Police are investigating a chopping incident that occurred around 8 p.m Sunday, June 14 in Sarrot.

Reports are that a man was chopped to several parts of his body, including his head.

He has been identified as Jeremiah Daniel, 24.

Daniel was taken to a local hospital for treatment, but his condition is unknown at this time.

The Mardini Building in Rodney Bay was cleared and workers have returned to work.

The building had a bomb scare earlier this morning at around 11:00 a.m.

As a result, employees were forced to evacuate the building.

The building houses: CIBC FirstCaribbean, Nagico Insurance, Pan American Life, and Ernst and Young Services Limited.

A police corporal whose home was burglarized on Friday, June 12 said that three persons have come forward to say that they too have been victims of recent break-and enters.

Officer Martin James said that these persons are living within the same geographic area, where his home is located and have suggested that the bandits may be from Agard/ Morne Du Don.

James said while the police have not been able to recover any of the stolen items, the story which was published by St. Lucia News Online (SNO) has raised some level of awareness.

He said because the story was made public, people in his community, especially neighbours are now putting measures in place to prevent any burglaries and are now more vigilant.

The officer said he remains hopeful that the police will catch the bandits.

James discovered that his Green View, Morne Du Don home was burglarized at about 9:00 p.m. Friday. The officer and his family had left their home around 7:45 a.m.

The bandits took several pieces of jewelry, two television sets and a new audio system, among other items. He said the majority of the jewels carry the initials MAT or LAT.

James told SNO that the bandits made their way in through a partially opened window which is located in the upper flat of his home.

He believes however that the bandits may have been monitoring him and his family to know exactly when to hit his home.

Anyone who might have information about the persons responsible for the burglary, or who may come across the stolen items is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on 456-3758.

PRESS RELEASE - On Friday, June 12, 2015 a delegation from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force visited the Saltibus Combined School in the observance of Reading Month which was observed throughout the month of May 2015.

The officers read to the enjoyment of the students of the said school.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force also made a generous donation of EC$500.00 towards reading activities and treated the students to a musical concert performed by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force continues to be part of such initiatives in keeping with its community policing agenda.

DEAD: “Black Jesus”.

PRESS RELEASE - On Thursday, June 11, 2015 a post mortem examination was conducted on the body of Justin Whyte also known as “Black Jesus”.

The examination revealed that Whyte died as a result drowning.

No foul play has been suspected in this incident.

Lambirds students.

A group of former Lambirds Academy students who were scheduled to leave Saint Lucia on Monday, June 8, are now clueless as to what will happen next and are worried about their future.

A student who asked not to be named said neither he nor anyone of his friends, was ever contacted to say what the next move would be. Officials had informed the group of the change in plans on the day before their departure.

The worried student told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today that no one from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or the Government of Saint Lucia has contacted them since.

The student said he is worried about his future and what lies ahead for him. He believes that the legal matter could extend into several years and he is not willing to stay here throughout the entire case.

He told SNO that he was happy when he first heard that he was going to have the opportunity to return home, but he is not sure whether the government and the IOM will carry through with these plans.

While the student wants to have a full refund of the money he paid to undertake a course with Lambirds Academy, he also wants to be able to restart his life and see his family back in Nepal.

Another student who spoke with SNO on condition of anonymity said he too have not heard anything from the government or the IOM, about plans for their future.

The student said that based on unconfirmed statements being made by his fellow colleagues, the government may be looking to have them relocated to more comfortable apartments.

He along with several others students are staying at the Pastoral Centre in Gros-Islet.

A group of about 12 students were expected to depart the island on June 8, while the remaining students were expected to leave on given dates, later this month.

Each of the students was promised that once the case is completed and their monies are recovered, it will be sent to them.

They were all issued statements by local police, which validates this agreement.

However, they were reminded by the officials, that the case could take a maximum of 10 years, or it could be completed in less than two years.

While some of the students are happy to return home, others believe that once they do, they will not receive any justice and lose all their money.

