Lambirds Academy students who were trafficked to Saint Lucia.

Saint Lucia remains under the US State Department’s Tier 2 Watch List for its anti-human trafficking efforts, making it the fifth consecutive year in that category.

In its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, the US acknowledged that Saint Lucia has made significant efforts to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but does not fully comply.

Overall, the US report said Saint Lucia made a few “discernible efforts” to prevent trafficking.

The issue involving dozens of foreign nationals from Nepal, India and the Philippines being trafficked here, was highlighted in the report.

While the report noted that an inter-agency anti-trafficking task force was activated to deal with this issue, it said concerns arose about a lack of coordination among agencies and with NGOs.

It highlighted the fact that the government investigated and charged four men with potential trafficking, internet fraud, and money laundering crimes involving the Asian youth.

“This represents an increase from the previous year when it did not initiate any investigations nor charge any trafficking defendants,” the report stated.

The government did not report prosecuting or convicting any traffickers or public officials complicit in trafficking in the past four years.

The US report also said officials provided ongoing assistance to four previously identified sex trafficking victims and trained relevant professionals on trafficking.

It was also highlighted that Saint Lucia remains a source and destination country for persons subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour.

“Legal and illegal immigrants from the Caribbean and South Asia, especially those working in domestic service, are the groups most vulnerable to human trafficking,” the report said.

The report further states that there are indications of internal prostitution of St. Lucian children, third-party prostitution of children under 18 is a form of human trafficking.

It was also noted that foreign women in prostitution are also vulnerable to sex trafficking.

According to police and NGOs, pimps, strip club operators, and brothel owners are the most likely sex trafficking perpetrators in Saint Lucia.

The report said, “St. Lucian citizens are subjected to trafficking in the United Kingdom and other Caribbean countries. Off duty police officers sometimes provided security for sex trade establishments.”

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The mother holding a tree branch in her right hand, while beating on her teen daughter who is on the floor.

A disturbing video that shows a mother beating her teenage daughter has gone viral.

The video is alleged to have been taken in Saint Lucia and was posted on the St. Lucians Aiming For Progress (SLAP) page.

It is alleged that the teen girl was expected to return home early, but did not obey her mother’s rule.

A large number of persons have since expressed their views on the matter.

One person said, “You guys may not be forward thinking enough to not want to abuse your children and you may call it tough love, but there must be better enforcement of the laws.”

“There should be educational seminars for young mothers. There has to be an agency that makes sure people like this get the punishment they deserve.”

Another person said, “My grandmother helped raise me. She only would hit me a handful of times, but not like that. Never like that. My god. I fear for the children of the people commenting to say that its OK.”

Woman rights activist Felicia Browne said: “Corporal punishment should be banned- within the homes, schools and by the State. The State should ensure that the Children’s act is upheld. Violence or brute force ought not be used on children.”

Someone else said, “Frustration can cause a lot. Sometimes she must be talking to her daughter but she never listens. Finally she passes some blows, only to hear mommy: “I will listen, mommy I will listen.”

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Lionel sustained multiple chop wounds in an incident last year.

A 35-year-old man became the island’s latest homicide victim.

Reports are that Tennyson Lionel of Ciceron, Castries sustained gunshot wounds at around 2:20 a.m. this morning near Chateau Blanch in Morne Du Don, Castries.

He reportedly sustained two gunshot wounds.

Lionel celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, July 29, a few hours before he was killed.

He is the 13th homicide victim.

Lionel is no stranger to the news.

He was the victim of a chopping incident last year. Reports are that he was brought to Victoria Hospital bleeding profusely from wounds to his head and arms at about 2:30 am on Saturday, April 5, 2014.

Lionel also made the news earlier that same year, as the victim of a robbery on Jeremie Street on Saturday, January 11, 2014.

In 2012, Lionel was ordered to pay a total of $1,500 for drug charges.

He was arrested in Bexon during a police operation on Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 at about 1:30 a.m. and appeared in court the same day on the charges of possession of a controlled drug (cannabis) and possession with the intent to supply a controlled drug.

Lionel pleaded guilty on both charges and was fined $750 to be paid by November 15, 2012 on the charge of possession of a controlled drug, and $750 to be paid by February 15, 2013 on the charge of possession with the intent to supply a controlled drug.

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PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 35 year old, Tennyson Lionel also known as “ten cents” of Ciceron, Castries.

