Geordie lays flat on the ground, while being attacked and robbed by two bandits.

A Canadian man who was robbed on Monday (July 13) by two bandits on Water Works Road, Castries said he is disturbed by some comments made about the incident and has a serious message for his attackers.

Geordie (only name given) said he was not looking for drugs or interested in any other criminal pursuits, as suggested by a few Saint Lucians.

Rather, he was awaiting pickup at the guest house he was staying, when he was attacked and robbed.

“I came to Saint Lucia on business to provide technical support and training for employees at one of our customers, which in turn will improve skills and efficiencies leading to higher production, more business investment, and create job opportunities,” he told St. Lucia News Online (SNO).

Geordie said he is usually cautious in the area, but wasn’t expecting that he would be attacked that day.

The foreigner pointed to one of the comments which he finds disturbing. It reads: “Fooled by antics of this Canadian…Are you for real?”

He said, “I was struggling to save my butt and you call it antics. I received injuries from this situation.”

The foreigner also had a message for his attackers, “To the two young men who attacked me, I will not forgive you for the concern and anguish you have brought to my family. The loss of personal items, which are of sentimental value, can never be replaced. I hope you realize and understand the path you have chosen and that you find guidance away from it. This type behavior only worsens the future tourist and business situation in the area. Many people rely on the industry for their existence and enjoyment of life.”

Nevertheless he said, “I must say thank you to all the positive comments from the people of St Lucia regarding the situation I ended up in. I was told by people that this incident is not normal for the island and they apologized to me. This is very touching to me, thank you again. And thank you, to the bakery personnel who came to my aid.”

Meanwhile, the foreigner said he was informed of an appointment with the Ministry of Tourism for Wednesday and was looking forward to the meeting, to clarify his intentions in Saint Lucia.

However, for some reason they did not show or called to apologize for missing the appointment, or to reschedule. “I guess it is not an important tourist or business event to be concerned about,” he said.

The man was robbed of his gold chain and a cellular phone, among other items.

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Police are investigating a street brawl between of a group of young males that briefly interrupted the “last lap” of Carnival in Castries on Tuesday, July 21.

Police brought several persons into custody. It is not clear if anyone sustained injuries.

An eyewitness told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that at around 5 p.m. a group of males from Conway, Castries allegedly attacked another group of males from La Clery, Castries. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Vigie roundabout.

The eyewitness further alleged that a firearm was brandished by one of the males. A police officer nearby also pulled his firearm and the situation was quickly diffused.

“Carnival was on a pause by the Vigie roundabout. An officer almost shot a gun… he halted. Police went with the La Clery guys but they didn’t start the war. The Conway guys attacked La Clery a little after Northwest, but when La Clery retaliated the police got in and rolled on La Clery.”

The source described the scene as “pure commotion”.

“People scatter,” the eyewitness said.

A number of sources told SNO that the Carnival was not incident-free.

“Incident free? I passed a dude yesterday, four fellas buss up the dude’s face. There is no way it was incident-free. Maybe the incidents were not reported.”

SNO also received reports that a Carnival Queen contestant received face/head injuries at the hands of another female during an altercation during Carnival.

A senior police officer confirmed the brawl near the Vigie roundabout but could not provide any details. The officer was unable to confirm the incident involving the pageant contestant.

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Mason participating in the July 4, 2015 National Carnival Queen Pageant at the National Cultural Centre.

A contestant in the recent National Carnival Queen pageant was beaten during Carnival earlier this week in Castries.

The victim has been identified as Kadijha Mason, who represented the Boka Group at the July 4, 2015 National Carnival Queen pageant held at the National Cultural Centre. She did not place in the competition.

Details are sketchy at this time, but it is alleged the incident may have stemmed from an ongoing feud with at least one other contestant. She was allegedly beaten by a female and it is believed that other females were involved in the incident.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) was told that Mason sustained facial/head injuries which left her “bloody and battered” after the brawl and had to be hospitalised.

