Police are now investigating a shooting incident in Agard, Castries.

Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots at about 8 p.m. A man was reportedly shot and injured.

An eyewitness reported seeing two men running from the scene of the shooting. It is not yet clear if they were the shooters or just persons running for cover.

More details later.

Investigations are being conducted by the Laborie Police Station into an abduction, robbery and car theft incident that occurred in the wee hours of Saturday morning in Piaye, near Anchor’s bar.

Reports are that four men approached a white car, PD2083, driven by Learie Ernest of Roblot, Choiseul, and forcefully took over the car from him. Ernest was then beaten and forced into the backseat. The bandits then drove towards Vieux Fort.

While on the car, Ernest was again beaten, his phones taken and his bank account was demanded from him.

Ernest recalls being hit on the left temple with a bottle which rendered him unconscious for sometime. He also remembers threats of death being shouted at him if the account number given was not correct.

According to Ernest, when the hijackers left to enter the ATM machine, he slipped out and ran into some ally-way, which he cannot recall, and made his escape.

After trekking through mud and bushes, he finally made it to the Vieux Fort Police Station where he made a report. A full investigation is underway by the Laborie police.

Ernest, who is now at home recovering from the ordeal, recalls that the hijackers planned to drown him at some beach.

He is calling on the public to report the lost car (white colour) if seen, to the nearest police station, or call 5198929.

In the last year there has been a significant increase in the number of cyber related criminal activity in the Caribbean. In recent days the unauthorized changes made to a key regional tourism website represents yet another troubling component of the growing cyber threat we face called “website defacements”.

Website defacement is a type of cyber-attack where a hacker makes unauthorized changes the content of a website that is offensive, embarrassing, or destructive in nature. When hackers make unauthorized changes to the websites of Caribbean businesses, governments and organizations that alter their content, or appearance it is considered by many as a type of corporate sabotage that can cause severe reputational damage, lower customer confident, or adversely impact revenues. Unfortunately this reality makes any Caribbean business, government or organization with a website vulnerable to website defacement, however something can be done about it.

To carry out website defacements hackers often use one of the oldest and most common cyber-attack methods called the SQL injection technique. This proven cyber-attack method used by hackers enables them to gain unauthorized administrative access to a website or in some cases the host network. Website defacers will often post negative messages or content to the website administrator, business, government or organization.

In additional to the fact that website defacements can cause significant public embarrassment to an organization when their website is defaced, they can also be a gateway for greater unauthorized access and compromise of a system/network, or lead to data losses depending on the business function of the website. For example a website that is defaced that has online payment processing capabilities may loss significant customer confident causing them to be reluctant to use the online capabilities due to security concerns, as a result a loss of online revenue could occur.

The Caribbean Cyber Security Center (CCSC) believes that the best way for Caribbean businesses, organizations and government to prevent website defacements is to have their websites tested for website application and hosting platform vulnerabilities and threats a hacker can exploit, and fix all identified issues by severity as soon as possible. CCSC also urges the region to utilize local and trusted ICT resources to conduct the recommended website testing as far too often we are outsourcing our IT security support needs to sources in Canada, the U.K, or the U.S for no good reason, which often cost us more. Additionally we as a region can’t just pay lip service to ICT development in critical areas like Cyber Security, and then outsource our IT\Cyber security support needs to ICT companies abroad with the IT\Cyber security talent and expertise right within our shores.

We at the CCSC believe strongly that cultivating local and regional IT\Cyber security talent and expertise to conduct routine website security testing and a ranges of other IT security support services, will be critical to sustaining the regional fight against the evolving cyber threat in a cost effective manner. Ironically in most cases the fixes for website security weaknesses or vulnerabilities identified are free but you can’t fix what you don’t know, hence the importance of getting your website tested. If you need guidance on how to get your website tested by regional IT\Cyber security resources you can contact the Caribbean Cyber Security Center for guidance at 1-246-232-9009.

As we become more dependent of the internet and ICT generally as an economic development driver, it is critical that Caribbean businesses, organizations and governments budget to have their website’s independently tested at least “twice” a year. A small investment in having your website tested and identified issues fixed has been proven worldwide to be significantly less than the reputational damage, and loss in customer confidence that can occur as the result of a defaced website.