Most recently, one of the female students gave birth to a baby. The female student said she is ready to return home with her baby.

This publication made contact with the Ministry of External Affairs for a comment, but was told that Minister Alva Baptiste is currently out of state.We were referred to the Home Affairs Ministry and was told that Minister Victor La Cobinere is not available.

PRESS RELEASE - The Government of Saint Lucia has been, and will continue to honour its obligations to the alleged victims associated with the Lambird’s Academy Investigation, until court proceedings have come to an end.

Meantime the earlier decision to return the students to their homeland, including those funded under the International Organization of Migration Assistance Programme   was based on detailed discussions with the Police, regarding the list of witnesses.

However, recent discussions with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions have resulted in a review of this decision and all individuals will remain on island.

Moreover, the Government of Saint Lucia through the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security has had to absorb significant costs, in order to secure lodging and meals for the Nepalese and Indian nationals.

Currently the individuals reside in establishments located in the north of the island. As of June 8, 2015, the expenses incurred are:  the Pastoral Center – $453,178.92, Lawrence Place- $10,000.00, St. Brice Place – $7,500.00 and Emmanuel’s Place – $1,650.00.

The total sum of money incurred for the period of three months stands at: $472,328.92.

The Government of Saint Lucia also continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to provide health – related services to the individuals.

Support agencies were approached by the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security, in order to provide ancillary supplies such as toiletries.

These entities have been very helpful.  The Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security continues to work assiduously to assist in addressing issues that arise as this matter unfolds.

The Government of Saint Lucia is of the view that this situation is being handled in a humane and compassionate manner notwithstanding the island’s own challenges at this time.

Lambird’s Academy located in Gros Islet was closed by Police on February 27, 2015.

Dr. Iftekhar Shams

Chief Executive Officer of Lambirds Academy Dr. Iftekhar Shams has been granted bail in the sum of over $600,000.

Shams was granted bail in the sum of $35,000 on each of seven charges, and $8,000 each on 49 charges of obtaining money by deception, when the matter was heard in court today.

However, Shams attorney Marcus Foster said the prosecution has objected to granting bail and has indicated orally that they plan to appeal this decision.

The prosecution has twelve hours to submit a written appeal for consideration by the court.

The Lambirds CEO, who suffers from diabetes and hypertension, was hospitalised several times for collapsing in prison.

Over 70 suspected students were left stranded by the scandal.

PRESS RELEASE - On Monday 15th June 2015, Titus Albert better known as Tye of Contonment Vieux Fort appeared before the Second District Court in Vieux Fort to answer to charges for the offence of Praedial Larceny.

Albert who was arrested for stealing a quantity of dasheen valued at forty dollars ($40.00) belonging to Urusline Charlery of the same area was ordered to pay a fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for the offence or face imprisonment for three months.

Titus Albert opted to serve the jail term, claiming that he was unable to pay the $5,000.00 fine. As a result Albert was sent to the Bordelais Correctional Facility where he will spend three (3) months in prison.

A number of former Lambirds Academy students have all expressed their disappointment over the court’s decision to grant bail to Chief Executive Officer Dr. Iftekhar Shams.

The students believes that this could be an avenue by which Dr Shams could flee the country.

While the students concede that the matter is a legal one and the decision was made in accordance with the law, they said they are even more frustrated over this new development.

One of the student’s, who is staying at the Pastoral Centre in Gros Islet told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that he too is disappointed, but is patiently waiting for the law to take its due course.

He said while many persons, especially locals, have been urging government to send them home, he is not against such a move, but he would rather return home with his money.

The student, who asked not to be named, said that he agrees with suggestions being made to have the government return the money from the frozen accounts.

However, he is hopeful that the case will come to an end soon, so that they will receive justice.

Another student told SNO that he is hoping that he could return home soon, because he has been here for too long, “drowning my future….and these money is our parents’ life achievement.”

Most of the students have expressed an interest in being returned home, but plans to do so only if they are refunded their monies in full.