Her condition is unknown at this time, but reports on Facebook indicate that she is doing “ok”.

It is not yet clear if anyone was arrested for the incident and SNO has not been able to get any information from the police, particularly to confirm if the matter was reported.

Mason was the second runner-up and Miss Popularity winner in the 2013 Miss Gros Islet Carnival Queen Pageant.

Mason, who hails from Corinth, won the 2011 Miss St. Lucia Talented Teen and was selected to represent St. Lucia in Basseterre, St. Kitts at the Miss Caribbean Talented Teen. She also represented Saint Lucia at the 2014 Miss PJD2 Caribbean Queen Pageant in St. Maarten.

She is a past student of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and member of the Silver Shadow Dance Academy.

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The lifeless body of a young St. Lucian man was reportedly found gagged and riddled with bullets on Tuesday, July 21 in neighbouring Martinique.

The victim, Christus Joseph, believed to be in his early 20’s, is originally from Vieux Fort, but moved to Martinique several years ago.

Reports coming out of the French island are that Joseph’s body was found with bullet wounds to the head and upper torso. He is believed to have been shot about four times.

No further details available.

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A woman found dead in her Vieux Fort home died of asphyxia, a post-mortem has found.

The body of Samdai Fraser, 59, was found by her husband on Monday (July 20) at her house in Cedar Heights.

A post mortem examination was conducted on Wednesday (July 22) on the woman’s body.

Fraser was found 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.

Police believe that more than one person is responsible for the brutal murder.

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Yana Auguste

Police have released a man who was held for questioning in relation to the death of Yanna Auguste.

Auguste’s semi-nude body was discovered near the Hummingbird Beach in Soufriere on Sunday, July 12.

Crime Chief Milton Desir told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the man was taken in for questioning on Monday, July 13 and subsequently released.

Currently no one is in custody for that case, but investigations are continuing, the crime chief explained.

Mesir said there isn’t any strong evidence to hold anyone at this point for the murder.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Auguste died as a result of physical trauma and asphyxia.

Police said they are treating the case as a homicide.

Relatives also believe that the 32-year-old woman was murdered.

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Kadijha Mason

STATEMENT – It is profoundly disturbing that my triumphant and festive carnival season had to come to such a jolting and painful halt. Regardless, I would like to take the opportunity to let all concerned parties know that I am doing well and will recover from this incident.

I would also like to take the opportunity to apologise to my family, friends, community, sponsor The Boka Group and the CPMA for any unnecessary anxiety and upset that was caused. It is a lesson well learnt regarding safety especially during the Carnival season.

As a young person who enjoys the revelry and pageantry of this particular cultural event, I am saddened by the violence and alcohol abuse, which seems to have become an intricate part of this cultural festival. As a role model and ambassador I will make it my personal mantra to find ways to speak out and discourage my peers from engaging or over indulgence, not only in alcohol but also in the negativity and angst that so often leads to violence.

I take this opportunity to assure all my well-wishers that I am in no way deterred in my obligation to be an outstanding example of poise, intelligence and determination and I will continue to pursue my goals as I endeavour to be a young professional and sterling example for the youth of my nation.

With that said I extend a hearty thank you to all those who reached out to ensure my well-being including the National Carnival Queen Committee, George Alcindor MD of the Boka Group and the Honorable Lorne Theophilus. Words cannot express my gratitude and indebtedness.

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Dr. Andre R. L. Matthew MD. * Photo credit: The Star (St. Lucia)

PRESS RELEASE – The Royal St. Lucia Police Force has been the recipient of generous US support for a number of years.

As recent as May 20 to June 6, 2013, Police Commissioner Vernon Francois successfully hosted close to 300 officers and officials from 14 regional territories. The officers participated in US funded exercises focused on improving cooperation and security in the region.

