The bandits (white t-shirt and blue jeans) and (black t-shirt and red bag) are seen assaulting the man on the ground and pulling on his haversack.

A Canadian man was robbed of his personal belongings early this morning by two bandits on Water Works Road, Castries, close to the Ideal Guest House and Ideal Bakery.

The foreigner who is said to be in his 40’s was attacked at around 7:00 a.m.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) understands that the man was dragged and assaulted by two bandits, who demanded his cash and other valuables.

The bandits managed to rob the foreigner of his gold chain and a cellular phone, among other items. They did not manage to get his bag.

A source told SNO that the man arrived in Saint Lucia last night and was expected to stay here for an unspecified period.

“One of the guys at the bakery was able to go after one of the bandits in the river at the side of the business and give him one or two blows to the body. So definitely one of them got hurt,” the source said.

However, it is alleged that at least two other men from Grass Street came out with weapons and attacked the employee from the bakery, who was holding one of the bandits captive. The employee eventually released the alleged bandit and the men all escaped.

SNO was able to acquire a video footage from the business, showing the man being robbed and assaulted.

An official report has been lodged with the police.

An investigation has been launched into this matter.

Yana Auguste

A post examination will be performed soon on the body of Yanna Auguste, 30, whose semi- nude corpse was discovered on Sunday morning, near the Hummingbird Beach in Soufriere.

The post mortem which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 14, will determine whether Auguste was sexually assaulted or not, and will allow police investigators to continue with the case.

Auguste’s body was discovered on the rocks, wearing her underwear only. A red Suzuki Swift was in the sea close to where her body was discovered.

Reports are that Auguste left her workplace at Cap Maison at about 11:00 p.m the night before.

Auguste worked as a waitress in the “Naked Fisherman” restaurant.

A 22-year-old man was rushed to the Victoria Hospital after sustaining several chop wounds at around noon today.

Reports are that the man sustained chops to his back, hand and fingers, during an altercation with another man.

The incident reportedly occurred in Marc.

No further information is available.

Mervin ‘Dr. Evil’ Effrage was denied bail.

A man was charged today with the attempted capital murder of two police officers.

Mervin Effrage, also known as Dr. Evil, 32, of Leslie Land, Castries was also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition.

He was remanded to prison.

Effrage allegedly engaged two lawmen in gun battle last week and was shot in the leg.

The incident occurred on Upper Chaussee Road, Castries (near Grass Street/Marchand Road) just before 12 noon Wednesday, July 8.

Police said a 9mm pistol with eight rounds of ammunition was recovered at the scene.

An injured Hawksbill turtle tied to a tree was discovered on the Vigie beach this morning by a George F.L. Charles Airport staff.

Elijah Bundas, who made the discovery at about 12:02 a.m., said a group of men may have been responsible for tying the turtle and injuring it.

Bundas told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that a suspicious-looking green Mitsuubishi car with three men on board, was parked outside the airport, near the main entrance.

He said two of the men were on the lookout, while the other man was on the beach.

Bundas decided to alert his colleagues and they went to check on it. But before they reached outside the compound, the men ran into their vehicle and fled.

Upon arriving at the spot where the men were parked, Bundas discovered the injured turtle.

He said, “It was tied to the root of a tree. It looked like they used something to lash the turtle in the head, because there were traces of blood and it also had lacerations to the foot.”

The men then released the turtle, which was badly hurt. It is not clear whether the turtle made it back to the sea, or if it was taken by the wildlife authorities.

Only a few weeks ago, a Hawksbill turtle was discovered dead on the Vigie beach. It appeared that someone attempted to slaughter the animal, because there were visible markings to indicate that.

On Wednesday, June 3, someone discovered the remains of another 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.

Bed bugs.

Police officials attached to the Criminal Investigations Department have been temporarily relocated to the Chester Field Conference Room at the Police Commissioner’s office.

Acting Assistant Commissioner in Charge of Crime and Intelligence, Milton Desir, told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the officers will be made conformable at the temporary location.

Desir could not say how long the officers will be at that location, but noted that the building is being treated continuously and they are now awaiting the arrival of new furniture.