POLICE PRESS STATEMENT - The Gros-Islet Police is appealing to commuters who are engaged in the practice of assembling at the junction of Beausejour and Gros-Islet highway (Near the St. Lucia Fire Station), to await public omnibuses to cease from this practice. Commuters are advised to use the designated bus stop which is located less than forty (40) feet from the junction near Stephanie’s Lodge.

The officers are also calling on omnibus operators plying the Gros Islet route to stop the practice of picking up passengers in that particular area. This practice poses obstruction problems to drivers travelling south-bound on this portion of road, as they do not have view of the pedestrians accessing the pedestrian crossing which is less than twenty (20) feet away. This habit inadvertently places the lives of pedestrians, using the pedestrian crossing in danger.

The Gros Islet Police have received several complaints of close calls, between vehicles and pedestrians on that particular pedestrian crossing. Moreover, the police want to remind drivers and commuters, that this very site was the scene of a tragic accident where three minors lost their lives a few years ago.

The Gros Islet Police Officers are committed to serving the northern jurisdiction and is hereby requesting that drivers and commuters observe and practice good road safety habits.

Police are investigating a shooting incident which occurred yesterday afternoon in Castries.

Police Information Officer Aniel Innocent said at about 3:45 p.m.,  31-year-old Shem Emphraim of Ciceron, Castries was shot in the buttocks at the CDC.

Innocent said Ephraim is currently in stable condition and no one has been arrested for the shooting.

The motive for the shooting is unclear at this time.

POLICE PRESS RELEASE - On Saturday, August 9, 2014, officers attached to the Gros Islet Police Station received a report from Thygeson “Penn” Joseph of Marisule, Gros Islet of burglary.

The report indicated that between 12:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on that day, a quantity of electronic items, computer software and hardware, perfumes, watches and jewelry amounting to approximately $30,000.00 were stolen from his dwelling house.

On Wednesday, August 13, 2014, a search warrant was executed at the residence of 29-year-old Garvy “Virus” Lawerence of Ciceron, Castries. During the search, a number of the items which were alleged to have been stolen were recovered. As a result, Lawerence was arrested and taken into police custody.

During the course of investigations, officers had reasons to arrest 32-year-old Esan “Sal” Houston of Trouya, Gros Islet and 29-year-old Severis “Soup” Tobierre of Hospital Road, Castries for the offence of handling stolen goods.

All three individuals were charged and appeared before the First District Court in Gros Islet on Friday, August 15, 2014. Lawerence was bailed in the sum of $5,000.00 cash or suitable surety whereas Tobierre and Houston were each bailed in the sum of $3,000.00 cash or suitable surety.

They were also bailed on conditions such as the surrendering of all travel documents, and reporting to the Beat and Patrol Division every Wednesday.

Rodney Bay Marina

POLICE PRESS RELEASE - About 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 17, 2014, police received a report that three armed men dressed in polo shirts carrying the crest of the RSLPF, one of whom was wearing a bullet proof vest with the word “POLICE” written on it, robbed the IGY Marina Dry Docks located in Rodney Bay of approximately $10,000.00.

The armed bandits then made their escape using a white panel van registration number PK 219.

The RSLPF is actively pursuing leads which should result in the apprehension of these individuals. However, if anyone has information which can assist with the speedy investigation of this matter, they should contact the Gros Islet Police Station at telephone numbers 456 3830 or 999.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) would like to disassociate the organization from this incident. The RSLPF would like to inform the public that as per Standing Order No. 1 of 2011 “wearing of Polo Shirts with the Police crest and the word Police written at the back, by police officers is strictly prohibited.”

POLICE PRESS RELEASE - The Criminal Investigations Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 51-year-old Dhallah Biscette also known as Dhallah Henry of Bois Patat, Morne Du Don, Castries.

About 2:42 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, Officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department, received a report from medical personnel of Victoria Hospital of a stabbing.

Information received suggests that a male was brought into the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital, with what appears to be stab wounds to the upper body.

The male who was later identified as Dhallah Biscette/Henry was pronounced dead on arrival. Biscette was seen by a passerby lying on the ground adjacent to the Ferry Terminal at Faux A Chaud, Castries.