The following month, on July 31, 2013, St. Lucia officially joined ALBA. Two weeks after joining ALBA, on August 16, 2013, the LEAHY LAW was swiftly applied, ending all US assistance for St. Lucia’s police officers.

It has been suggested that the LEAHY LAW was applied to St. Lucia as a result of the 12 alleged unlawful police killings during Operation Restore Confidence in 2010/2011. However, the 2014 U.S. Human Rights Report for Jamaica states, “there were 103 killings involving police.” The same report for Jamaica for 2013 states, “there were 211 killings involving police.”

The LEAHY LAW has not been applied to Jamaica, despite hundreds of alleged police killings. Their police officers continue to benefit from US funded training. Unlike St. Lucia, Jamaica is not a member of ALBA.

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Crime Chief Milton Desir (left) receiving the donation on behalf of the RSLPF from CFSTT Director Dr. Maurice Aboud.

A crime scene forensic kit was donated to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) to assist with its crime scene investigations.

The handing-over ceremony took place at the Police Training Academy on Friday, July 24, 2015.

Forensic Lab Director at the Caribbean Forensic Services of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Maurice Aboud, made this valuable donation through an affiliate agency, Alternative Security Services (St. Lucia) LTD.

Officials from the Police Force thanked Dr. Aboud for his generous donation.

Crime Chief Milton Desir said, “There is no doubt that this vital tool will enhance the crime scene investigative capabilities of the Royal Saint Lucia Force.”

Dr. Aboud, who is currently visiting Saint Lucia, plans to meet with investigators to discuss their needs and try to assist in whatever way he can.

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Acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander.

Acting Commissioner of Police Errol Alexander has responded to a number of  issues raised by President of the Police Welfare Association, Camron Laure, who has heavily criticised the commissioner for not ensuring that certain issues are addressed within the police force in a timely manner.

Alexander told media operatives on Friday (July 24) that he had received a letter from the association requesting a meeting, but was not able to respond immediately, because he was dealing with other pressing matters, particularly as it relates to preparation for Saint Lucia’s annual carnival celebrations.

However, Laure thought he had waited long enough for a response from the acting commissioner and decided to vent his frustration during a recent interview on News Pin. He raised a number of issues in relation to the police promotion policy, poor conditions of stations and transfers, among others.

Alexander’s response today wasL “Although I don’t want to pick a fight with the president of the association, since we must work together for the well-being of men and women in the force…I believe he is unreasonable and unfair in his assertions and he should mend the organisation’s wounds at this time.”

He explained to the media that he became acting police commissioner on March 23, making it over three months since he has been appointed that post. Alexander said while he has been able to address several issues since then, there are still many issues that needs to be looked into, noting that everything cannot be resolved all at once.

The acting top cop said one of the issues raised in the correspondence from the association was the state of the Soufriere Police Station. While he admits that the building is old and is in need of dire repairs, he reiterated that the force does not have the authority to do so, because it is a government department.

As a start, Alexander said a team of engineers assessed the station last Thursday and provided a report to the Ministry of Infrastructure, who will make a decision on whether to repair the building or not, or what can be done at this point.

Meanwhile, in addressing the issue of promotions and transfers, the acting police commissioner told the media that there are certain legislation to guide this process. He said there are also guidelines that must be followed in order to ensure that the right people are chosen to hold senior positions within the force.

Alexander said while the commissioner could decide on the promotion of a police officer, he believes that there should be set rules on who to promote. He said this should be done for the sake of transparency and in fairness to all police officers who are seeking to serve at a higher level.

“I am sure you would agree with me that there needs to be a yard stick, to measure who needs to be promoted or not. I will just not sit at my chair and roll a dice and promote people. There must be a process,” he asserted.

Further, he reminded that the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) is responsible for reviewing the exams for police officers. The board of examiners is made up of officials from both the Public Service and Home Affairs Ministry and the assistant police commissioner in charge of operations.