On Thursday, July 30, 2015, about 2:30 a.m. police responded to a report of shooting at Morne Du Don, Castries.

Upon arrival, the police discovered Lionel in a prone position on the road in what appeared to be a pool of blood.

Lionel was transported to the Victoria Hospital where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

A post mortem examination has been scheduled for 1:00 p.m. todays’ date.

This is the thirteenth homicide for the year 2015.

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Tennyson Lionel. * Photo from Facebook

Police sources have expressed concern that the island’s latest homicide victim, Tennyson “10 Cents” Lionel, is the second person, who has an ongoing case against a notorious criminal, to be murdered.

Lionel of Ciceron, Castries, was shot to death in Morne Du Don, Castries early this morning, hours after celebrating his 35th birthday.

A senior police official, who requested anonymity, told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Lionel was an eyewitness and victim in an ongoing robbery case.

Police said in a press release that Lionel was robbed on Jeremie Street, Castries on January 11, 2014. A man was charged with the incident and is now behind bars.

The senior cop said investigators believe his death may be linked to his robbery case.

“Yes, that is one of the leads we are exploring… It could be pure coincidence but we would not be surprised if it’s not,” the source said.

The first victim was fatally shot on April 24, 2014 at about 9:30 a.m. in Bois Patat, Morne Du Don – eight months after surviving a shooting in the same community.

Like Lionel,  the Bois Patat victim was an eyewitness in the first shooting he survived. The suspect in that shooting is the same man accused of robbing Lionel.

“Both Lionel and Simon had an ongoing case case against the man, who is still behind bars,” the source confirmed.

The senior officer said other possible motives are also being investigating.

“Lionel was also the victim of a chopping incident and he was also arrested for cannabis possession in the past so we are looking at all leads,” the source added.

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Tennyson Lionel. * Photo from Facebook

Police officials have confirmed that a post-mortem examination conducted on the body of Tennyson Lionel, on Thursday, revealed that he died from brain damage secondary to gunshot wounds.

Lionel who is better known as “10 Cents” was shot to death in Morne du Don, Castries early Thursday morning, hours after celebrating his 35th birthday.

The 35-year-old father of four, including a seven-month-old child, was found lying on the Morne du Don Road in a pool of blood with spent shells nearby.

He was taken to Victoria Hospital where he was pronounced dead at around 3:00 a.m.

Lionel was robbed on Jeremie Street, Castries on January 11, 2014. A man was charged with the incident and is now behind bars. Police investigators believe his death may be linked to his robbery case.

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Not the minibus involved in the incident.

Police said they are investigating an incident early Sunday afternoon in which a Gros Islet bus driver was taken to hospital after he was assaulted for allegedly hitting a female pedestrian with his vehicle and speeding off.

The female, believed to be in her early 20s, was treated for minor injuries.

A senior police official told St. Lucia News Online that the details are sketchy at this moment, but confirmed that the lawmen received reports that the bus driver was assaulted due to a hit and run incident.

SNO was told that after the accident, the bus driver was pursued by persons in another vehicle, who stopped him near Friendship Inn, Sunny Acres and assaulted him.

It is not clear what relation the persons who carried out the alleged assault have with the pedestrian.

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Richfond Police Station

Acting Commissioner of Police Errol Alexander has promised to release an official statement on the shooting attack on the Richfond Police Station in Dennery that occurred over one week ago.

Speaking to HTS Newsforce, which broke the story on Friday, July 31, Alexander said he is concerned “very much so” on the drive-by shooting, but did not provide any additional details.

“Well, I will make a statement in relation to that in due time, sometime next week (this week),” he told HTS.

Asked by the HTS reporter if he is concerned about the shooting, Alexander said, “Very much so but I will make a statement sometime next (this) week.”

Reports are that an individual or individuals opened fire on the station, startling on-duty police officers. Members of the community also reported hearing the barrage of gunshots.

There were no reports of injuries.

Officers from the station have been reportedly reluctant to speak on the matter, as they were allegedly instructed not to do so until or if the commissioner releases an official statement on the matter.

News of the attack on the police station have been so secretive that a number of police officers told St. Lucia News Online that they were only now being informed of the incident when our news team contacted them.

Several others claimed that they were first informed on Friday night after watching the HTS report.