Shams was granted bail in the sum of over $600,000. He is to pay the sum of $35,000 on each of seven charges, and $8,000 each on 49 charges of obtaining money by deception.

The prosecution has indicated that it plans to appeal this decision.

It is not clear whether a decision was granted in its favour or if Sham has paid for his release.

Mary Francis.

Attorney-at-Law and Human Rights Activist Mary Francis who is seeking compensation for the families of four men who were killed in 2011, during “Operation Restore Confidence,” said if her request to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony is not granted, she plans to take the matter to court.

Francis had written Anthony on May 8, 2015, seeking a meeting with him to discuss this matter, but claims her letter was never acknowledged and other efforts to contact the prime minister has proven futile.

The attorney is representing the families of Allan Louisy and Kerwin Ferdinand, who were among five men killed in a police operation in Vieux Fort, Ashley Bernard who succumbed after being shot by police in Wilton’s Yard on February 13, 2011, and Dwight Henry who was allegedly killed by lawmen.

Francis told SNO that her request to the prime minister was basically to avoid the “slow justice system.”

“I am hoping at least that I get a response because I mean it’s important that we know exactly what the government intends to do about the family members that lost their loves ones in this matter. We are concerned about the killings of these people. No court has declared that it was lawful killings,” she told SNO.

While the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Victoria Charles-Clarke is still to decide on the matter, Francis said she cannot allow the issue to remain dormant. “We have to do something. It’s about governance, it’s about justice and human rights, and we have to do something as a people,” she added.

She continued: “I think it is the duty of the government to actually see how maybe, those persons can be compensated outside filing cases in the court seeking compensation.”

On March 8, 2015, Anthony in a nationwide address said that Jamaican investigators probing alleged extra judicial killings by members of the Royal St Lucia Police Force (RSPF) had found that a “blacklist or death list” existed.

Anthony also said that the investigators had found that police had staged “fake encounters” to legitimize their actions and that “all police officers involved in the unlawful killings of citizens in respect of the files reviewed must be prosecuted.”

“Further, that the weapons supposedly found on the scene of the alleged ‘extra-judicial killings’ were from sources other than the victims. The investigators say the weapons were ‘planted on the scene of the shootings’.

The investigators also advised that ‘a number of shootings were done by police officers and are listed on the murder statistic as being done by unknown assailants’.

“Revealingly, the report suggests that ‘the crime problem in St. Lucia is facilitated by corrupt politicians, government officials, business persons and the police officers.”

Francis said since the prime minister’s address, nothing has been said about the investigation.

The door that was broken by the bandits.

A Fond Mange resident is fed up with the number of burglaries and break-and-enter incidents in her community after her home was broken into recently.

Laurentia Leo, a mother of five children, told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) on Friday that Fond Mange, a community near Marigot, has been experiencing an increase in break-ins over the past few weeks.

“That need to stop,” she remarked.

Leo became a victim for the first time on  Thursday at around 2 a.m. She was not at home when bandits broke in.

“The door had two locks. They broke the dead lock, imagine the dead lock to enter the house.”

Luckily, nothing was stolen.

“They broke the door but didn’t have time enter the house because someone saw them and they run off,” she told SNO.

The 40-year-old said a report was made to the Marigot Police Station, but “up to that day I never see no police”.

She has since changed the locks on the door.

“I’m a hardworking woman with my kids. Those people need a job. They need to stop trying to break and enter people’s house,” she said.

Several residents have brought to the attention of St. Lucia News Online (SNO) several alleged reports of attempted rape in La Pointe, Mon Repos since the start of 2015.

The latest incident is alleged to have occurred at about 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 15, in which a 14-year-old student of a secondary school in the south of the island was attacked by three young men.

“One of the accused is well known for such acts in the community,” a resident told SNO.

Residents said they are not pleased with the response of the police.

“Everyone is asking who’s next and thinks that the police is taking the matter lightly,” one resident said.