“Specifically important for us is the cry from members of the public about corrupt and crooked police officers. I am sure you would agree with me, that we would like to put our police officers through vetting, so they have a certain level of ethical standards to move on to supervisory positions,” he added.

Making reference to a recent situation where a few police officers asked for their exam results to be reviewed, Alexander noted that the police force had to pay for those reviews. In addition, the force also had to pay additional fees to hire a special tutor, to assist officers who were behind.

The acting police commissioner said while all of these issues are being looked at, he is surprised that the association has now decided to bring these issues to his attention and was looking for a quick resolution, when they were never raised before.

Nevertheless, Alexander said he is open to meeting with the executive of the association to discuss these issues. But at the same time, he also reminded that elections are due for the association and he would like to see that this process is completed, so that he can include them in discussions regarding the issues they have raised.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is mourning the death of former Police Commissioner, Euzebe Lawrence who passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2015.

A recognition funeral, celebrating the life of Mr. Lawrence will be held on Monday, July 27, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Castries.

The body will be available for paying of respects at the Police Canteen from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.

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Acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander

“I will acknowledge that about two weeks ago I did receive a letter from the president of the Police Welfare Association, it was difficult to respond immediately since we were in the centre of carnival preparation and he needed to be patient because, to me and the executive carnival had to be given precedence.

It is the biggest operational event for the police on the yearly calendar and it’s our responsibility to police this event effectively, efficiently and as best as possible incident free.

Although I don’t want to pick a fight with the President since we must work together in harmony for the well-being of the men and women in the force so they can perform at their maximum, I believe he is being unreasonable and unfair in his assertions and he should help mend the organisational wounds.

Let us visit the facts.

I became officer in charge of the organization as of the 9th of March when the Commissioner proceeded on vacation leave. This means that the Commissioner still retained most of his powers and I had to consult with him on many policy issues. I still held this position even after the Prime Minister’s address on the IMPACS report when I had the Press Conference under the theme, Reassurance in the face of trying times”, I continued my responsibilities as the Deputy until I was appointed Acting Commissioner on the 23rd of March.

Between that time and today has been a little over three months since I am the Acting Commissioner. With the guidance of the Executive and senior officers we have been able to restore a level of stability to the organization amidst all the uncertainty surrounding it within this short space of time and even today.

According to the Police Act the present Welfare association terms and conditions expired as of the end of March this year and elections were supposed to have been called to elect new branch boards for which the Executive can work from.

To date, after several meetings with the President, a new Executive has not been elected. Yes I can understand that the law makes provisions for the old Executive to hold office until a new one is in place but it still raises the issue of the President’s mandate, realistically, who is he really providing representation for? It was only two days ago in a reminder letter I was informed that a team had been selected to look into elections but no date to that effect.

These are the issues highlighted by the President in his letter received on the 2nd of June:

1. Soufriere Police Station
2. Promotions
3. Transfers
4. Special Police Constables
5. Senior constables

I have been a member of the executive for a little over 4 years and even during the tenure of this President and I have never been summoned to an executive meeting with the Welfare by Commissioner Francois. Why all of a sudden within three months these demands are being made? I am not saying that I will not meet the Welfare in due time since we must create that work synergy.

The Executive, Gazetted officers and Inspectors have worked acidulously to formulate a 2015/2016 Crime Strategy for the organization which was operationalized as of July 1st . As of the end of March counselling has been made available to police officers. There is a process to be followed since we are a government department. My preference would be to have our own within because of the barrage of problems police officers are faced with on a daily basis.
We can say with much confidence that we had a very safe and Major Incident free carnival. Is this by accident?

Within a period of 3 months we are ready to promote 27 Constables to Corporals, 11 Corporals to Sergeants and 4 Sergeants to Inspectors. All of whom have been successful in the last promotion process. I need to say bravo and congratulations to all.

The recent bug problem at the CID has been dealt with in less than three weeks. Why is that not said? A request has been made through our Ministry to the Ministry of Health to see whether assistance can be extended to the residents of CID Officers.