An officer remarked that everyone is relieved that no one was injured in the attack.

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Police officers who did not receive promotions this time are advised to look at the positive side and try again.

This was the sentiment of Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, who delivered the feature address titled “New Times, New Leadership”, at the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Parade and Promotions Ceremony held at Derek Walcott Square in Castries on Sunday, August 2.

Forty-two police officers were officially promoted. (PHOTOS: Press Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister)

The prime minister said: “Even those who went through the promotions process but were not successful at this time must look with camaraderie at what has been achieved by you. Understandably, there will be some who are bitterly disappointed but remember, promotions are a regular feature and opportunities will come again. How disappointment is handled says a lot about the person and the individual.”

Dr. Anthony said even in law enforcement, healthy competition is always good, and the Force must not be a place that harbours hatred and ill-will.

“Society will have more confidence in a police force in which they know officers are led by women and men of character, courage and independence, totally and absolutely committed to applying the law without motive, ill-will or malice. The Police Force must not be a place of refuge for those who harbour hatred and ill-will to others, be it their neighbour or otherwise.”

He said promotions in the past have always been a “vexed issue”.

“It has undoubtedly been a source of anxiety and embarrassment for the entire force, with accusations of cliques and circles holding sway when it came to advancement through the ranks.”

He said It has taken some time to design and implement a formula for promotions in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. This new system, he said may not be perfect but it is far better than what exited in the past.

“Whatever flaws exist, we need to resolve them as it is vital that all police officers are confident in the decisions yielded by the process.”

The prime minister added that a professional and disciplined organisation can never afford to have its system of promotions be based on “favouritism, or nepotism, or merely the subjectivisms and opinions of a few”.

He said promotions should never be a “tool of discrimination or victimisation or the advancement of self-serving agendas”.

“The negative effects of such forms of promotion are clear to us all: demotivation and demoralisation, corruption, abuse of power, disrespect and insubordination, and indeed, even attrition of those who are frustrated. Furthermore, if the public holds no confidence in law enforcement promotions, it stands to reason they may likely hold little confidence in the enforcement of the law itself.”

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Missing: Lucia Mc Phee

A 61-year-old woman has been reported missing.

She has been identified as Lucia Mc Phee, better known as Lyn, originally from Gros Islet but resided in Paix, Babonneau with her husband, Elwyn Joseph Lurice.

Mc Phee was reported missing on July 24, 2015.

She was last seen wearing a yellow cap, red hair tie, floral-coloured top, and carrying a hand bag.

Mc Phee is about 5 feet, dark in complexion and has dark hair.

An appeal is made to anyone with information surrounding her whereabouts. They’re are asked to report to the Babonneau Police Station at 456-4120 or 726-0205.

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PRESS RELEASE – The public is hereby advised of the following amendments made to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act 2008.

Section 85. Failing to Produce a Driver’s Licence, Permit or other Driver’s Identification and Registration Document.

(1) On every occasion when a person drives a motor vehicle or trailer, that person shall have possession of his or her valid driver’s licence, permit or other driver’s identification document and the registration document in relation to the motor vehicle or trailer.

(2) A traffic officer may stop and request a driver to produce his or driver’s licence, permit or other driver’s identification document, the certificate of registration or other registration document issued under this Act or the applicable law in relation to a motor vehicle or trailer being driven.

(3) Where a request is made under subsection (2), the driver to whom the request is made shall produce immediately for examination by the traffic officer-

(a) His or her driver’s licence, permit or other driver’s identification document: and

(b) The certificate of registration or other registration documents, which must include the certificate of insurance or such evidence as may be prescribed in relation to the use of the motor vehicle.

(4) A person who contravenes subsection (3) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both.

“Therefore, please be advised that the period of 48 hours to produce documents under Section 85 is no longer applicable”.

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Members of the local police force on duty. * Photo credit: St. Lucia Star

One of the police officers who was a member of the Operation Restore Confidence (ORC) task force, which was accused of extra-judicial killings by the United States (US) government as well as a special investigation, was yesterday denied entry into the US, a reliable source has told St. Lucia News Online (SNO).

According to the senior law enforcement source, who requested anonymity, the police officer was scheduled to attend a family event in New York but when he checked in with the airline yesterday, he was told he couldn’t travel based on instructions from the US Embassy.

The cop was advised to contact the US Embassy for more information, the source added.