“The building has always been treated. But we want to ensure that it is treated again, before the furniture arrives, so we don’t have these problems again,” he told SNO.

The officers have expressed concern over the poor working conditions at the CID office.  Infestations of bed bugs, dilapidated office furnishings and malfunctioning computers have been affecting them.

They also complained about a majority of the department’s computers being damaged during an island-wide power outage in May this year. Only two computers in the front of the office are operational.

President of the Police Welfare Association Camron Laure has said he is surprised by the poor working conditions of officers, but he believes buying new furnishings will not solve the problems.

He had recommended that the officers’ homes be treated as well to eliminate the bug infestation. He said he was informed that the office was treated twice for bug infestation, but it keeps reoccurring.

A notice has been placed outside the CID office which reads: “The CID office is temporarily closed. Reports are to be made at the Central Police Station. Sorry for the inconvenience it may cause.”

Denis Rufin in hospital after suffering multiple chop wounds on Thursday, July 9.

Police officials have confirmed that two men have been charged in connection with a chopping incident in Dennery on Thursday, July 9.

Venus Joseph, 21, of High Street, Dennery was charged for the offences of assault, and aiding and abetting.

He made an appearance in the First District Court where he was granted bail in the sum of EC$500 on the assault charge and EC$3,000 on the aiding and abetting charge.

Ike James, 21, of Church Street, Dennery was charged for the offence of grievous harm. He was granted bail in the sum of EC$ 3,500.

Both men were ordered to sign in at the Dennery Police Station every Monday and Friday. They have been placed under a curfew between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily. They were also ordered to stay away from public activities in Dennery.

They are responsible for chopping Denis Rufin, 22, who sustained wounds to his heels, the lower part of his right knee and the right side of his face. The attack occurred near the “laundry by the infant school” on Victoria Street.

Reports are that the chopping stemmed from the discovery of a bag, believed to contain drugs that was retrieved from the sea by two men sources close to the victim had told St. Lucia News Online (SNO).

This is not the first time Rufin was attacked. Reports are that on June 28, at Dennery village, the same suspects robbed him of his phone and money, and stripped him of his clothes.

Yanna Auguste

Authorities say they are investigating the death of Yanna Auguste, 30, whose semi-nude body was discovered near the Hummingbird Beach in Soufriere on Sunday, July 12, as a homicide.

Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Crime and Intelligence Milton Desir said this decision was made based on the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and the evidence gathered by investigators.

He revealed that a man is also being questioned by the police in connection with the woman’s death.

The police are trying to obtain any information that may lead to an arrest of the person or persons who might be responsible for the woman’s death.

It is not clear whether the man had any relation with the dead woman.

A post mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted later today on Yanna Auguste’s body.

Relatives believe that the former waitress was murdered.

Mervin ‘Dr. Evil’ Effrage.

Mervin Effrage, also known as Dr. Evil who was charged with the attempted capital murder of two police officers on Monday, was wanted for questioning in relation to recent shootings in Castries, according to police.

Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Crime and Intelligence Milton Desir told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Effrage was not wanted for questioning in relation to any specific shooting in the Castries basin, but some of the gun related crimes.

Effrage allegedly engaged two lawmen in gun battle last week and was shot in the leg. The officers were there to pick up Effrage to take him down to the police station for questioning.

The incident occurred on Upper Chaussee Road, Castries (near Grass Street/Marchand Road) just before 12 noon Wednesday, July 8.

Police said a 9mm pistol with eight rounds of ammunition was recovered at the scene.

In addition to the attempted murder offenses, he was also charged with the possession of a firearm and ammunition. He is currently on remand.

Yana Auguste

PRESS RELEASE - The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 32 year old, Yanna Auguste of Reduit, Gros-Islet.

On Sunday, July 13, 2015, Soufriere police responded to a report of a vehicular accident at the bottom of Anse Chastanet Hill in Soufriere.

Upon arrival, the officers discovered a partially submerged 2015 Suzuki Swift, registration number 8663.

Auguste’s body was found near the wreckage with what appeared to be injuries to the head. The body was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2015 a post mortem examination conducted on the body of Auguste revealed that she died as a result of physical trauma and asphyxia.

