A man was reportedly beaten and shot at by a gang of males in Blackstars, Morne Du Don, Castries this evening, June 23.

The victim is known as Mario, who is believed to be in his 30′s-40′s.

An eyewitness told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Mario was sitting on a wall by the road, where he usually sits, when at about 8:30 p.m. he was attacked by a gang of about four or five males, who also fired two shots at him as he escaped.

“They just walked up on him and attacked him and gave him a body slam, kicks and punches.

“He was like ‘Maysiay, what I do ya’ll’,” the eyewitness explained.

“He managed to escape whilst on the ground, and kicked off running down hill. One of them fired two rounds.”

It is not yet known if the matter was reported to the police.

Bandits broke into Greene’s Wholesale & Retail on St. Louis Street, Castries sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning, and stole a quantity of items.

Several persons are reportedly assisting police with their investigations.

When contacted, the owner of business decline to comment.

“I won’t reveal any information and would rather the police do their investigation,” he said.

The police press officer could not be reached for details as his phone rang without answer.

Police have arrested a suspect in a chopping incident that occurred in Vigier, Vieux Fort at around 7: 00 a.m. today, June 24.

Reports are that a young male, identified as Kieran Tobierre of Desruisseaux, Micoud, was maimed by the suspect.

Sources told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the suspect in question is well known to Micoud police.

A source said the suspect was recently acquitted of six charges by the Dennery Court.

Reports are that on February 14, 2014 he allegedly threatened to shoot a police officer, threw stones at a police officer, damaged the officer’s shirt, and also wounded his cousin with a stone to the head.

When SNO contacted the Vieux-Fort Police Station for official information, a police officer told this reporter that he does not have the information and the investigating officer is off duty and will return on Friday.

The police press officer could not be reached for details as his phone rang without answer.

Bastien

Police have formally launched an investigation into an incident in which a man from Bexon, Castries claims he was badly burnt by neighbours who accused him of assaulting a 15-year-old girl.

The man’s name has been given as Stephen Bastien, also known as Bas Coco, of Bexon. He has appeared in various media with horrific burns on almost half of his upper torso. The incident occurred almost two weeks ago.

But information from the police is that Bastien had not reported the incident to them, even after they visited him in hospital. A police spokesperson says Bastien’s sister has since made a formal report to them and a formal interview with him was expected this afternoon.

Bastien has recounted a story of ambush, accusation and injury by one of his neighbours. He said in a television interview that 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, the young woman attempted to pour a liquid substance on him from a container she was holding.

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 said he had not received any feedback from the police in connection with the incident. But the police are saying that Bastien never even sought medical attention within the first three days of the alleged attack, and instead stayed at home.

He made no report to the police, but when the police went to the hospital to see him, they were told he was not in a position to give information.

Kimey Neptune.

An 18-year-old male who was reported missing for close to one week has returned home safely.

Kimey Neptune of Blanchard, Desruisseaux returned home on Wednesday (June 24) and seems to be doing fine, according to his sister Albina.

The young man who went missing since Monday, June 15, did not provide an explanation why he left his home without telling anyone.

He told his sister that he was staying at a friend in Dennery.

The friend apparently saw the report on St. Lucia News Online (SNO) and encouraged him to return home.

Albina had told SNO that the family contacted Neptune’s friends in Dennery, but they claimed that they never saw him.

A missing person report was made with the Micoud Police Station.

Neptune’s family admitted that he is known for following bad company and has had many fights with boys in the area.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) has received reports of a stabbing near the La Clery bus stop in Castries at around 4:25 p.m. today, June 25.

It is alleged that a male was stabbed in the neck by a female secondary student who accused him of harassing her for sex.

The man was rushed to hospital via ambulance, but his condition is unknown at this time.

Cheryl Clarke (inset) was shot on Brazil Street, Castries.

A well-known Wilton’s Yard woman has succumbed to gunshot wounds – almost three months after her husband, an elder in the community, was shot to death.