A post mortem examination is scheduled for a later date.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is seeking the assistance of the public with the investigation of this matter. If anyone has information that can assist the police, they should contact the Criminal Investigations Department at telephone numbers 456 3770 or 456 3817.

This has been the 22nd homicide for 2014.

EARLIER REPORT: Reports are that the body of a man was discovered with several stab wounds on the roadside.

Sources say he sustained a stab wound in the chest area and on his arm.

An eyewitness told St. Lucia News Online that he drove passed a “motionless” man on the road around midnight.

The eyewitness said the man may have been dead for sometime but because he was homeless and slept on the roadside, persons may not have found anything suspicious.

When asked why he did not stop to investigate, the eyewitness said he did not think it was safe due to the recent violence in the area.

Dona Joseph

Recent stab victim Dona Joseph says she is afraid that her attacker will strike again.

Joseph, 23, of Ciceron, Castries said she doesn’t know where or who else to turn to for help.

During an interview with St Lucia News Online (SNO) yesterday, August 20, cries of fear were heard as the pregnant woman related her story.

Joseph, who was stabbed several times in Castries on Friday, August 8, told SNO that she feels threatened by her alleged attacker, 19-year-old Sanya Degazon.

“I am fearful for my life, I see her often, since she lives only a few yards away from me…… I feeling scared and afraid because she can come back and do me the same thing or worst…,” an emotional Joseph told SNO.

Joseph, who is now recovering at home, said she has made many attempts to take Degazon to court and accuses the investigating officer of dragging his feet.

“He told me I can go to higher authorities and could take the matter into my own hand, if I want it to be dealt with. I am still waiting for a court date. I asked the officer about my case and he told me the accused knows of the matter and was told nothing further,” she added.

A confused Joseph told SNO: “I am trying to get the matter resolved because I feel the case will finish and nothing will come out of it.”

Joseph and her attacker apparently had several rows before but it never escalated to a point where any of the individuals were physically injured.

Degazon shares three children with Joseph’s boyfriend.

Degazon was released on self-bail on Sunday, August 10, while Joseph was released from hospital on Wednesday, August 13.

Justice d’ Auvergne

POLICE STATEMENT - The members and administrative staff of the Police Complaints Commission are saddened by the news of the passing of the Chairperson, Madame Justice Suzie d’ Auvergne who served with distinction from 2006.

The Commission has suffered a great loss and we will forever remember Justice d’Auvergne not only for her sterling contribution as Chairperson of the Commission but as a dear friend.

The Commission wishes to convey deepest sympathies to the members of the family, colleagues and others who were closely associated with Justice d’Auvergne. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this time of grief.

We share in your sorrow and hope that you will find peace, comfort and the courage to face the days ahead. May you continue to cherish and forever hold loving memories of Justice d’Auvergne in your hearts for she was truly a rare gem.

Name: Joseph Emmanuel
Age: 73yrs.
Date of birth: 25/02/41
Address: Paix Bouche, Babonneau
Next of kin: Elvira blondelle

Police are seeking the assistance of anyone who might have information on the whereabouts of Joseph Emmanuel of Paix Bouche, Babonneau. Emmanuel was last seen by a friend on Sunday 19 August 2014 about 12:00 pm at Paix Bouche. At the time, he was wearing a brown shirt and a black ¾ pants.

Basic description: He is about 6 feet tall, brown skin and medium built.

Anyone with any information should contact the Babonneau Police Station at 456-4120/4122, or their nearest police station.

Two foreign medical students who recently completed studies at a local medical university on the island and were about to return home on Sunday, August 17 had their car broken into and valuables stolen by bandits, before checking in at the Hewanorra International Airport.

Reports are that the bandits stole laptops, jewelry, hard drives, iPads, an SLR camera, money, wallets, passport, medical school notes and textbooks. Their carry-on luggage was also stolen. The incident occurred around 2.p.m at ‘The Reef’, in Vieux Fort.

This caused the students to miss their flights destined for Toronto, Canada since they were not in receipt of any travel documents. Fortunate enough, on Monday morning, the police recovered a bag which contained their books and medical notes in a ditch, located in the Cedar Heights area. Their passports were also found in the bag that contained their books.