I am prepared and will always work with the Police Welfare however, as a disciplinary organization there are procedures and guidelines to be followed through which the Association can bring matters affecting the general welfare and efficiency of police officers to the attention of the Commissioner and Governor General.

As long as I am in the chair I will continue to lead the force in the direction of satisfying the public needs in creating a safer environment and ensuring that we be held accountable for our actions at all times. Transparency will be the order of the day. Officers will swear allegiance to the public and the organization and not to me. I will ensure that we follow the guidelines, laws, procedures and policies as stated by law.

We must move forward steadfast. We need the public and they also need us. We must work together to create a tranquil environment so all can enjoy this beautiful country of ours.”

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Dr. Iftekhar Shams, the president and CEO of Lambirds Academy, has said his business is legitimate and he was assisted by local authorities to establish a school in Saint Lucia.

A Bangladesh national, who claimed to have paid US$7,600 (EC$20,520) in admission and tuition fees to Lambirds Academy, is desperately seeking a refund.

The foreign national, who identified himself as Saydur Rahman, revealed his intention in a message sent to 16 email addresses, mainly of senior police officers, including the police commissioner, as well as the Gros Iset Police Station and the police control room. The message was also sent to a government press secretary email address.

Rahman claimed he applied for a level 3 diploma in professional cookery and bakery at Lambirds Academy Inc. and had already obtained the stamped visa in his passport from the Saint Lucia immigration and passport office. He alleged that the visa number is 003/15 which (was) signed by the chief immigration officer on January 13, 2015.

“I already send my admission fees and tuition fees in total US$ 7600 through the Commercial Bank of Ceylon and The City Bank Limited through TT to Lambirds Academy Inc. account,” Rahman said (verbatim) in his email, which included the bank wire details for Lambirds and the Bank of Nova Scotia (Rodney Bay branch).

Rahman said after he learned that Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Shams, president and CEO of Lambirds Academy Inc. was arrested, he contacted the institution “several times for refund (of) my tuition fees”. However, he claimed they told him it was too late to get the refund because Shams was arrested.

The foreign national said he contacted a senior police officer who responded to him on March 17, 2015, as follows: “I am in receipt of your request, at this time I can only indicate to you that this matter is currently under investigation here. I cannot refund you any money until the court case has been decided and the magistrate has  made an order. I would suggest you retain all documents of  your transaction with that institution to possibly  facilitate a refund if and when that can happen.”

Rahman said when he again tried to contact Lambirds for his refund, he saw a report on St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that stated that Shams was in police custody.

Shams – like the other three Lambirds officials who were arrested – was eventually granted bail in the sum of  $637,000 – $35,000 on each of seven charges, and $8,000 each on 49 charges of obtaining money by deception.

The prosecution had reportedly planned to appeal the court’s decision. It is not clear whether the matter was appealed or if Sham has paid for his release.

Rahman said his situation is “hopeless” and he wants to know how he can recover his money.

“Kindly help me to refund my tuition fees as I was send through with the proper evidence of International Bank rules,” he said (verbatim) in the email. “I am eagerly waiting for your reply.”

A senior police officer has confirmed that the email was received, but said there is nothing the authorities can do at this time.

“He is not the only person who is requesting a refund, but the law is the law. He just has to wait for the conclusion of the case and how long that takes we don’t know,” the senior officer told SNO.

Over 70 foreign nationals were left stranded in Saint Lucia by the scandal, which has led to the closure of the Academy and the arrest of four alleged members of the management team, including Shams. They were charged with human trafficking and money laundering.

The money laundering trial begins on August 12 at the Gros-Islet Court, and the human trafficking and forgery charges trial begins July 29 at the Castries Court.

Some of the students have since been repatriated.

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Arthur Allain successfully defended his Groovy Soca title almost a week ago.

Groovy Soca Monarch Arthur Allain is offering a reward of $1,000 for the return of his Macbook which was stolen along with other items during a burglary at his home on Saturday, July 25.

