Press and Public Relations Office at 4563718, from 8:00 a.m. on 24.3.2020.

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Hermangild Francis

(PRESS RELEASE) – Good day fellow Saint Lucians. We are facing a challenge that we have never confronted before. It has been described by others as a ‘World War’. As such we are now living in unchartered waters.

The Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar – George has indicated that there are two strategies that we can employ in our fight against the Corona Virus also known as COVID-19.

The pre-emptive hard approach taken by Taiwan or the reactive soft approach-taken by Italy and Iran.

It is evident from the data produced, that the pre-emptive hard approach has had much more success than the reactive soft approach.

One of the measures of the pre-emptive/hard approach is social distancing.

As the Minister with responsibility for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security, the following entities fall within my purview.

Home Affairs
The Royal Saint Lucian Police Force
The Saint Lucia Fire Service
Bordelais Correctional Facility
Department of Home Affairs -including the Citizenship Unit
Department of Probation and Parole Services
Parole Board

Justice
The Judiciary/DPP’s Office, Judges, Magistrates, Courts
The Forensic Lab
Civil Status Registry
Legal Aid
Rehabilitation Board

In keeping with the Social Distancing strategy, the Commissioner of Police has made statements that all social activities such as Boat Rides, Community Days, Beach Bashes, River Limes and other similar activities that require his permission to be held, will be suspended with immediate effect.

The Honourable Chief Justice has also indicated that there is a partial shutdown of the Court system for seven (7) days. A review of this order will be undertaken and the public shall be advised accordingly.

I would like to encourage our citizens to understand that these are not ordinary times and as such we must be “all in” in the fight against this pandemic. We have to be our brothers’ keeper and make the sacrifices no matter how difficult they may be to save our citizens from this deadly virus. Please co-operate with the Police and other authorities.

I know that there will be persons trying to capitalize on this pandemic. Please be advised that you should listen to the information coming from the Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health and the Office of the Prime Minister for official pronouncements. Do not allow persons to visit your homes, pretending to be Government workers. Ask for proper identification.

In closing I would like to thank all those who are at the front lines dealing with this pandemic in our country. Our prayers are with Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet for demonstrating unwavering leadership at this time of unforeseen challenges, rapid developments, changes and uncertainty. To our citizenry, let us all provide our full cooperation at this time. Let us take personal responsibility to comply with the special rules and regulations that are being implemented at this time. Desist from compounding an already difficult situation for the country with any manner of reckless conduct or civil disobedience. Together we can keep ourselves and Saint Lucia healthy and safe.

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The Marine Unit has received additional resources

(St Lucia News Online) – The Marine Unit of the Royal St Lucia Police Force will be increasing patrols in Saint Lucian waters following reports that there were attempts of illegal entry into the island.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said resources and man power have been allocated to the unit to do so.

“This has become necessary following reports of persons trying to enter our island illegally from neighbouring islands,” Chastanet said.

He stated that the unit will patrol 24 hours a day every day in hotspots such as Gros Islet, Louvette, Fond Dor and Dennery Village.

On Monday the government announced that all the island’s airports will be closed to all incoming private and commercial flights.

It said it was part of efforts to contain the spread or the importation of new cases of Coronavirus.

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Francis said the practice is very serious

(St Lucia News Online) – National Security Minister Hermangild Francis has a sent out a strong warning to people who smuggle Saint Lucians from Martinique into the island in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Several reports have surfaced that Saint Lucians who were in the French island are being clandestinely brought into Saint Lucia since France closed its borders recently to combat the virus.

Speaking on an NTN/GIS live program on Wednesday, Francis said such a practice is very serious since people who are presently showing symptoms of the dreaded virus came from Martinique.

“Only yesterday, based on information received, from the commissioner of police, that two persons from a district on the east coast had to be taken by the police and brought in for quarantine,” he said. “This is very, very serious.”

He pointed out that emergency laws, that have been put in place by the government in light of the virus, are what he called “draconian” and should be known by those who are involved in “the illicit transport of people from Martinique into Saint Lucia”.

Francis explained that a person arrested in relation to such activity can be kept for six days without being told what he was arrested for.

He went on to say a person can be kept in custody for at least 13 days before it is published in the official gazette the reason for the arrest.

“There is more, but I just want to make persons understand that this is very serious and we should not engage in the issue of bringing persons from Martinique into Saint Lucia,” he noted.

The security minister said when he came on the program, he intended to name one of the suspected persons involved in the activity but he changed his mind.

“But I want to tell you that we know him and the police are going to make sure that we arrest him,” he stated.