Shortly after the shooting, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for Crime and Intelligence, Milton Desir had confirmed with St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the victim is Cheryl Clarke of Wilton’s Yard (also known as Graveyard) in Castries, but could not provide additional details at the time.

However,  at around 4 a.m., SNO received news from reliable sources that Clarke passed away during surgery at hospital – about two to three hours after the shooting occurred on Brazil Street, Castries.

Asher ‘BJ’ Emmanuel, husband of Cheryl Clarke, was gunned down in April 2015.

Sources told SNO that Clarke was attacked shortly after leaving a bar (upstairs Starlite) where she had been “playing the machines”. The sources said it appears that Clarke’s movement were being monitored by the assassin/s.

Several Castries residents told SNO that they heard multiple gunshots (at least five) in the vicinity of Chaussee Road between 1 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. before Clarke was found on the road suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Reports that she was involved in an altercation with a male inside the bar and that she was shot in a vehicle before collapsing on the road have NOT been confirmed.

Arthur Clarke, brother of Cherly Clarke, was gunned down in 2011.

Clarke’s husband Asher ‘BJ’ Emmanuel, 48, of Bexon, Castries but was living at Wilton’s Yard, was fatally shot on the morning of April 7, 2015 at the Chaussee Road/Leslie Land intersection.

Jamie Butcher, 22, of Rose Hill, Castries was charged with his murder.

Clarke’s brother, Arthur ‘Afoo’ Clarke, was gunned down in Chase Gardens, Castries on January 27, 2011 as he exited his vehicle. He was 48.

Police sources have told SNO that they fear Clarke’s death will spark a gang war.

Plans are now being made to beef up security in the communities near Chaussee road.

Nicos Felix

A 29-year-old man from Sarrot, Bexon was discovered dead this morning in what appears to be a suspected suicide.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials were summoned to Nicos Felix’s home this morning after he was discovered hanging.

Investigations into this matter are ongoing.

Police are investigating a suspected arson at St. Mary’s College (SMC) which was discovered by a student at about 6 a.m. today, June 26.

Reports are that attempts were made to burn the door leading to the principal’s office and a wall in Room 12 which adjoins the Student Affairs Office.

Principal Rowan Seon told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that he finds it strange, because an incident of that nature has never happened at the college before.

He said though there was a break-and-enter a few years ago, setting the office on fire was taking it one step further.

However, Seon said, “It appears that the person may have tried to compromise the door to gain entry. It was highly unsuccessful because the fire only scorched the paint.”

The principal said there is nothing so valuable in his office that would encourage anyone to break and enter the office.

A security system is currently in place at the school.

Asked whether he think it may be someone from inside the college, Seon said: “We don’t really have students who turn on their own school. It’s far less likely that somebody would turn on us. I would be very disappointed if it was, because students generally have great regards for the school.”

Cheryl Clarke

PRESS RELEASE - The Criminal Investigations Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 51 year old, Cheryl Clarke of Bexon Castries.

On Friday, June 26, 2015, about 12:10 a.m. the officers received a report of a shooting incident at the intersection of Broglie and Brazil Street, Castries.

Upon arrival, the officers discovered an abandoned vehicle with what appeared to be a bullet hole in the driver’s door and bullet holes in the driver’s seat.

The officers then proceeded to the Victoria Hospital where they were informed that Clarke sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the body and later succumbed to those injuries.

Investigations are continuing into the matter.

PRESS RELEASE - Leader of the Opposition Dr. Gale Rigobert is saddened by the news of yet another shooting fatality. She has offered condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Cheryl Clarke.

Dr. Rigobert said, this most recent shooting is a chilling reminder that all is not well in our society. She lamented the lack of regard for human life, which for her is shocking and deeply disturbing.

According to her, “A national shift is needed so we can put the focus where it needs to be, that is, on the underlying factors that cause our people to resort to violence and crime.