However, their five hard drives are still missing. The hard drives contain other important documents relevant to their medical course, family and personal information. They are pleading with the public to help locate these hard drives and are offering a reward of $500 for the safe return of the external hard drives that are measured at 4×8.

Persons with information can make contact with the students on 758-728-8631 or the nearest police station.

The area where the baby’s body was found.

POLICE PRESS RELEASE - The Major Crimes Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is seeking the assistance of the public in identifying the person/persons who are responsible for the concealment of birth of a newborn male.

The baby was discovered in a black plastic bag at Ravine Chabot, Castries about 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 21, 2014. The baby was transported to Victoria Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

If anyone has information or knows of anyone who was or may have been pregnant and cannot give an account of their baby, please contact the Major Crimes Unit at telephone number 456 3752 or 456 3754.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter.

A mugshot of Edwin in 2011.

A man, who was convicted for drug possession in 2011 and failed to complete his fine, was finally caught this week.

Elias Edwin, also known as Ashka, of Sarrot, was convicted for the possession of 20 pounds of cannabis and possession with intent to supply in 2011 after he was busted in Oleon, Dennery.

He was ordered to pay $30,000 but owed a balance of $27,000.

He was finally captured by the Richfond/Dennery police on August 18, 2014 in Sarrot.

Edwin will be taken to Bordelaise Correctional Facility where he will serve two years in prison.

The Gros Islet police are investigating an altercation between a Gros Islet bus driver and a Guyanese woman yesterday over a fare difference of 25 cents.

Audrey Fredericks, who lives in Bois D’Orange, Gros Islet, told St. Lucia News Online that she was assaulted and bitten by the bus driver in a fall-out over bus fare.

Fredericks said she and her 12-year-old son boarded the bus around 1:30 p.m. but the chain of events started when the bus stopped in Marisule, Gros Islet to let off a passenger.

During that time Fredericks paid the bus driver $3.25 but the driver was not happy. He insisted that Fredericks paid the full fare or get off his bus.

Fredericks insisted that’s the amount she normally pays and refused to disembark the bus. But she said the bus driver was relentless, insisting she paid the full fare, while ignoring offers from other passengers to pay the difference of 25 cents.

Things came to a head when the driver opened the door and dropped the money on the seat. While attempting to pick up the money, Fredericks said the bus driver grabbed her hand and they both began to struggle.

Fredericks said her son tried to push off the bus driver but to no avail.

Fredericks said the driver bit her hand when she attempted to take her phone which he took during the scuffle. She burst the driver’s chain in the process.

Below is a letter written to Godfrey Ferdinand, president of the National Council of Public Transportation, by Fredericks. (Parts of the letter – including the driver’s name and bus number – have been edited for legal reasons)

Dear Sir: This letter is to inform you of an incident between myself and a bus driver.

My name is Ms Audrey Fredericks, I live at Bois D Orange, Quarter of Gros-Islet. On Thursday 21st August 2014, Myself and 12 years old son boarded a Route 1 A bus…. I paid him $3.25 for both of us since that is what other drivers usually charge me.

The driver claimed I was short by $1.25 I told him that is not true since that’s what I usually pay besides I was coming off at Bois D Orange, he then stated that I was short by $.25. He told me to pay him of come off his bus, which I refused to do. Another passenger offered the $.25 but he refused to accept it, yet someone else offered a $1.00 and he still refused it. He proceeded to open the door and dropped the $3.25 on the seat next to me and once again instructed me to get off his bus, I refused at first but then I attempted to pick up the money and disembark the bus, however he grabbed my hand and a scuffle ensued, my son then offered him the $.25 and he told him “give it to your mother for her to give me”.

I came off the bus but then I saw him with my mobile phone a Galaxy S5, and he said he’s taking me to court, I boarded the bus again and when he sat down I tried to grab my phone, he then bit me on my hand, I grabbed his chain and bursted it, he drove to the Gros-Islet Police Station where he reported to the police that I refused to pay him and later hit him with my phone, which is not true. He stated that he’s taking me to court for his damaged chain which according to him is valued at US$6000.00.