Francis also appealed to residents to report such matters to the police.

“Please, Saint Lucians, do not allow those persons to enter,” he said.

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Markin Marquis

(St. Lucia News Online) — Some five days after escaping the Bordelais Correctional Facility (BCF) with five other prisoners — all others are back behind bars — murder accused Markin Marquis met his demise at the hands of police Wednesday night.

According to police sources, Marquis was allegedly shot while the lawmen attempted to apprehend him in the Dennery beach area.

The authorities were tipped off that he was attempting to leave the island via boat, sources say.

An illegal firearm was allegedly found in Marquis’ possession.

It is unclear whether he discharged his weapon.

We will provide more information as it becomes available.

SEVEN (7) NEWS ITEMS ABOUT MARKIN MARQUIS (click the headlines to view the reports):

Police seeks public help to capture Bordelais escapee Markin Marquis

Bordelais escapee Dave Joseph caught; Markin Marquis still at large

UPDATE: Bordelais inmates threaten to burn down prison

BREAKING NEWS: Riot at Bordelais

UPDATE: Two ‘dangerous’ Bordelais prisoners still at large

BREAKING NEWS: ‘Dangerous’ Bordelais inmate on the run; four other escapees caught

UPDATE: Wanted robber was wearing Spiderman mask

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(St. Lucia News Online) — Saint Lucia police have arrested two males for breaking the government-sanctioned 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew to fight the spread of the deadly coronavirus (CODVID-19), according to sources.

Olson Arthur of Rodney Bay, Gros Islet and Francis Lalanne, popularly known as ‘Monkey’, were identified as the persons arrested and charged under the Emergency Powers (Disasters) (COVID-19) (Curfew) Order of 2020.

The men were arrested in separate incidents in Gros Islet Town and Rodney Bay, around 2 a.m. Friday, sources say.

They were granted bail and are scheduled to appear in court on June 10.

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Commissioner of Police Milton Desir

(NOTICE) — Please be informed that the Commissioner of Police has directed that the following persons or institutions are permitted to travel on the roads using proper work identification:

– Members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF)
– Port Police officers
– Correctional officers
– Members of medical institutions, including doctors, nurses, and technicians
– Members of Saint Lucia Fire Service
– Security officers

Access will be granted irrespective of the vehicle being marked, carrying the NEMO pass, and whether the individual is in uniform or plain clothes, once valid proof of identification is provided.

To all police officers, please ensure that this information forms part of all shift briefings.

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(St. Lucia News Online) — Saint Lucia is still under a 24-hour curfew until April 8, 2020, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

That’s the reminder from Prime Minister Allen Chastanet.

“Although we may have made a concession to allow the purchase of groceries today, the public is reminded that that State of Emergency Curfew remains in effect until April 8th, 2020,” Chastanet wrote on his official Facebook page on Thursday.

He warned that any unauthorized persons caught outside during this curfew will be arrested and detained by the police for 72 hours in the first instance, then charged.

Additionally, any person who contravenes this order is liable to imprisonment with or without hard labour for 6 months or face a fine of $1,000, or both, and forfeiture of goods or money in respect of which the offense has been committed, the prime minister explained.

For more details, contact NEMO at telephone number 311, www.govt.lc and email admin@nemo.gov.lc

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(St. Lucia News Online) — A fisherman from Canaries has been formally charged for threatening to kill Prime Minister Allen Chastanet in a video that went viral on social media.

Charged for making use of threatening words is Steve Alexander who is originally from Canaries but is now a resident of Soufriere.

Police said he was charged on Friday afternoon and remanded in police custody until April 8.

Alexander was arrested earlier in the week after the video surfaced, in which he threatened the prime minister over the sudden implementation of the 24-hour seven-day curfew to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19.

The video was filled with creole-laced expletives.

Alexander wore a mask in the video but that did not stop the authorities from succeeding to hunt and track him down.

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(St. Lucia News Online) — A police source has called on members of the public to desist from further circulating the name and photo of the woman who was allegedly raped and robbed in Soufriere on Saturday, April 4, 2020.

The source is also calling on the public to do likewise regarding the male individual accused of the crime.

The source added that it is an offence under the laws of Saint Lucia to reveal the identity of rape victims or disclose any information that can result in the identification of such victims.

Reports are that a male was arrested after police investigated a rape and robbery incident that occurred in Soufriere on Saturday.

It is also reported that the perpetrator stole groceries leaving only one tin of sausage.

No other information is available.

