(PRESS RELEASE) — The Government of Saint Lucia joined in the commemoration of the Inter-American Day Against Terrorism observed on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

The global occasion is also dedicated to recalling the principles and provisions set out in the Organization of American States (OAS) Charter of the United Nations, the Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism, and the American Convention on Human Rights.

The first-ever global observance is led by the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE). CICTE is committed to the condemnation of terrorism in all its forms. Terrorists are responsible for thousands of global death and injuries every year.

Last year, the General Assembly of the OAS adopted a declaration entitled “the threat of terrorist groups to international security and the full enjoyment of Human Rights.”

The declaration was upheld against the backdrop that terrorism currently poses major threats to democratic values and international peace and security and that it is a source of profound concern to all member states.

As a state party to the Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism, the Government of Saint Lucia stands in full support of the United Nations Security Council Resolution which obligates states to refrain from providing any form of support to entities, or persons involved in terrorism acts, including by suppressing the recruitment of members of terrorist groups.

(0)(0)

The post Saint Lucia commemorates first Inter-American Day Against Terrorism appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(St. Lucia News Online) — Two males were injured — one shot and one chopped — when they were attacked by a gang in Soufriere on Thursday night, according to a law enforcement source.

Wendel Joseph, who is believed to be in his late teens, and Tyran Burt were walking along the New Development road when four masked individuals attacked them, the source said.

Joseph sustained a gunshot wound to the leg while Burt was chopped on his left palm with a cutlass.

The Soufriere Police Station received the report minutes after 9 p.m.

No further details were available.

(0)(1)

The post Two males shot and chopped by gang in Soufriere appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(St. Lucia News Online) — Another Saint Lucia resident has fallen victim to violent crime.

Police said the latest victim is a male who was found dead on Wednesday morning, July 1, 2020, in the Castries inner-city community of Bois Patat.

Police said the body appears to have several gunshot wounds and are investigating the incident as a homicide.

The lawmen have not released the identity of the victim.

Additional details were not available.

St. Lucia News Online will provide more information as it becomes available.

(1)(0)

The post BREAKING NEWS: Man shot dead in Bois Patat appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News Source.

By MERRICK ANDREWS, St. Lucia News Online Staff Reporter
(St. Lucia News Online) — Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of five people in Marigot late Tuesday, June 30.

The victims include three males and two females.

A video clip showing some of the victims lying on a floor inside a building has been making its rounds on social media.

Reports indicate that the shooting occurred just before midnight on Tuesday.

According to sources, the victims were transported to the Owen King European Union (OKEU) Hospital.

Their condition was said to be stable when they were being transported to OKEU, the sources said.

Hours later, on Wednesday morning, July 1, a male was found dead with gunshot wounds in Bois Patat, Castries.

It is not clear if both incidents are related.

St. Lucia News Online will provide more information as it becomes available.

(0)(0)

The post BREAKING NEWS: Five people shot in Marigot appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News Source.

By MERRICK ANDREWS, Staff Reporter
(St. Lucia News Online) — Officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) who responded to a shooting in Faux-A-Chaud, Castries last week have been commended for their restraint and professionalism during the brawl that eventually broke out, according to HTS News4orce.

That commendation is coming from RSLPF Press Officer, Corp. Ann Joseph.

Members of the Special Services Unit (SSU) were called for back-up from other officers who had moments earlier responded to reports of fighting and a male who sustained a gunshot wound in his leg.

However, when the SSU arrived on the scene and started to investigate they were obstructed by a male bystander who hurled expletives at them. A tussle ensued between the lawmen and the suspect whom they tried to apprehend. A gunshot was fired during the melee.

Several video clips of the chaotic scene were published on social media.

The shooting of the male reportedly occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.

According to HTS, Corporal Joseph said the incident highlights the resilience of law enforcement.

“A stray bullet could have gone into a home or somebody standing, by a child, could have been killed,” Joseph told HTS. “An adult, whoever it is, somebody who’s not involved in whatever fracas that was going, on could have been severely injured or even killed.”