Anyone with information which could assist in the investigation of this incident are asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at telephone numbers 456 3752 or 456 3754.

Dave Ephraim

Police officials have confirmed that the second suspect held for the Friday, May 29, shooting in Gros Islet town has been formally charged.

Assistant Commissioner of Police for Crime and Intelligence Milton Desir said Dave Ephraim, 29, of La Feuille, Monchy made an appearance at the First District Court on Tuesday (July 14) where he was charged.

Ephraim has been charged for the offences of possession of an unlicensed firearm and attempted murder.

He was granted bail in the sum of EC$8000 or suitable surety on both charges.

Other bail conditions included: the surrender of all travel documents, curfew between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., not to attend public activities and to report to the Gros-Islet Police Station between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Desir had initially told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that an identification parade was scheduled to take place today. However, the crime chief called back to say that the suspect has already been charged and the ID parade was cancelled.

Ephraim had sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and was hospitalized for several days, before being discharged.

Gros Islet police said three individuals and two “suspects” sustained gunshot wounds during the shooting incident on Dauphin Street, Gros Islet.

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

One of the suspects, Denver Melville of Reduit, Gros-Islet, was charged with attempted murder on Thursday, June, 25. He was previously charged for possession of an illegal firearm. He was granted $5,000 bail with suitable surety or land document for that offence.

He too was given a curfew and report to the Gros-Islet Police Station daily.

PRESS RELEASE - The Carnival Planning and Marketing Authority (CPMA) is staging the annual Carnival Parade of the Bands on Monday, July 20 and Tuesday July 21, 2015 to commence near Caribbean Cinemas on the Choc Highway.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force will be responsible for the effective management of security and traffic during the two-day event.

The public is hereby advised of the route and commencement and end time of Carnival 2015.

J’ouvert

J’ouvert will commence at 4:00 a.m. and end at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2015.

Bands and revelers will assemble at Vigie Playing Field; proceed down the John Compton Highway then right onto Jeremie Street, onto Bridge Street, right onto Micoud Street, right onto Manoel Street and right onto Jeremie Street, left onto Peynier Street and up the John Compton Highway to complete the city circuit.

Parade of the Bands

The parade of the bands will commence at 10:00 a.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2015 and commence at mid-day and end at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2015.

Bands and revelers will assemble near Mega J’s onthe Choc Highway, Castries. The Bands shall parade down the Vide Bouteille Highway,utilizing the south bound lane on the dual carriageway then onto John Compton Highway, onto Peynier Street, right onto Micoud Street, right onto Manoel Street, right onto  Jeremie Street, left onto Darling Road, left onto Jn. Baptiste Street, right onto John Compton Highway to end at the original starting point.

Commuters are advised that all vehicles travelling into Castries from the north shall utilize the Grand Riviere Gros-Islet Road.This diversion shall take effect from 9:00 a.m. on July 20, 2015 and from 10:00 a.m. on July 21, 2015.

All vehicles travelling to the North shall utilize the outer lane on the dual carriageway.

The inner lane of the dual carriageway, northbound must be kept free from all vehicular traffic and shall only be utilized by emergency vehicles. The relevant signage will direct motorists accordingly.

Euzebe Lawrence.

PRESS RELEASE - The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force wishes to express sadness at the passing of former Commissioner of Police Euzebe Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence provided committed service at the highest rank of the organization between 1979 and 1982.

Notably he made his debut at the helm of the force during Saint Lucia’s Independence year – 1979. As we know this period was very transitional, and historic for the island.

Mr. Lawrence was among the first batch of police officers to be locally recruited and trained in 1947. He rose through the ranks and on the 9th of August, 1979, he was appointed Commissioner of Police.

He held that post until he retired on 30th September, 1982. He was also an active member of the St. Lucia Ex-Servicemen’s League.

During his years of retirement, the former police commissioner has been described by family, as maintaining a very keen interest in the Royal St. Lucia Police Force and his lifelong passion which was law enforcement.

He passed away on Wednesday, 15th of July, 2015 at the age of 88 years.