Allain told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Saturday, the perpetrators entered his Bois d’Orange, Gros Islet home by tampering with the front door and stole his 13″ Macbook Pro with a multi-coloured (blue, siver, pink) casing and a TCL 25″ flat screen TV/monitor.

No one was at home at the time of the burglary.

Allain said the Macbook contains “very important” information for both his school and musical purposes.

“(The) Macbook contains unreleased material, as well as lesson plans and records for my job as a teacher,” the artiste said.

He said some of the information was backed up elsewhere. He added that this is the second time a Macbook was being stolen from his house.

Persons with any information regarding the stolen items are asked to contact him.

The incident comes almost a week after Allain successfully defended his Groovy Monarch title.

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Errol Alexander

Acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander said he is unaware of plans to retire a group of senior police officers from the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).

Alexander said he would not be able to confirm such “rumours”, but has informed the local media that if such a situation arises, he will know how to deal with it.

“I take it as rumour, because there are no facts…If the time comes then from my standpoint, I will know what to do, because I think I have enough experience to know what to do,” he said.

Recent media reports indicate that the authorities are considering retiring at least four senior officers in the public’s interest, who could be written soon.

Alexander’s appointment as acting commissioner of police for the past three months comes to an end on Friday, July 31. It is unclear whether he is one of the said officers that could be sent on retirement.

Some believe that Vernon Francois, who has been on leave for several months now, could return as commissioner of police, while others have a different opinion.

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.

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.

There have been reports that the police force is expected to undergo a major reform.

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Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy

 “Know you laws” is a production of the Press Office of the Royal St Lucia Police Force.

Did You Know?

According to section 16 “COMPELLABILITY: GOVERNOR GENERAL, ETC.” of the Evidence Act 2008

(1) The Governor General, or the Head of State of a foreign country is not compellable to give evidence.

(2) A member of the House of Assembly or Senate of Saint Lucia is not compellable to give evidence, if the member would thereby be prevented from attending—

(a) a sitting of the House of Assembly or the Senate of Saint Lucia or a joint sitting of the House of Assembly and Senate of Saint Lucia; or

(b) a meeting of a Committee of the House of Assembly or Senate of Saint Lucia.

17. COMPETENCE AND COMPELLABILITY: JUDGES AND JURORS

(1) A person who is acting as a judge or juror in proceedings is not competent to give evidence in the proceedings.

(2) A person who is or was acting as a judge in proceedings is not compellable to give evidence about the proceedings unless the court gives leave.

This has been “Know Your Laws”. We at the Royal Saint Lucia Police force encourage the citizenry to read and study the laws which governs our society. Never forget that knowledge is power.

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“Know you laws” is a production of the Press Office of the Royal St Lucia Police Force.

Did You Know?

According to the Coroners Act 2008 Chapter 2.16

4. NOTICE OF DEATH

(1) Any person who becomes aware of an unnatural death shall, as soon as practicable, give notice of the death to the nearest coroner or to a police officer at the nearest police station.

(2) Any police officer to whom a death is reported under subsection (1) shall, as soon as practicable, give notice of the death to the coroner of the district in which the body is.

11. PROCEEDINGS AT INQUEST

(1) It shall not be mandatory for a coroner holding an inquest to view the dead body and the validity of such an inquest shall not be questioned in any court on the ground that the coroner did not view the body.

(2) The coroner shall, examine on oath concerning the death, all persons who tender evidence as to the facts of the death and all persons having knowledge of those facts who he or she considers it expedient to examine.

(3) The coroner shall, after hearing the evidence, give his or her verdict and certify it by an inquisition and inquire of and find the particulars required under the Civil Code to be registered concerning the death.

(4) An inquisition, which shall be in the form set out in the schedule, shall be in writing under the hand of the coroner and shall set out so far as such particulars have been proved, who the deceased person was and how and where he or she came by his or her death.