Joseph added: “These officers were there to put a stop to whatever was going on, to initiate some arrests if possible, and to provide law and order to ensure that nothing went on further, no retaliation or anything of the sort. That was their job, that was their focus. And going in there, that individual who proceeded to attempt to obstruct the officers from conducting their duties and execute their duties, that individual, what we can say, is that was outright wrong. If you have an issue with officers conducting their duties, executing their duties, there are legal ways of going about challenging the behaviours of officers.”

But what caused the fracas?

A resident of the community and Corporal Joseph told HTS that the issue appeared to have stemmed from a dispute between two women.

A female resident explained: “There are two young ladies who have their problem going on… I was in my kitchen washing some dishes and I heard a loud noise on my door. So when I heard the noise I came out and see bottle breaking so I asked who send the bottle so they told me is the other lady, so I came outside and I called her and asked her what is going on…. then she started cursing, her sister, everybody started cursing.”

The resident continued: “Anyway, I end up calling the police. I didn’t call the police for any problems, I just called the police to talk to them to let them know what is going is not good because there are so many little children around.”

HTS reported that the police arrived and spoke to the females involved in the dispute. However, according to the resident “it didn’t take five minutes after police left, another ‘ro ro’ started again, cutlass everything”.

The woman said a “big fight” erupted between several males and she went inside her house. But according to the woman, it was not long after that “the other girl boyfriend run inside the house” with gunshot wounds.

HTS said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was contacted as a result.

The press officer told HTS that the CID officers received “multiple reports alleging physical assault and the discharging of a weapon with intent to cause injury”.

HTS said responding officers arrived in a chaotic scene.

“The incident allegedly took place with a male who was not from the area and several other males from the area, as well as a female from the area and one who was not from the area, so that was the content of the report that was referred,” Corporal Joseph told HTS.

She further explained: “The officers proceeded to the area, and on arrival, they were unable to get information from the residents. Persons allegedly informed the officers that they did not know of any incident transpiring where an individual actually got a gunshot injury. After some further inquiries, the officers were led to the alleged victim and they did observe a male with what appeared to be a gunshot injury and they sought medical attention for that person through the Fire Service and he was transported via ambulance to the OKEU Hospital.”

HTS further reported that the officers radioed the SSU for backup.

On arrival, the SSU, during their investigation, searched a vehicle with full cooperation from the occupants. But it was an angry bystander who protested the actions of the police and began hurling insults at the lawmen, which did not go down well.

“That individual further threatened one of the officers who were there so it was decided that he would have been arrested for the threat and obstruction,” Joseph told HTS.

“Whilst trying to initiate the arrest, he resisted arrest and went on to compound things by assaulting one of the officers. And you can see from the video footage — I know everybody is referring to video footage — but from the video footage, you can also see that he proceeds to resist the arrest and assault one of the officers there,” Joseph said.

The medical status of the shooting victim is not known.

(0)(0)

The post Saint Lucia cops commended for restraint during volatile situation in Faux-A-Chaud appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News Source.

(PRESS RELEASE) — On Friday, July 3, 2020, the office of the Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere/Fond St.Jacques Hon. Herod Stanislas organized an anti-violence peace treaty meeting between rival groups in the community at the Cool Breeze Conference Room from 4 p.m.

This event was held under the theme ‘We are one- say no to guns’ and was led by a small delegation of community leaders in an effort to address and find solutions in order to mitigate and curb the recent spate of gun violence in the community.

Part of the delegation included Pastor Kendall Augustin of the Christ is the Answer Church; Janny Joseph, director of gender relations at the Ministry of Education; Corporal Marbert Octave of the Soufriere Criminal Investigative Division; Charkar Esnard, president of Team Unite youth group and Johnson Simon, youth development Officer at the Soufriere Foundation.

The parliamentary rep. and other speakers addressed the gathering and provided words of encouragement, upliftment, motivation, and ways to better channel their energies in a more positive direction.