The Royal St. Lucia Police Force wishes to extend sincere condolence to the family of Mr. Lawrence.

Chakadan Daniel.

The Vieux Fort Court will on Friday deliver its verdict in the Chakadan Daniel case.

Magistrate Robert Innocent who is the sitting coroner will pronounce the judgment and address the jury.

Daniel was found hanging from his cell after he had been arrested two days prior for escaping lawful custody, assaulting a police officer and damaging property.

Daniel,22, was scheduled to make an appearance at the Second District Court in Dennery on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, when he was discovered dead.

A post mortem examination found that Daniel had died of asphyxia.

Relatives said that there had been numerous allegations of police beatings over the years at that particular station.

The family is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Dasrean Greene.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) has receive numerous reports of a police shooting in central Castries, however no official details have been provided.

Reports are that a male was shot by a cop between 10 p.m and 11 p.m. on Friday in the vicinity of the taxi stand/CDC building area.

It is not clear if the officer was on duty or off duty when the shooting occurred. And is not yet clear what triggered the shooting, though speculations are rife that the cop intervened during an alleged robbery.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police for Crime and Intelligence, Milton Desir,  told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that he also heard about the incident but he did not receive any official confirmation when he inquired.

Desir directed us to Press Officer Zachary Hipployte who told SNO he will seek to assist us get the information.

Numerous readers have told SNO that it is surprising that the incident occurred and nothing was reported in the media in a timely manner.

They are also surprised that the police is yet to confirm the incident.

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Police have confirmed a shooting in Castries on Friday.

The shooting occurred at around 11:00 p.m. in the vicinity of the taxi stand/CDC building area.

Public Relations Officer Zachary Hippolyte told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today (July 20) that a police officer responded to a report of an individual being assaulted.

Hippolyte said upon arriving at the scene, the officer gave chase after the alleged suspect and while doing so, the lawman was shot at.

The officer responded by discharging a round of ammunition, which led to an individual sustaining a “flesh wound.” The individual was transported to the hospital, where he was treated and later released.

Hippolyte could not say whether the alleged suspect was caught.

Details are still sketchy and the matter is still being investigated.

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A 59-year-old woman was discovered dead in her Cedar Heights, Vieux Fort home today.

The woman was discovered by her husband with a plastic bag over her head, according to reports.

She was last seen at about 8:00 a.m.

An investigation has been launched by the police.

No further details are available at this time.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 59 year old, Samdai Fraser of Cedar Heights, Vieux Fort.

On Monday, July 20, 2015, about 4:30 p.m. officers attached to the Vieux Fort Station proceeded to Cedar Heights where they discovered the body of Fraser in her dwelling house.

Fraser was lying face down in a pool of blood, with a rope around her neck and plastic bag around her mouth and neck.

Further investigations revealed that one (1) 32 inch TCL television, one (1) iPad, one (1) Play Station 3 game console and two (2) cell phones are missing.

This is the twelfth homicide for the year 2015.

Investigations are continuing into the matter.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Royal St. Lucia Police Force is taking this opportunity to express deep regret and condolences to Police Constable 779 Bryan Fraser and family on the tragic passing of his mother, 59 year old Samdai Fraser, who resided at Cedar Heights, Vieux Fort.

On Monday, July 20, 2015, about 4:30 p.m. Officers attached to the Vieux Fort Police Station responded to a call at a Cedar Heights residence where they discovered the body of   Mrs. Fraser.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force deems it fitting to rally with Officer Fraser of the Traffic Department in Castries and provide him with much needed encouragement at this very difficult time.

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Authorities believe more than one person is responsible for the sadistic slaying of a 59-year-old woman from Cedar Heights, Vieux Fort.

Samdai Fraser was discovered dead at her home on Monday (July 20) lying face down in a pool of blood, with a rope around her neck and plastic bag around her mouth and neck.

Her face had apparently been slammed to the floor of her home, police officials have said.

It is believed that Fraser may have walked in on a burglary in progress and knew her killers very well.

Reports are that several items were missing from her home: two cell phones, one 32-inch TCL television, one  iPad and one Play Station 3 game consoles.

Investigations are still ongoing.

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