(5) At a coroner’s inquest into the death of a person who came by his or her death by murder, manslaughter or infanticide, the purpose of the proceedings shall not include the finding of any person guilty of the murder, manslaughter or infanticide and accordingly a coroner’s inquisition shall in no case charge a person with any of those offences.

(6) Where an inquest is held, the coroner shall, as soon as is practicable but in any event no later than 5 days after the findings of the inquest is given, send to the registrar of deaths of the district a certificate under his or her hand—
(a) giving information concerning the death;
(b) specifying the findings in respect of the particulars which for the time being are required under the Civil Code to be registered concerning the death;
(c) specifying the time and place at which the inquest was held.

16. INQUEST WITH JURY

When an unnatural death is reported to or comes to the knowledge of a coroner and the death—

(a) occurred in a prison or a correctional centre or other place of confinement for persons accused or convicted of any offence;

(b) occurred while the person was in police custody or resulted from an injury sustained by the person while in police custody;

(c) occured while the person was a resident of or a patient in a place for the treatment or rehabilitation of mentally disordered persons;

(d) was caused by an accident, poisoning or disease notice of which is required to be given under any Act;

(e) occurred in circumstances the continuance or possible recurrence of which is prejudicial to the health or safety of the public or any section of the public, the coroner shall hold an inquest with a jury and shall for that purpose proceed to summon a jury in the manner provided for under this Act.

23. JURY DECISION

(1) After hearing the evidence, the jury shall give its verdict and certify it in writing, setting out, so far as the particulars have been proved to them, who the dead person was and how, when and where he or she came to his or her death.

(2) The jury shall also inquire of and find the particulars for the time being required under the Civil Code to be registered concerning the death.

(3) A verdict or finding may be returned by the majority of the jurors.

(4) If at least 3 of the jurors cannot agree on a verdict, the coroner may record the findings of those facts, if any, that at least 3 of the jurors have agreed on.

(5) The coroner shall then submit to the Attorney General the evidence taken at the inquest, together with the findings of fact, if any, that at least 3 of the jurors have agreed on.

(6) The Attorney General may order the coroner to summon another jury to hold another inquest or may take other action that he or she considers proper.

29. INQUEST PUBLIC

An inquest shall be open to the public but the coroner may hold all or part of the hearing closed to the public—

(a) if the coroner is of the opinion that national security might be endangered; or

(b) if a person is charged with an indictable offence under the Criminal Code and relevant evidence about that person’s conduct may be given at the inquest.

32. ATTORNEY GENERAL’S POWERS IN RELATION TO INQUESTS

(1) A person may apply to the Attorney General to have an inquest reopened on the grounds that new evidence has arisen or has been discovered after the conclusion of the proceedings by the coroner.

(2) The Attorney General may direct that the coroner reconsider the matter if he or she considers that the evidence referred to in subsection (1)—
(a) is substantial and material to the inquest; and
(b) did not exist at the time of the inquest or did exist at the time but was not discovered and could not through the exercise of due diligence have been discovered.

(3) The Attorney General may order an inquest or another inquest to be held concerning a death if he or she is satisfied—
(a) that a coroner refuses or neglects to hold an inquest that ought to be held; or
(b) if an inquest has been held, that it is necessary and desirable in the interest of justice that another inquest be held because of fraud, rejection of evidence, irregularity of proceedings, or otherwise.

(4) If the Attorney General orders another inquest, the coroner ordered to hold it has for that purpose, the same powers and jurisdiction as the coroner who held the first inquest.

This has been “Know Your Laws”. We at the Royal Saint Lucia Police force encourage the citizenry to read and study the laws which governs our society. Never forget that knowledge is power.

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Acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander.

Acting Commissioner of Police Errol Alexander said on Tuesday that all law enforcement officials should learn a lesson from the Chakadan Daniel inquest report.