Ms. Esnard spoke about her personal experience in losing her younger brother to violence and how it has changed her life and her family and pleaded with the young men to look to a more positive direction in their lives.

Members of the different groups pledged to the gathering that they would put an end to the dispute and work together.

The minister said: “We have made great strides today in resolving parts of the issues surrounding the violence, it is not a done deal as we will continue to monitor and do everything within our power to ensure we do our best to bring some sort of normalcy back to the town. We continue to strive to provide programs, employment, and opportunities for our youth, and in the coming weeks we will roll out more initiatives to better strengthen and prepare our youth towards a more prosperous life and goal-oriented future. As a community, we believe in our youth and look to the future with the hope that they will prevail against all odds and make the best of all opportunities presented to them.”

SOURCE: Soufriere Foundation

(2)(0)

The post BREAKING NEWS: ‘Peace treaty’ meeting held between rival groups in Soufriere appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News Source.

By MERRICK ANDREWS, Staff Reporter
(St. Lucia News Online) — Officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) who responded to a shooting in Faux-A-Chaud, Castries last week have been commended for their restraint and professionalism during the brawl that eventually broke out, according to HTS News4orce.

That commendation is coming from RSLPF Press Officer, Corp. Ann Joseph.

Members of the Special Services Unit (SSU) were called for back-up from other officers who had moments earlier responded to reports of fighting and a male who sustained a gunshot wound in his leg.

However, when the SSU arrived on the scene and started to investigate they were obstructed by a male bystander who hurled expletives at them. A tussle ensued between the lawmen and the suspect whom they tried to apprehend. A gunshot was fired during the melee.

Several video clips of the chaotic scene were published on social media.

The shooting of the male reportedly occurred shortly before 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.

According to HTS, Corporal Joseph said the incident highlights the resilience of law enforcement.

“A stray bullet could have gone into a home or somebody standing, by a child, could have been killed,” Joseph told HTS. “An adult, whoever it is, somebody who’s not involved in whatever fracas that was going, on could have been severely injured or even killed.”

Joseph added: “These officers were there to put a stop to whatever was going on, to initiate some arrests if possible, and to provide law and order to ensure that nothing went on further, no retaliation or anything of the sort. That was their job, that was their focus. And going in there, that individual who proceeded to attempt to obstruct the officers from conducting their duties and execute their duties, that individual, what we can say, is that was outright wrong. If you have an issue with officers conducting their duties, executing their duties, there are legal ways of going about challenging the behaviours of officers.”

But what caused the fracas?

A resident of the community and Corporal Joseph told HTS that the issue appeared to have stemmed from a dispute between two women.

A female resident explained: “There are two young ladies who have their problem going on… I was in my kitchen washing some dishes and I heard a loud noise on my door. So when I heard the noise I came out and see bottle breaking so I asked who send the bottle so they told me is the other lady, so I came outside and I called her and asked her what is going on…. then she started cursing, her sister, everybody started cursing.”

The resident continued: “Anyway, I end up calling the police. I didn’t call the police for any problems, I just called the police to talk to them to let them know what is going is not good because there are so many little children around.”

HTS reported that the police arrived and spoke to the females involved in the dispute. However, according to the resident “it didn’t take five minutes after police left, another ‘ro ro’ started again, cutlass everything”.

The woman said a “big fight” erupted between several males and she went inside her house. But according to the woman, it was not long after that “the other girl boyfriend run inside the house” with gunshot wounds.

HTS said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) was contacted as a result.

The press officer told HTS that the CID officers received “multiple reports alleging physical assault and the discharging of a weapon with intent to cause injury”.

HTS said responding officers arrived in a chaotic scene.

“The incident allegedly took place with a male who was not from the area and several other males from the area, as well as a female from the area and one who was not from the area, so that was the content of the report that was referred,” Corporal Joseph told HTS.