“The officer believes he was denied entry because of the IMPACS report,” the source noted.

Our source is investigating another report that the visa of another officer who was involved in ORC was revoked.

“The officer noted that while at the airport he saw another police officer who was travelling to the US and he had no problems,” the source added.

The police officer suspects that a list of the names of the officers involved in the controversial operation were submitted to the US authorities, the source added.

The police officer is the third known member of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to have been denied entry to the US.

The visa of former Deputy Commissioner of Police Moses Charles was revoked. Charles was in charge of operations when the alleged “extra judicial killings” occurred.

Commissioner of Police Vernon Francois, who is now being retired from the Force,  was denied entry to the United States to attend security meetings with officials of the United States, though his visa was not revoked.

ABOUT ORC

Between 2010 and 2011, 12 persons were killed during encounters with officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. The alleged extra-judicial killings were carried during “Operation Restore Confidence” – an initiative then Prime Minister Stephenson King announced on May 30, 2010 in an address to the nation.

The police operation was in response to an unprecedented wave of homicides and violent crimes between 2008 and 2010, particularly in the northern half of the island.

However the shootings resulted in a backlash for St. Lucia. The United States (US), citing human rights concerns, took action against the St. Lucia police force and the government.

The US ceased all financial and technical assistance to the St. Lucia Coast Guard. In addition, the Government of St. Lucia was banned from purchasing ammunition from the US for its American-made weapons.

Members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force could no longer participate in any training programme sponsored or financed by the United States. Police officers were also denied participation in training activities in the Regional Security System (RSS), once the training programme was sponsored or financed by the United States.

There were still more consequences. The visa of the former Deputy Commissioner of Police, Moses Charles, who led the special task force during Operation Restore Confidence, was revoked. Commissioner of Police, Vernon Francois, was denied entry to the US, even to attend security meetings with officials of the US. Francois’ visa was however not revoked.

Responding to the US sanctions, and in a bid to have them removed, the St. Lucia government had to show proof that it is taking corrective steps to deal with the situation.

As such, the government secured, through the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), the services of a team of investigators from the Jamaican Constabulary Force to investigate all instances of alleged “extra judicial killings” by members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

The team comprised eight investigators including a ballistic expert, a legal advisor, a data entry specialist, a cyber-crime analyst, and detective investigators.

In a 27-minute address to the nation on March 8, 2015,  Prime Minister Anthony  released the main findings of the IMPACS investigation, confirming 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.

Prime Minister Anthony said the report of the investigators are “extremely damning” and “brings home the extreme gravity of this matter”. He said these findings relate not only to those officers who were involved in the operations, but members of the “high command of the police force” who may have been involved in “covering up these matters”.

Dr. Anthony explained: “The report confirms that the black list or death list referenced by the media, human rights organisations, victims, families and citizens alike did exist. More alarmingly, the investigators report that all the shootings reviewed were fake encounters staged by the police to legitimise their actions.

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Alexander

Acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander has sent a stern warning to criminals after a number of attacks on the police in recent times.

Speaking on Wednesday’s “Call The Police” programme on state-owned Radio Saint Lucia, Alexander said: “We had our meeting last week with the Police High Command and we are on high alert in relation to defending ourselves.

“So I am sending a message out there that if the criminals think that we are in Jamaica, we are not in Jamaica, we are in Saint Lucia, and we will take whatever measures necessary to protect the safety of our police officers.”

Alexander’s comments come days after reports surfaced that unknown individuals opened fire on the Richfond Police Station in Dennery on Sunday July 26, 2015 at about 4:30 a.m. No one was injured.

The top cop also disclosed that missiles were reportedly thrown at police officers on patrol on Chaussee Road in Castries.

But Alexander said the police is not backing down and will use whatever is necessary to defend themselves.

“I want to inform criminals that we are not flat on our backs and we have a right to defend ourselves and we have a right to match force with force, and if they believe they have more force than us, well fine,” Alexander said

The commissioner also disclosed that several young men confronted a police constable on the last day of Carnival, however the officer “froze”.

“That is why something did not happen. But I am saying if you are so bold in doing so we will be bold in taking the relevant action that we have to take. We have to protect ourselves,” he said.

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PRESS RELEASE – On Wednesday, August 5, 2015 about 9:30 a.m. officers attached to the Babonneau Station responded to a report of a serious accident in Balata, Babonneau.