Dr. Rigobert has held discussions with the acting Police Commissioner, Mr. Errol Alexander,  about ways of making the necessary interventions to ensure that this spate of violence is abated.

Dr. Rigobert has also reached out to the Prime Minister cognizant of the fact that a national approach needs to be taken to attend to the scourge of violence and crime. The Leader of the Opposition and MP for Micoud North has reiterated that crime is a national issue, it is everybody’s business.

The leader of the Opposition asserted that everyone in Saint Lucia must come together to deal with the problem: The Political Directorate, the Police, Religious Leadership, NGOs, Community Development Organisations and other civil society organisations.

Reporters interviewing Police Press Officer Zachary Hippolyte at the scene of a homicide over two months ago.

PRESS RELEASE - The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions along with the High Command of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has expressed concern as regards the Local Media’s approach to the coverage of matters which are before the Courts.

The media fraternity is therefore being called upon to exercise caution in interviewing and displaying the images of potential witnesses, who may be on scenes of crime and/or involved in ongoing police investigations.

It is a Contempt of Court under section 380 (1) (g) “to publish any matter which is intended to or is likely to prejudice the fair trial or conduct of criminal proceedings and (h) “to publish any matters which prejudges issues which are to be tried or are being tried by the court”.

The co-operation of the media fraternity will be greatly appreciated.

A police officer has expressed on social media his last moments with the island’s latest homicide victim, Cheryl Clarke, who died at hospital after she was shot multiple times on Brazil Street, Castries in the wee hours of Friday morning (June 26).

The police officer said although many negative things have been said about the Clarke family, it would be hypocritical not to reveal the act of kindness Cheryl showed before her death.

The cop said on Thursday afternoon he ran into some challenges at the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) and it was Clarke who came to his assistance.

“This afternoon (Thursday) I was by WASCO in the line paying a bill and she asked me if I wanted her to pay my bill for me, since she was ahead of me, because I was in a rush. I said yes; she did, and I thanked her and left,” the police officer said.

“I must say, being a policeman like I am, and knowing the Clarkes may not have been too fond of the police, but seeing this woman yesterday at WASCO, who overheard me on a call to respond to a report, being in full uniform and being way back in the line, immediately offered to pay my bill for me.

“I must admit at first it felt strange but I gladly accepted her offer and thanked her wholeheartedly, not knowing that was the last time I would see her alive. Just goes to show us how life is.”

And the officer’s message to murderers?

“Judgement day is coming,” he said.

Clarke’s husband Asher ‘BJ’ Emmanuel and brother Arthur ‘Afoo’ Clarke were gunned down about three months and four years ago, respectively.

The turtle found dead Sunday morning.

St. Lucian authorities are investigating the death of another Hawksbill Turtle.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) received reports at about 7:35 this morning of the turtle’s discovery on the Vigie beach and was able to get in touch at around noon Sunday, June 28 with an official, who immediately went to the scene and confirmed the information.

The official said she is preparing to return to take “measurements”, while a biologist was summoned to confirm the cause of the turtle’s death.

“It looks like an attempted slaughter as there are visible markings to indicate such, but the whole turtle was left behind,” the official told SNO.

This is the second Hawksbill found dead in one month.

On Wednesday, June 3, a frequent beach user discovered the remains of an adult Hawksbill Turtle, that appeared to have made it’s way to a remote area on Reduit Beach, Gros-Islet to nest, but was slaughtered.

The remains included a decomposing shell and intestines, along with mature and immature eggs. All the turtle meat was extracted along with the head and flippers, an official told SNO at the time.

The sea turtle hunting season is closed, therefore it is illegal to hunt and/or kill turtles at this time. The harvesting seasoning usually runs annually from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, with conditions.

Anyone caught and found guilty faces a maximum fine of $5,000 and/or one year imprisonment.