She further explained: “The officers proceeded to the area, and on arrival, they were unable to get information from the residents. Persons allegedly informed the officers that they did not know of any incident transpiring where an individual actually got a gunshot injury. After some further inquiries, the officers were led to the alleged victim and they did observe a male with what appeared to be a gunshot injury and they sought medical attention for that person through the Fire Service and he was transported via ambulance to the OKEU Hospital.”

HTS further reported that the officers radioed the SSU for backup.

On arrival, the SSU, during their investigation, searched a vehicle with full cooperation from the occupants. But it was an angry bystander who protested the actions of the police and began hurling insults at the lawmen, which did not go down well.

“That individual further threatened one of the officers who were there so it was decided that he would have been arrested for the threat and obstruction,” Joseph told HTS.

“Whilst trying to initiate the arrest, he resisted arrest and went on to compound things by assaulting one of the officers. And you can see from the video footage — I know everybody is referring to video footage — but from the video footage, you can also see that he proceeds to resist the arrest and assault one of the officers there,” Joseph said.

The medical status of the shooting victim is not known.

(0)(0)

The post Saint Lucia cops commended for restraint during volatile situation in Faux-A-Chaud appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News.

(PRESS RELEASE) — On Friday, July 3, 2020, the office of the Parliamentary Representative for Soufriere/Fond St.Jacques Hon. Herod Stanislas organized an anti-violence peace treaty meeting between rival groups in the community at the Cool Breeze Conference Room from 4 p.m.

This event was held under the theme ‘We are one- say no to guns’ and was led by a small delegation of community leaders in an effort to address and find solutions in order to mitigate and curb the recent spate of gun violence in the community.

Part of the delegation included Pastor Kendall Augustin of the Christ is the Answer Church; Janny Joseph, director of gender relations at the Ministry of Education; Corporal Marbert Octave of the Soufriere Criminal Investigative Division; Charkar Esnard, president of Team Unite youth group and Johnson Simon, youth development Officer at the Soufriere Foundation.

The parliamentary rep. and other speakers addressed the gathering and provided words of encouragement, upliftment, motivation, and ways to better channel their energies in a more positive direction.

Ms. Esnard spoke about her personal experience in losing her younger brother to violence and how it has changed her life and her family and pleaded with the young men to look to a more positive direction in their lives.

Members of the different groups pledged to the gathering that they would put an end to the dispute and work together.

The minister said: “We have made great strides today in resolving parts of the issues surrounding the violence, it is not a done deal as we will continue to monitor and do everything within our power to ensure we do our best to bring some sort of normalcy back to the town. We continue to strive to provide programs, employment, and opportunities for our youth, and in the coming weeks we will roll out more initiatives to better strengthen and prepare our youth towards a more prosperous life and goal-oriented future. As a community, we believe in our youth and look to the future with the hope that they will prevail against all odds and make the best of all opportunities presented to them.”

SOURCE: Soufriere Foundation

(3)(0)

The post ‘Peace treaty’ meeting held between rival groups in Soufriere appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News.

(St. Lucia News Online) — Police are investigating the shooting of a woman on Pigeon Point Beach on Sunday night, July 12.

According to reports, the woman appeared to have sustained a gunshot wound to the head.

Gros Islet police and emergency personnel responded to the scene.

A 20-second video clip of the aftermath of the shooting has been uploaded to social media.

It shows the unidentified victim lying motionless on the ground and bleeding.

Bystanders can be heard in the video speaking to the emergency personnel.

No further information is available.

More on this developing story later.

(7)(3)

The post Woman gunned down at Pigeon Point appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News.

By MERRICK ANDREWS, Staff Reporter

(St. Lucia News Online) — Police have identified the woman who was shot dead at Pigeon Point Beach, Gros Islet on Sunday night, July 12 as Anela Wilson of Marchand, Castries.

Police said a male individual was also wounded in the incident, which occurred around 10 p.m. Police said his injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

According to reports, a male individual fired gunshots in the direction of Wilson and a male individual while they were attending a social event at the beach.