Sports utility vehicle registration number # PK3801, driven by Nigel Travis of Cap Estate, Gros-Islet was travelling in a southerly direction and a motorcycle driven by Theobalds Jr. Felix of Balata, Babonneau was travelling in the opposite direction when they collided.

As a result of the collision, Felix (26 years old) was transported to the Victoria Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

A post mortem examination has been scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2015.

This is the seventh fatal road accident for the year 2015.

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Curtis

A young male has died as a result of a shooting in Blackstars, Morne Du Don, Castries Thursday night at around 9 p.m.

The deceased, 18-year-old Curtis Charlery, formerly of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School.

Another male sustained injuries in the same incident. He reported to be in serious but stable condition at hospital.

Residents reported hearing about 10 or more explosions at around 9 p.m. followed shortly by the sound of sirens.

An eyewitness said Curtis died at the scene of the shooting while emergency personnel worked on him.

“I saw ambulance crew doing their best to save this young teen’s life,” a man stated on Facebook.

Police sources theorise that the shooting is gang related.

This is the 14th homicide of 2015 and the second homicide in Morne Du Don within eight days.

On Thursday, July 30, at about 2:30 a.m., Tennyson Lionel, also known as “Ten Cents” of Ciceron, Castries, was gunned down in Morne Du Don – several hours after celebrating his 35th birthday.

A post mortem examination revealed that Lionel died from brain damage secondary to gunshot wounds, according to a police press release.

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Forensic officers examine the corpse at a homicide scene. The victim was Michael Joseph who was fatally shot near the Marketing Board, Castries in April 2015.

“Weekend Crime Prevention Tips” is a production of the Press Office of the Royal St Lucia Police Force.

Crime prevention means being aware of your environment and remaining alert to situations that could make you vulnerable to crime. We cannot list specific measures that will protect you from every threatening situation, which may arise.

Instead, we hope to teach you how to think “Crime Prevention” in day-to-day living.

Health & Safety for Civilians at Crime Scenes

1. Stay away from blood or bloody scenes
Reason: Blood and other body fluids contain potentially infectious disease-causing microorganisms (cannot be seen with the naked eye) which can infect an unknowing bystander. These infections include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C (both affect liver) and HIV

2. Keep outside of the cordon that is set up by the Police
Reason: The cordon protects the scene from the public and protects the public from the hazards of the scene. It minimizes contamination at the scene and exposure to disease-causing organisms.

3. Do not approach a scene involving gun-fire
Reason: Perpetrator(s) may be lurking around and civilians may end up being victims because the gunfire has not yet ceased or the perpetrator may target any civilian who approaches the scene.

4. Especially at burglary scenes, leave the scene undisturbed, and call the Police immediately
Reason: Tampering with/touching anything at the scene interferes with the scene, making it more difficult to investigate because of contamination. Also the civilian automatically becomes a suspect. Civilians should also be wary of sharp objects/ surfaces which can cause bodily harm. Even medically-trained civilians may try to preserve life, as is mandatory after calling 911, but they MUST also REMAIN at the scene to speak with investigators about their involvement.

5. Be careful of walking onto a crime scene.
Reason: Civilians may be exposed to harmful substances in body fluids which they transfer to their homes when they walk on or near a crime scene. Family at home now becomes exposed to the potential hazards.

This has been your weekend crime tips. Do have an enjoyable and safe weekend.

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On Thursday, July 6, photos of a police pickup laden with crates of beer were shared on popular Facebook group, St. Lucians Aiming For Progress (SLAPS).

The post was shared by a number of individuals who vented their disgust with the lawmen, saying government vehicles should not be used for personal activities.

One person stated: “This is what a friend sent me today. Police pick-up being used for personal use. Since when the police van is used to transport cases of beers to Morne Du Don? This is how public servants misuse the state’s assets.”

However, the police have since cleared the air, stating that the beers were being transported for a police BBQ and dance in Choiseul.

The officers are upset that members of the public criticised the police without getting the facts.

“Typical Lucian mentality,” was how one of the officers described the unfounded criticisms.

“I was on board this vehicle. At the time we were on our way to an officer’s home to collect some documents we needed. The stuff on the back of the vehicle is for a BBQ and dance we’re having in Choiseul tomorrow (Friday.”