The residents further alleged that several cases of attempted rape in the community remain unsolved.

“We need justice and peace,” said another. ”The majority of the residents are fearful for their lives and their children, especially their daughters.”

Fitgerald Pascal (left) who was shot in the foot on June 14 by a cop.

The sister of a man who was accidentally shot by a policeman one week ago is upset that she has not only been left to carry the burden of the medical bills, but the officer has not been seen or heard from since the incident.

On Saturday, Cleopatra Pascal told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that her brother, Fitz-Gerald Pascal, 24, of Rosehill, Castries was accidentally shot in the left foot by an officer in uniform at about 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 14. The incident occurred at the Marchand Grounds during a football match.

Below video taken moments after the shooting 

Fitzgerald is currently at Victoria Hospital awaiting surgery, but he’s unable to foot the medical bills to proceed.

“My brother is unemployed and I just got a job,” the sister said. “We are not in a financial situation to pay medical bills. As a result he could not take the medication prescribed by the doctor Sunday evening, hence his foot getting infected. He was to undergo surgery on the 25th because of the fractured bone, but now his foot is infected, they have to drain the blood to limit the risk of him losing his foot.”

Cleopatra said an official police report was filed on Wednesday “but the officer is behaving like it did not happen”.

The sister claimed that on Sunday her brother and his friends were attempting to calm the police officer, who allegedly pulled his firearm during a verbal confrontation with a young female. The officer allegedly fired a shot towards the ground, injuring Fitzgerald instead.

“My brother and his friends were telling the officer to cool out. When it happened they told him he shot my brother. He said he didn’t, then my brother took off his shoe, the officer held his head and left the scene. So one of my brother’s friends called the police. They came, took my brother to the hospital, took his name and number and left. He has not heard from (the officer who did the shooting) since,” Cleopatra explained.

The sister has since gone to social media to express her frustration.

“I have been silent because I was too busy looking after my wounded brother but now I want everyone to hear what is happening to innocent citizens here in St. Lucia,” she said in a post on her Facebook profile.

The sister, who gave the full name and rank of the officer, further claimed in her social media post that the officer accidentally shot her brother because his “ego/manhood” was being insulted by the young female from Leslie Land.

“As a result, he decided, after what I would believe would be a number of years of training, to fire a shot to the ground thus injuring my brother who was an innocent bystander along with his friends, who were trying to calm the young lady and the officer. What is wrong with these policemen? They demand respect from the public but the majority of them go about shooting up the place and abusing their authority.

“Shouldn’t policemen be trained to use different forms of action when being faced with such a situation? I do not understand how this is deemed right for an officer to fire his gun under such circumstances, something needs and will be done about this. My brother now has to undergo surgery to insert metal plates in his foot, all because an immature individual was given a gun and who was sworn to serve and protect.”

PRESS RELEASE - On Sunday, June 21, 2015 about 11:17 a.m. officers attached to the Criminal Investigations Department received a report of the discovery of the body of a Cuban National in an apartment near the Millennium Highway, Castries.

Upon arrival, the officers observed a body of a male lying motionless on a bed.

This individual was later identified as 63 year old,Salavdor Diaz Castaion.

The body was transported to the Victoria Hospital and pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

Investigations are continuing into this incident.

Missing: Kimey Neptune.

An 18-year-old male has been reported missing for close to one week.

Kimey Neptune of Blanchard, Desruisseaux was last seen on Monday, June 15.

The teenager’s sister Albina told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today (June 22) that she is worried about her brother and would like to see that he returns home safely.

Albina said contact was made with Neptune’s friends in Dennery, but they claim that they never saw him, even though he was expected to visit them.

The family has since contacted other friends and relatives to try and locate the missing teenager, but has been unsuccessful.

Albina said Neptune’s father (her step-father) has lodged a missing person’s report with the Micoud Police Station, who visited his home afterwards and questioned him about the teenager.

Albina said she tried making contact with her brother via Facebook on Wednesday, but did not get a reply on his location.