Wilson reportedly sustained gunshot wounds to the head and died at the scene while the male victim was transported to a hospital in stable condition.

No one has been formally arrested and the motive for the shooting is unclear, police said.

A 20-second video clip of the aftermath of the shooting has been making its rounds on social media.

It shows Wilson lying motionless on the ground and bleeding profusely.

(7)(19)

The post Woman shot dead at Pigeon Point identified appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News.

(St. Lucia News Online) — High-ranking police sources on Monday evening confirmed that the suspect in the fatal shooting of a woman at Pigeon Point, Gros Islet on Sunday has surrendered to police.

Anela Wilson of Marchand, Castries, and a male individual sustained gunshot wounds at a social event at Pigeon Island Beach on Sunday at around 10 p.m., police said.

Wilson, who sustained gunshot wounds to the head, reportedly died at the scene while the male individual was transported to a hospital in stable condition.

The suspect, a male who is from Marchand, is now in police custody.

(0)(0)

The post Suspect in Marchand woman’s murder in custody: police appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News.

By MERRICK ANDREWS, Staff Reporter

(St. Lucia News Online) — Parliamentary Representative for Castries East Philip J. Pierre is mourning the death of one of its constituents, 22-year-old Marchand resident Anela Wilson who was shot dead during a social gathering at Pigeon Point Beach, Gros Islet on Sunday night.

Writing on his official Facebook page on Monday, Pierre said he is “extremely saddened” by Wilson’s passing.

“What is further heart aching is the circumstances surrounding her death and how a life can be taken from us so senselessly,” said Pierre, who is also leader of the Opposition and political leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party.

He said everyone has a role to play in mitigating gun violence and to ensure that Saint Lucia is a safe place for all.

“I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to her family and friends on such a tragic loss for the constituency of Castries-East and wider Saint Lucian community,” he said.

A male individual was also injured in the shooting but he’s currently in stable condition, according to reports.

Senior police sources told St. Lucia News Online that a male suspect is currently in police custody after surrendering to law enforcement on Monday.

(0)(0)

The post Pierre: Circumstances surrounding Wilson’s death “heart-aching”, “senseless” appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News.

By MERRICK ANDREWS, Staff Reporter

(St. Lucia News Online) — Police are investigating a shooting in Sarrot on Monday evening that resulted in a double homicide.

Among the dead is Dexter Felix Jr, also known as ‘Dry Bonez’, who was the son of police officer, Inspector Dexter Felix.

Felix Jr. was also well known for his work in the visual and performing arts, particularly photography and comedy.

Also killed in the shooting was his cousin, Francis Altenor, also known as ‘Tiny’.

According to reports, Felix Jr. and his cousin were attacked by gunmen at a relative’s house.

Felix Jr. was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the Owen King European Union Hospital. His cousin reportedly succumbed to his injuries Tuesday morning, July 14.

No further details on the shooting are available at this time.

This double homicide comes two days after a woman and a man were shot during a social gathering at Pigeon Point Beach on Pigeon Island, Gros Islet on Sunday, July 12 at around 10 p.m.

The woman, 22-year-old Anela Wilson of Marchand, Castries, died on the spot from gunshot wounds to the head, according to police.

The man was hospitalised in stable condition.

A male suspect is currently in police custody after he reportedly surrendered to the authorities on Monday.

(0)(0)

The post BREAKING NEWS: Two dead after Sarrot shooting appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News.

By MERRICK ANDREWS, Staff Reporter

(St. Lucia News Online) — Dexter Felix Jr., the police officer’s son who was gunned down along with his cousin in Sarrot on Monday evening, is well known for his inspirational and positive comments on social media.

In fact, his last posting on his Facebook profile page is “Everyday am thankful for life.” It was posted on Monday, July 13, at 10:50 p.m.

He was shot not too long after that at a relative’s house and passed away on arrival at the Owen King EU Hospital. His cousin, Francis Altenor, aka ‘Tiny’, reportedly died early Tuesday morning while undergoing treatment.