The event, called “After Work Lime 2015″, is being organised by Police Week Committee, and will be held outside the Choiseul/Saltibus Constituency Office in Choiseul, starting at 4:30 p.m.

One of the officers told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that people should ask questions before jumping to conclusions.

“Just that as police officers we deserve to have time to free up. Ours is a stressful job, and we deserve to have some down time. The incident yesterday shows how very lowly the police are regarded by the people of our nation.”

Despite the corrections, the photos are still being circulated with the false accusation.

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Just over an hour after two young males were shot multiple times Thursday night in Blackstars, Morne Du Don, killing one of them, police were summoned to the scene of another shooting.

Police have disclosed that 20-year-old Nicholas William of Morne Du Don, Castries was shot in the back of the head in Bois Patat, Castries at about 10:20 p.m.

He is now in critical condition at Victoria Hospital, police said.

No further details were provided, however sources claimed that three young men were sitting under a tree when two males walked up to them and shot William in the head.

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Armani Paul (left) and Curtis Charlery.

One of two males who sustained gunshot wounds in an attack in Blackstars, Morne Du Don, Castries on Thursday night is currently battling for life in hospital, according to a police report.

Armani Paul of Morne Du Don is currently at Victoria Hospital in critical condition, police said in a press release.

The other victim of the shooting, 18-year-old Curtis Charlery of Morne Du Don, succumbed to his injuries.

The shooting occurred around 9 p.m.

Police said they discovered Paul and Charley lying on the ground when they arrived on the scene. Charley was motionless and succumbed to his injuries at Victoria Hospital, police said.

Both victims reportedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

No one has been arrested to date and police sources theorise the shooting was gang-related.

This is the 14th homicide for 2015.

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A young man who was shot in the head on Thursday in Castries was rushed back to hospital yesterday afternoon – several hours after he was sent home.

Nicholas William, 20, of Morne Du Don, Castries sustained gunshot wounds to the back of the head in Bois Patat on Thursday, shortly after 10 p.m. Two other males who were in his company escaped injuries when they fled as the shots were being fired.

Nicholas was admitted to Victoria Hospital in serious but stable condition, though a police press release indicated that his condition was “critical”.

His sister, Shala William, told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) on Saturday that her brother was treated and discharged  around mid-morning Friday, less than 12 hours after he was shot. He did an x-ray before he was released, she said.

“The nurse said there is nothing they can do. We were given a list of the symptoms of head trauma and what to expect…. They said the bullet is out, it was under the skin,” Shala said.

The hospital also advised the family to return Nicholas to the hospital if his condition worsens.

And that’s exactly what they did Friday afternoon at about 5:30 p.m. – about five hours after his release – when his health deteriorated.

“He was in a lot of pain, he was throwing up and his eyes were turning over. He said he couldn’t take it anymore, to bring him back. He is now admitted and is on drips,” the sister said.

Relatives are now awaiting the results of a CT scan that was done on Nicholas at about 9 pm. Friday at Tapion Hospital. The CT scan will show if William has any underlying issues in the brain, particularly bleeding and swelling.

His family is concerned that a CT scan was not ordered when he was first admitted. They’re always concerned that Victoria Hospital, the main public hospital in St. Lucia, is yet to have its own CT scan machine.

Meanwhile, in regards to the shooting incident, the family believes Nicholas was an innocent victim.

Shala said her brother, who is unemployed, was not involved in any gangs or criminal activity, and may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“He is always up and down, up and down… If they wanted to do something before they would have done it,” she noted.

On the night of the shooting, Nicholas was reportedly listening to music on his headphones, under a tree, when gunmen fired several shots in his direction. The perpetrators carried out the attack from the back of the victims.

While two other males ran after the shots were fired, Nicholas didn’t, because according to his sister, he didn’t hear anything.

Nicholas fell after being shot in the head. He sustained bruises to his face as a result of the fall.

That shooting occurred just over an hour after gunmen opened fire on two young males in nearby Blackstars. One of the victims, Curtis Charlery, 18, of Morne Du Don died, while he other, Armani Paul, was admitted in critical condition.

The William family believes the perpetrators of the Blackstars shooting were the same trigger men in Nicholas’s incident.

They believe Nicholas and the other men were attacked because they were located along the possible escape route of the gunmen.

Police have not formally arrested anyone for either shooting incidents.

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