“The accused has not been charged and he is innocent until proven guilty,” the source said. “Circulating his photo and name on social media is illegal and defamatory. And even if he is charged and or found guilty, releasing his identity could compromise the identity of the female victim, which is an act in itself illegal as well under State laws.”

Persons on social media have expressed outrage that the accused woman’s privacy has been compromised and the photos should be removed, while others are concerned that the man’s photo hasn’t been circulated enough, whether he is guilty or not.

“The victim’s face is being plastered everywhere on social media but we need the same to be done to the alleged rapist. 4 a.m. what you going and do at the person home, and after you do your act, you taking all her groceries and leaving her with one tin of sausage. God alone know cuz, honestly, you wouldn’t be seeing the sunset today,” someone wrote.

But another person said the alleged rapist’s photo is all over social media: “The rapist photo is out everywhere on WhatsApp.”

Another expressed sadness about the situation: “I hope they charge him for breaking the curfew after the rape charge. My people, I have lost all faith in humanity. We need prayers….smh.”

Others also commented in favour of the photos being removed from circulation or just to plain, STOP IT:

“And for the persons circulating the woman’s pic on social media, have some compassion and STOP IT.”

“Good job officers. Poor girl now has to deal with this and her pics being posted all over social media.”

“And those people who are circulating the young lady’s photo, please stop. Think of yourself and plus it’s against the law. Really really insensitive.”

However, one person has defended the accused, saying the man is innocent: “That’s not true. The man never raped the woman or tried to rape her and this is why it is a law to don’t spread pictures due to the nature of the crime cause since the man didn’t rape the woman and his name out he raped, he could basically take all of y’all to court for slander.”

The post “Stop circulating photos of alleged Soufriere rapist and woman” — police source appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

Minister Rigobert

(PRESS RELEASE) – The Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert has expressed deep sadness over the news of a reported case of sexual violence during the 24-hour lockdown period, as part of the Government of Saint Lucia’s efforts at reducing the community spread of COVID-19.

Recent incidents bring to the fore the increased risks for gender-based violence associated with sudden and unexpected changes in the lives and livelihoods of citizens.

The minister is urging the general public to demonstrate its sense of community by looking out for the most vulnerable in our communities. This includes our children and our women, especially in remote and underserved areas.

The Division of Gender Relations and its partners, especially those offering essential services for gender-based violence, are quadrupling efforts to ensure that there is increased access to information on gender-based violence – what it is, how we can each play our part to eliminate gender-based violence, and where we can get help.

The Division is calling on all citizens to pay attention to the public service announcements (PSAs), to peruse and like the Women’s Support Center, Crisis Center and Division of Gender Relations Facebook pages and to visit the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations website for useful information on how you can help to stop gender-based violence.

We also take the opportunity to appeal to essential services workers to be more vigilant than usual, adopting the principle of if you see something, say something, as the usual first contacts for persons at risk are no longer available.

Essential service workers have now become first contacts for the most vulnerable who are hardly ever the ones to seek help for themselves.

We appeal to the general public to call the 202 hotline for intimate partner violence and the 203 helpline for other types of crises. Both lines operate a 24-hour service. Call 999 for criminal emergencies and 911 for medical and fire emergencies. These services are meant to help you and to make it easier to get help to you. You can dial these numbers from any phone at any time.

Minister Rigobert appeals to the general public to show greater empathy and compassion and to exercise tolerance and respect.

“COVID-19 is a test of our mettle and is a true test of our resilience, faith and strength. We need our energy and every bit of our mental capacity and health to go through this unpredictable situation. We can do it together. Let us look out for one another and play our part to end gender-based violence in our own corners,” Dr. Rigobert said.

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(St. Lucia News Online) — At least one female was arrested as a result of a fight in Castries on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, according to a law enforcement source.

A number of amateur videos of fights among citizens were posted on social media and sent to our newsroom.

The videos also include clashes between civilians and the police.

The circumstances surrounding the incidents in the videos received by our newsroom were not immediately clear.

Below are several videos sent to our newsroom.

The first two show clear issues between civilians and the police. The audio for these two videos was removed because they contained expletives.

Below are four videos in which two females fight before others joined in. In the last clip, one of the females appears to have been arrested.

Another fight between two women

The post VIDEOS: Violent confrontations in St. Lucia (updated with new videos) appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

Smith and Poleon (right)

(St. Lucia News Online) — A shooting in the wee hours of Good Friday in Black Bay, Vieux Fort has left a woman dead and her male companion injured, according to law enforcement sources.

The deceased has been identified as Nasha Edwin of Vieux Fort. She was reportedly shot multiple times.