I am also taking him to court for assault, before leaving the police station I paid him $3.50. I went to the poly clinic where I saw a doctor and was given a Tetanus Injection and other medications.

As a passenger it disgusts me at the manner in which some of the driver behaves, some of them overcharge commuters and get away with it, a perfect example one night I boarded a bus at Gros-Islet and was charged $5.00 to Bois D Orange, when it should have been price and a half after hours. This had to be paid before the bus moved.

Please contact me on ….  for further discussion on the matter.

Regards
Audrey Fredericks
Cc: Mr Thomas St. Louis
Public Relations Officer
Gros-Islet Mini Bus Owners Association

Found: Joseph Emmanuel

A 73-year-old-man who went missing on Sunday, August 19 at about 12 noon was found alive by police today, August 22 at about 11:20 a.m.

An official of the Babonneau Police Station confirmed that Joseph Emmanuel was found under a log, at about 15 degrees incline.

The official told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Emmanuel was in a weak state and was taken to Victoria Hospital for treatment.

The official said the police had joined with members of the community to conduct a search for Emmanuel.

Police are investigating a daring daylight armed robbery of a Bryden and Partners van yesterday afternoon in Barre St. Joseph.

Two masked man, armed with a cutlass and a firearm, made off with $11,000 in cash and several cartons of Embassy cigarettes.

No one was injured.

A couple were arrested last Thursday, August 21 for drug possession.

Dashan Felix aka Nash, 29, and girlfriend Sarahlee Tasha Ferdinand, 25, of Despin, Dennery were arrested after police searched their house and found a quantity of cannabis and cannabis seeds.

Both were charged for possession of drugs. Felix was charged for assaulting police with a scissors and resisting arrest. They were taken to court the following day where they were granted bail of $500 on each charge.

A 41-year-old father faces jail time after he was arrested for failing to pay child maintenance amounting to $7,400, reliable sources have told St. Lucia News Online.

Eugene David, also known as Silver Man of Chapel Street, Gros Islet had 37 maintenance warrants at the Richfond Police Station from 2003. Each warrant is valued at $200 for one child.

David was picked up by the Richfond/Dennery police during an operation in La Pearl, Mabouya on Thursday, August 21.

A source told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that David may be sent straight to jail.

“You don’t get charged on child maintenance. If you fail to pay the allotted amount per month the warrant is put out for you. You’re taken before a magistrate who accepts whatever you have and gives you time to pay the balance. Sometimes you’re taken straight to jail. In this guy’s case, he was before the magistrate a few years ago and was ordered to pay and he did not,” the source explained.

Corporal Marcus George receiving his certificate.

PRESS RELEASE - During the month of July, the Consulate General of Saint Lucia in Toronto welcomed Corporal Marcus George of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force to participate in an eight-week training course in Forensic Science.

Corporal George approached the Consul General, Mr. Michael Willius to assist in identifying specialized training in Forensic Science and ballistics to give the St. Lucian Police greater capacity to deal with gun violence.

Recognizing the need for the specific expertise in solving firearms offences in Saint Lucia, the Consul General reached out to the Toronto Police Service and through consultation with Deputy Chief Mark Saunders of the Toronto Police Service was able to secure a training course for Corporal Marcus George which is usually offered to officers in Ontario.

Corporal George completed a Firearms Examination Course and Scene of Crime Officer course at the Toronto Police College located at 2050 Jane Street in Toronto. The training comprised of in class followed by training in the field with an experience Forensic Officer. All the necessary equipment was provided by the Toronto Police Service.

Upon completion of the training, Corporal Marcus George received a Certificate in Forensic Science.

Before returning to Saint Lucia, Corporal George and Consul General Willius paid a courtesy call on Deputy Mark Saunders to thank him and the Toronto Police Service for this great training opportunity.

Sergeant George has gained the level of expertise through his training that is invaluable for success with firearms investigation in Saint Lucia.

This collaboration between the Government of Saint Lucia represented by the Consulate General of Saint Lucia in Toronto, the Toronto Police Service and the Royal St. Lucia Police Force will present future training opportunities for furthering his expertise in the Forensic field of study.

Consul General Michael Willius, Deputy Chief of Toronto Police Service Mark Saunders and Corporal Marcus George of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.