Felix Jr., also known as ‘Dry Bonez’ and ‘Dexter Junior Felix’, was the son of Inspector Dexter Felix, who worked in the Traffic Department. It is not clear if he still works in that department.

The young man’s death has sent a shock wave of disbelief throughout Saint Lucia. Tributes have been pouring out on his Facebook profile page since news of his death was revealed.

Many believe an innocent life was snuffed out.

“In disbelief!!!” wrote one person. “Dexter had so many plans for his life. I took pleasure in watching Dexter entertain. He alone could command the entire audience. Anything he did or said was entertaining; it was one of his many gifts. Thank you for the impact you made on our lives. SIP.”

Felix Jr. was also known for his talent in entertainment — particularly in the visual and performing arts. He did photography and was arguably an up and coming comedian.

He was also a businessman and father of a young son. On his Facebook profile, he is listed as “Business Owner/Engineer at Lucian vybes Adventures” — a ‘sightseeing tour agency’.

“Lucian Vibes Adventure strives to bring guests closer to some of the history of St. Lucia in a fun and relaxed way whiles also promoting the various culture,” it is stated on his Facebook page (verbatim).

A blogger said he recalled memorable days with Felix Jr. at the Anglican Primary School.

“I still can’t believe this… Just spoke with u Sunday and you’re gone!!! Facebook will never be the same without u… RIP Dexter,” another person wrote on Facebook.

“D and his girlfriend always take walks with the baby. He does have the biggest smile on his face carrying he’s baby in his arms,” another said.

These are some of the tributes to Felix Jr. on Facebook. Like the others, they are mostly unedited.

“He lost his mom now his son lost his dad..yoo thats so f– up.”

“After this person took this innocent man’s life. You robbed his son of his loving father. How could you????? Something needs to be done about this senseless violence.”

“If you only knew that would have been your last post. Smh a little boy will never know his daddy. A father and stepmother left to mourn their only son. A sister losing her big brother a girlfriend losing her life partner. Why? People please put down the weapons.”

Based on those comments, Felix Jr. was indeed a well-loved and positive young man. His Facebook cover page reads: “I attract into my life whatever I want.” It was posted on April 23, 2020.

So good was his inspirational quotes that St. Lucia News Online used several of his timeline postings for its daily Facebook feature called ‘Inspirational Quotes of the Day’.

“No matter how many mistakes you’ve made in the past, or what sort of difficulties you struggle with now, you are destined to live in victory. — (Dexter Junior Felix)”. This was posted on St. Lucia News Online’s Facebook page on December 30, 2013.

Another was posted on our page on September 23, 2013. It reads: “Never try to fight a battle with small-minded people. Your destiny is too great. They don’t control your destiny, God does. (Dexter Junior Felix Facebook Timeline)”

(2)(1)

The post Cop’s son killed in Sarrot shortly after writing “Everyday am thankful for life” appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News.

By Davina Lee, Principal Information Officer, Government Information Service

(PRESS RELEASE) — Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Gale. T.C. Rigobert expresses deep sadness over the incident which occurred on Sunday, July 12, 2020 on the Pigeon Island beach, which resulted in the death of a young woman.

The incident, allegedly linked to intimate-partner violence, which is a kind of gender-based violence occurring among couples who are either in an active relationship or had been in an intimate relationship.

Intimate partner abuse stems from deeply rooted harmful gender stereotypes and gender norms of inequality which create expectations and demands that are unreasonable and unfair.

Long before the violence occurs, couples are set up for abuse by this dysfunctional system of beliefs. If the partner who is supposed to bear the burden of responsibility accepts that role, the abuse is often unacknowledged, unreported and therefore unseen.

Although a prevalence survey has not been conducted for Saint Lucia, based on anecdotal reports, dysfunctional relationships appear to be highly prevalent on the island, as changing gender norms are challenging the harmful existing stereotypes. The period of confinement and ensuing economic decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to raise the level of dysfunction in intimate relationships and increase the threat of intimate partner abuse on the island.