It is alleged that they were in bed when shots were discharged through a window in the home.

The woman died at the scene while her boyfriend, Julien Poleon, was admitted at St. Jude with a gunshot wound to the hip area. His medical status is unknown at this time.

The incident occurred around 3 a.m.

A relative of the male victim described him as a peaceful, humble and hardworking farmer.

“He’s a farmer,” the relative told St. Lucia News Online. “All he does is plant and sell his fruits.”

A source who knows the couple believes the woman was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“He is a quiet guy, had no drama, nothing bad; a farmer, hardworking — an honest-day-pay-for-an-honest-day-work kind of guy,” the source said.

The post Woman shot dead in Vieux Fort; boyfriend injured; couple attacked while sleeping appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

PWA President Travis Chicot (left) noted the “indiscipline and selfishness of our countrymen and women” in these viral videos (right)

(St. Lucia News Online) — Travis Chicot, president of Saint Lucia’s Police Welfare Association (PWA), has expressed concern that some police officers are working without personal protective equipment (PPE), exposing them to the risk of catching the deadly novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

Chicot said in a statement Thursday, April 9 that he is also concerned about the “extra duties” being assigned to officers, including guarding supermarkets, which he argues “stretches the human resource” of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).

Thousands of NYC cops infected

He noted that over 1,000 police officers in New York City, USA have been infected by the virus due to “improper practices when coming into contact with others”.

Chicot said he has observed, in a number of social media videos, local officers not using PPEs. He also noted the “indiscipline and selfishness of our countrymen and women” in these viral videos.

In regards to officers being posted at supermarkets, Chicot said: “The extended times granted to supermarkets will pose extra demands on the officers and therefore, the requisite resources should be issued to them to effectively carry out their duties. At present, the Police Welfare Association does not find it necessary to have police officers stationed at the various supermarkets but suggest that periodical checks be conducted on the premises.”

BELOW IS THE PWA PRESIDENT’S FULL STATEMENT

This morning I approach you in the most humble position as your president. I have been seeing a number of videos on social media circulating of the indiscipline and selfishness of our countrymen and women. I am indeed concerned by the approach of the police in the handling of these matters. One of my major concerns is the capabilities of officers discharging their duties professionally but to operate in this pandemic with little to no resources such as PPEs.

The president of the SLMDA stated and I quote, “operating without PPE and mask is a suicidal mission,” end quote.

I know our passion, dedication to saving our country have always been at the forefront of our minds and we want to operate as we would in any other circumstance.

I urge members to continue acting professionally and to understand we are operating under a state of emergency. We must treat every individual as if they are a positive case of COVID-19. Bear in mind the situation in Ney York City as it relates to their officers. Over 1,000 members have been infected due to improper practices when coming into contact with others.

Noting, the size of our population as well as our institution, this should serve as an example to force us to adhere to the strict protocols outlined by our COVID-19 SOP and to ensure we wear our PPE’s. The extended times granted to supermarkets will pose extra demands on the Officers and therefore, the requisite resources should be isssued to them to effectively carry out their duties.

At present, the Police Welfare Association does not find it necessary to have Police Officers stationed at the various supermarkets but suggest that periodical check be conducted on the premises.

These extra duties stretches the human resource of the RSLPF. These officers have families and needs that cannot be met due to the allocated times for them to carry out the business. The shift system of the RSLPF commences at 6 a.m. Most of them are deployed at that time. The PWA is humbly suggesting that police officers with valid identification to have access to business places at any given point during operational hours.

In closing, I beg of you to operate more vigilantly and to be careful during this pandemic. This situation is real and should not be underestimated.

Travis Chicot
President

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Gobat’s remains were found in his burnt-out vehicle

(THE MIRROR – UK) — The mother of a British hotel operator who was murdered on a Caribbean island has made a tearful plea after searching in vain for justice.

Helen Gobat said: “We don’t want to go to our graves without knowing who killed our son Oliver.”

She is desperate after having spent more than £200,000 on ­detectives and forensic probes since he died.

Oliver’s body was found in his burnt-out Range Rover on a remote part of the family’s hotel resort in St Lucia. He was 38.

Police said he had been bludgeoned and shot twice in the head.

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday People, heartbroken Helen said: “Nothing could ­prepare us for what we’ve been through.

“When we got the call we were in shock. Just shock. I suppose all we want is answers.

“We want to know Ollie wasn’t tortured and we want to know who killed him. We don’t want to go to our graves without knowing what happened.”’

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY

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