Alexander said the action of law enforcement officials is always subject to review and people have the right to question police action and sometimes the results are not always favourable.

“That is a lesson for us to learn from as police officers and all law enforcement officers,” he said.

The acting police chief noted that there are certain guidelines, laws and procedures that have been put in place for police to follow and they should at all times be adhered to.

“I think if they follow these guidelines it will help to minimise such incidents of deaths in police custody. Because when we have prisoners in custody we have to ensure their safety,” he explained.

Alexander also confirmed that the file is now with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Victoria Charles Clarke, who will decide on the next step. Until then, there is still a presumption of innocence.

While noting that he is not condoning the alleged unlawful behaviour of police, Alexander said he stands in solidarity with the accused officers and would ask other officers to give their support to them.

Nevertheless, he said the court will decide whether they are innocent or not.

The acting police commissioner said he cannot confirm rumours that the Daniel’s family has been threatened.

A coroner’s inquest found that 22-year-old Chakadan Daniel was “unlawfully killed.”

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Minister Emma Hippolyte. Photo credit: www.kreolmagazine.com

Minister for Commerce, Business Development, Investment and Consumer Affairs Emma Hippolyte has confirmed reports that her office was searched by police for a second time on Thursday, July 23.

Hippolyte however did not state the reason behind the police conducting further searches at her office.

The commerce minister would not say more, other than: “I don’t want to speculate…I can’t say what is the reason for the search, but yes, they were at my office on Thursday.”

According to reports, the police had threatened to break down the minister’s door on March 24, 2015 after being refused entry into the minister’s office, while she was at parliament.

Hippolyte later told a Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) public meeting that police went ahead with searches at her office and Invest Saint Lucia office, as part of investigations into the Lambirds Academy scam.

It was reported that two employees of both offices were questioned and made sworn statements to the police. These same employees were expected to appear in court.

Hippolyte had said her ministry is cooperating fully with the police on this matter. This message was also conveyed to Minister of National Security Victor La Cobiniere and the Commissioner of Police.

The minister later offered a more comprehensive explanation on the issue to the National Assembly.

The trial for those charged in connection with the Lambirds Academy affair begins July 29 at the Castries Court.

That trial will look at the forgery charges, while the money laundering trial is set to begin on August 12 at the Gros Islet Court.

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Minister Alvina Reynolds

Two of the most recent homicides have rocked the nation and sparked several discussions about the need to improve security and reduce any chances of this happening again.

But Human Services Minister Alvina Reynolds has a different view and has offered some advise to the citizenry in this regard.

The minister said Saint Lucian men and boys needs to be thought how to respect women and human life.

The minister said for too long, things just go through the motions and it is time that people take these issue very seriously.

“There is a crime against a woman, they want leaders and speak and we go back to sleep. I am saying to mothers and fathers, that we have created some monsters in this country and these chickens are coming home to roost,” she stated.

Reynolds was referring to the gruesome deaths of 59-year old Samdai Fraser, who was found lying face-down in a pool of blood, with a rope around her neck and plastic bag around her mouth on Monday, July 20 in Vieux Fort, and 32-year-old Yanna Auguste whose semi-nude body was discovered on a beach in Soufriere on Sunday, July 12.

“What would make any person go to do that to a young lady, a hard worker, driving her own car? The lady down from Vieux Fort was a good woman from what I understand, who produced a police officer and is a church member. What would make someone enter her home and take her life in that horrible manner?” the minister questioned.

Reynolds said crime prevention is not only the business of the police, but it starts at the home. She said this lesson should continue into the church and in schools. “We have to continue to teach our men to respect women, respect life and respect each other,” she asserted.

“I understand sometimes there is gang violence, where people don’t get along. But when you step out and go into somebody’s personal space, in their car and home, and take their life, you are looking at a very serious situation,” Reynolds added.

The minister said she is disturbed by the level of violence perpetrated against women across Saint Lucia.

There have been reports that at least seven women have been raped so far this year.

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