The Department of Gender Relations has been working closely with other social agencies and international partners to assess, monitor and respond to the harmful gender stereotypes that underpin gender-based violence in Saint Lucia. This process is holistic and involves legislative review, development of gender-based violence (GBV) referral pathway, capacity development of service providers, public education, and an increase in the availability of resources and services to the general public.

The Minister is calling on the general public to use the services of the Women’s Support Center crisis hotline 202, any time (day or night) if they believe that they are victims of intimate partner abuse, and to use the services of the national helpline 203 from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays or the Saint Lucia Crisis Center hotline at 712-7574 if they may need help in managing a threatening situation or their emotions.

The public is also encouraged to access the services of the St. Lucia Crisis Center at 453-1521 or the Family Court at 468-3300 if they need guidance or advice with respect to a troubling relationship. These agencies will provide professional services in a non-judgmental and open manner.

Notwithstanding these existing facilities, the minister was adamant that the review process of new legislation that deals with domestic violence needs to be expedited, and called upon stakeholders to do their part in ensuring that the new draft legislation sees the light of day soon.

She lamented that there are too many cases still unresolved, for one reason or another, causing the families of the victims compounded grief.

Director of Gender Relations, Ms. Janey Joseph, is calling the attention of everyone to the importance of working together in fighting intimate partner abuse, and reinforced Dr. Rigobert’s assertion that “we must learn to strengthen one another and not weaken our citizenry, by causing them to distrust the institutions that have been set up to help them”.

The Ministry is making an appeal to all institutions, particularly the media, the church and non-governmental organizations to work closely with the Gender Relations Department and other governmental agencies to ensure that their intended interventions to address intimate partner violence and gender-based violence, are in keeping with evidence-based, tried and tested principles and strategies that break and not reinforce harmful gender stereotypes.

(2)(0)

The post Minister Rigobert expresses deep sadness over killing of Marchand woman appeared first on St. Lucia News Online - Trusted Breaking & Daily News.

(St. Lucia News Online) — Saint Lucia investigators continue to intensify their efforts to solve last week’s double slaying of Dexter ‘Dry Bonez’ Felix Jr. and his cousin, Francis ‘Tiny’ Altenor.

Felix Jr., the son of a senior Saint Lucia police officer, and Altenor were shot at a residence in Sarrot on Monday, July 13, 2020.

Felix Jr. reportedly died shortly after arriving at the Owen King EU Hospital while Altenor died while receiving treatment early Tuesday morning (July 14).

Law enforcement sources said two male individuals are currently in custody assisting with their investigations.

They were reportedly held during a police traffic operation along with several other persons.

(0)(0)

The post Two in custody in connection with Sarrot double murder appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(St. Lucia News Online) — A woman is among five young people currently in police custody in connection with the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to a police source.

The five, reportedly in their 20s, were held during a police traffic operation early Monday morning, July 20, in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet.

The handgun and several rounds of ammunition were discovered in a motor vehicle in which they were travelling.

(1)(0)

The post Woman among five held with gun and ammunition in Rodney Bay appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(St. Lucia News Online) — Another female in Saint Lucia has fallen victim to gun violence.

The woman was reportedly shot dead near her home around 7 p.m. Monday, July 20 in Monchy, Gros Islet.

She is so far known as Miss Daphne, a taxi operator in the Gros Islet area.

No further details are available.

This is the second woman to be killed in just over a week.

Anela Wilson, 22, of Marchand, Castries was shot at about 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 12 while at a social gathering on the Pigeon Point Beach on Pigeon Island, Gros Islet. She died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Wilson died of asphyxiation as a result of a gunshot wound to the neck, according to police. Initial media reports had indicated that she was shot in the head multiple times.

Her male companion, who reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the back, has since been discharged from hospital.

The main suspect in the shooting, Ramah Williams of Marchand, Castries, who had surrendered to police, was on Thursday, July 16 charged with causing her death as well as attempted murder.