PRESS RELEASE - On Friday, June 26, 2015, officers attached to the Drug Unit conducted an operation in RiviereMitan, Monchy.

During the operation, the officers searched a dwelling house and discovered a quantity of green plant material suspected to be Cannabis.

As a result of that discovery, 42 year old, Zinette Benjamin of RiviereMitan, Monchy was formally arrested and charged for the offences of Possession of Controlled Drug and Intent to Supply Controlled Drug.

Benjamin made an appearance before the First District Court on Monday, June 29, 2015 where she was remanded into custody until July 8, 2015.

The suspected Cannabis has an estimated weight of three hundred and ninety six pounds and estimated street value of EC$ 396,000.00

DEAD: Cheryl Clarke

PRESS RELEASE - On Friday, June 26, 2015, a post mortem examination was performed on the body of 51 year old Cheryl Clarke of Bexon, Castries.

The examination revealed that Clarke died as a result of hemorrhagic shock due to multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen.

This is the tenth homicide for the year 2015.

Investigations are continuing into the matter.

Lenroy St. Catherine.

A teenager was reportedly shot in the upper torso in Degazon, Gros-Islet this morning, June 30.

The victim, Lenroy St. Catherine, 18, was reportedly walking on the road when a vehicle stopped and during a brief conversation, shots were fired at him.

He is  now in stable condition.

A number of residents have contacted St. Lucia News Online (SNO) Tuesday night (June 30, 2015), reported having heard a barrage of gunshots across a section of Castries.

The first report came in at 10:42 p.m., indicating that multiple gunshots were heard near the areas of Grass Street, the ‘Slums’, Rosehill, and Wilton’s Yard (known popularly as the Graveyard).

“It sounded like 14 shots,” one person said.

“About 25 shots so far,” another said.

No immediate reports of injuries were received.

Police sources have confirmed receiving multiple reports of gunshots in central Castries. However, no further information was available.

Reports of multiple shootings were first reported by residents to SNO on Monday, June 29 at about 9 a.m. The first report indicated that shots were fired in the vicinity of Leslie Land, Castries, where an old post office used to be.

Another incident in which shots fired near ‘the Slums’ and Wilton’s Yard was also reported to SNO. No one was injured in that incident.

Efforts to reach the police press officer since Monday to confirm the reports and get official information have proved futile so far.

Sujan Neupane

EKANTIPUR.COM - The operator of an education consultancy that allegedly duped millions of rupees from Nepali students by sending them to a bogus Saint Lucian college with promise to transfer them to the US has been arrested on fraud charges.

Police nabbed Sujan Neupane, 26, of Bharatpur-based Visa Abroad Education Consultancy from Kesharmahal in the Capital on Tuesday based on complaints filed by the cheated students.

His consultancy had sent 15 students to Lambirds Academy in St Lucia by charging around Rs 1.2 million per person. They were guaranteed a transfer to an American college after a year.

Lambirds Academy, as the victims learned upon reaching St Lucia , was a fraudulent college which was forced to close after a human trafficking case against its high-profile staff.

The victims had to return to Nepal within a fortnight and the incident was widely covered in national media including the Post.

Accused Neupane has been sent to District Police Office Chitwan for further investigation.

Vernon Francois

Saint Lucia’s top cop, Vernon Francois, has been given another 30 days vacation leave.

Francois who was expected to return to work on June 30, 2015, was instructed to remain on leave by the Public Service Ministry.

Francois was initially instructed to proceed on 40 days vacation leave after his first set of leave expired.

Errol Alexander has been acting as police commissioner of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) in his absence.

It is not clear as to the motive behind this, but Francois went on leave before Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony addressed the nation on the extra-judicial killings report in early March.

Dr Anthony confirmed that the force worked from a “black list or death list” of persons deemed criminals and officers staged all shooting-death sites to legitimise their actions.

The report also revealed 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’.

No government official has ever come forward to explain the reason behind the repeated extension of leave granted to Francois.