The emotional sister said, “I am very worried and I want him to return home safely.”

She said Neptune is a good individual but was warned on many occasions by his father not to follow bad company, because he would often get into “trouble with boys in the area.”

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Neptune is asked to contact the Micoud Police Station on 456-3670 or his family on 729-5162.

The Cuban national died from bleeding of duodenal ulcer

PRESS RELEASE - On Monday, June 22, 2015 a post mortem examination was conducted on the body of 63 year old, Salavdor Diaz Castaion a Cuban who resided at Millennium Highway, Castries.

The examination revealed that Castaion died as a result of the bleeding of a duodenal ulcer resulting in hemorrhagic shock.

No foul play has been suspected in this incident.

An inmate of the Bordelais Correctional Facility who escaped around noon today, Tuesday, June 23, was recaptured shortly after while on foot near the prison by a search team in an unmarked vehicle.

Don Pierre Louis, 37, of La Pansee, Castries will be charged with escaping lawful custody. He also faces drug charges after he was in possession of cannabis when caught.

A source said the drug was found in a white bag he had on his back.

Louis, who was serving a five-year sentence for escaping lawful custody and stealing, was recaptured around 2 p.m., about a quarter of a mile from the prison, in a forested area.

Police have re-arrested a man in connection with the May 29, 2015 shooting near a bar in the town of Gros Islet that left five people, including himself, injured.

Denver Melville of Reduit, Gros-Islet was picked up by police Tuesday, June 23 and taken into custody, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for Crime and Intelligence, Milton Desir has told St. Lucia News Online (SNO).

Desir said Melville will be charged for attempted murder following an identification parade.

The 29-year-old was previously charged for possession of an illegal firearm. He was granted $5,000 bail with suitable surety or land document for that offence when he appeared in court on June 1.

As a condition of his bail, Melville was ordered to report to the Gros Islet Police Station daily at the hours of 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.; assigned to a curfew between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily and should not be within 100 yards of the Friday Night Gros Islet Street Party.

Melville was allegedly involved in the Friday, May 29, 2015, shooting that occurred at about 2:05 a.m. on Dauphin Street, Gros-Islet.

In that incident,  police said 17-year-old Ricky Maynard a.k.a “Bug” of Gros Islet sustained a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, 27-year-old Lyle Auguste of Gros-Islet sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his waist and 19-year-old Javene Cools a.k.a “Angus” of Massade, Gros Islet sustained a gunshot wound to his left thigh.

Melville was reported to be one of two suspects who sustained gunshot wounds when confronted by the police.

He sustained a gunshot wound to his left calf, while the other suspect sustained a gunshot wound to his stomach and is still listed as being in critical condition at a hospital.

The police said they discovered one .38 revolver on the scene.

Bastien speaking to HTS News Force.

A Bexon man, who sustained severe burns during an attack by several female neighbours about one week ago, is concerned that he’s yet to receive feedback from the police in connection with the incident, which has left him scarred, disfigured and in severe pain.

Stephen Bastien, also known as Bas Coco, said he was summoned to the home of a young woman whom he did odd jobs for, on and off.

When he arrived at her home, and climbed up the steps, Bastien told HTS News Force that the young woman attempted to pour a container with liquid substance on him.

He said though he held onto the container, she managed to capsize it on him. Other female relatives, including the alleged perpetrator’s mother and sister, also joined in the verbal and physical attack, he claimed.

Bastien further alleged that the young woman followed him on the road and slapped him in the back three times with a cutlass. She also went to his home and ripped off his door, he alleged.

Bastien said the attacker accused him of sexually assaulting/raping her sister, which he denied.

The injured man strongly believes that the substance used to burn him is not boiling water, but highly concentrated acidic substance.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) was told that the alleged attacker is about 15 years old.

Efforts to get official information about this incident from the Police Press Office and other other senior officers since the weekend have proved futile. The press officer is said to be busy attending to other tasks.