He appeared in a First District Court where he was ordered remanded at the Bordelais Correctional Facility until his next court date on September 9, 2020.

(5)(3)

The post Woman fatally shot in Monchy appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

By MERRICK ANDREWS, Staff Reporter

(St. Lucia News Online) — Saint Lucians believe carrying out the death penalty for murderers is long overdue.

Though this outcry is nothing new, it was again fiercely expressed on social media following the arrest of the main suspect in the fatal shooting of Anela Wilson.

The 22-year-old Wilson, a resident of Marchand, Castries, was shot dead at Pigeon Point Beach, Gros Islet at about 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 12. At the time, she was reportedly attending a social gathering with a male companion who was also shot and wounded in the incident. He has since been released from the hospital.

Ramah Williams, who allegedly had a prior romantic relationship with Wilson, was arrested and charged on July 16 for murder in connection with her death and attempted murder in connection with the wounding of her male friend. A second individual was released from police custody without charge.

Williams has since been remanded to the Bordelais Correctional Facility after a court appearance. He is scheduled to return to the courts on September 9, 2020.

Since news of his arrest surfaced many persons have been advocating for his death on Facebook, though Williams is yet to go on trial and is innocent until proven guilty according to the legal system.

However, a blogger wrote that Williams does not deserve a trial.

“He needs to be executed. No trial needed, this MF needs to be used as a lesson for other punks out there that might have the idea of doing such merciless crimes,” one person wrote.

“St. Lucia this is so sad. The man needs to be hung by his f– balls,” another said.

Wasting hard-earned taxpayers’ money is not right for murderers, according to another person. Swift justice is best.

“He’ll sit in Bordelais and get fat on our hard-earned money? Where’s the justice? Why isn’t he on death row to be hanged by next week Wednesday in front of a crowd?? Sigh rip my girl.”

Someone responded: “WTF you talking about. When last you hear death sentence here in St Lucia, be pleased at least [he is caught].”

“Let’s hang once found guilty,” a male blogger commented.

Another asked: “So sad…why is he not on death row?” to which the response was: “He has not had a trial.”

Since Wilson’s murder, another woman was shot dead in Monchy, Gros Islet on Monday, July 20. Details of that crime are not yet available.

Saint Lucia has so far recorded at least 26 homicides, including two police shootings, according to media reports.

(0)(1)

The post Saint Lucians want death penalty for Anella Wilson’s alleged killer, Ramah Williams appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.

(St. Lucia News Online) — The Association of Professional Photographers St. Lucia have expressed condolences in connection with the shooting death of Dexter Felix Jr., also known as ‘Dry Bonez’.

Felix Jr., the son of a senior cop in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force., was a photographer, actor, and upcoming businessman.

In a message on their official Facebook page on July 14, the Association called Felix Jr. a “pioneer” in the visual and performing arts.

“With heavy hearts we offer the family of Dexter Felix our condolences. You are all in our prayers. Dry Bones has been a pioneer for visuals especially in comedy and performing arts. Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and we will cherish your legacy!” the Association wrote.

A Sharon Dowdy, commenting on the Association’s message, said she had the opportunity to work with Felix Jr.

She described him as “brilliant, intelligent, humble, respectful, and excellent at his work”.

“God bless your soul dear young man may you rest in peace. It is a veryyyy sad day for me and I’m certain for a lot more. Rest in Peace dear one,” Dowdy added.

According to police, Felix Jr., and his cousin Francis ‘Tiny’ Altenor were shot at a residence in Sarrot on Monday, July 13, 2020.

Felix Jr. reportedly died shortly after arriving at the Owen King European Union Hospital while Altenor died while receiving treatment early Tuesday morning (July 14).

Two male individuals are currently in police custody assisting with their investigations, according to law enforcement sources.

(0)(0)

The post St. Lucia photographers pay tribute to murder victim Dexter Felix Jr. appeared first on St. Lucia News Online.