St. Lucia News Online (SNO) has received reports that a Bryden and Partners company truck was robbed at gunpoint of a large quantity of alcoholic beverages in Balata, Babonneau today.

SNO made contact with the management of Bryden, who confirmed these reports. The officials could not provide any further information.

This is not the first time that a Bryden and Partner truck has been robbed.

On August 21, 2014 two armed bandits robbed a company van in Barre St. Joseph.

The bandits carted off with an undisclosed sum of cash and several cartons of Embassy cigarettes.

(1)(0)

A video of a young male, who was allegedly caught breaking into a home in Carellie Wednesday morning, has been posted on Facebook group page, St. Lucians Aiming For Progress (SLAPS).

In the video, the suspect, who is tied by the foot to a concrete column, is being beaten with sticks and tree branches by several men as he bawls and begs for mercy.

The video has gone viral but has evoked mixed reactions. Many persons on SLAPS are rejoicing on the suspect’s capture and his punishment at the hands of the civilians while a few others commented that vigilante justice is illegal. Some believe the beating was not enough.

Reports are that the alleged thief gained entry through a window in the bottom flat of the house.

A friend of the owner came into contact with the suspect when he visited the home.

The trespasser attempted to flee, but neighbours managed tie him up.

He had in his possession, cash and other items that were stolen from the house.

The suspect was handed over to the police.

(10)(0)

The crime scene cordoned off.

Police have launched an investigation into a suspected homicide in Chase Gardens, Castries.

A man sporting a dread-locked hairstyle was discovered with what appears to be gunshot wounds to his body at around 11:00 a.m.

The victim has been identified as Kerwin Pierre Louis, 36.

Eyewitnesses told SNO that they heard about four to six gunshots in the area a few minutes before the man’s body was discovered.

Reports are that Louis was using a short cut when unknown persons came up behind him and shot him several times.

(3)(5)

Kerwin Pierre-Louis

Family members said the past of St. Lucia’s 20th homicide victim, Kerwin Pierre-Louis, has a criminal history which may have come back to haunt him.

Pierre-Louis, 36, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in Chase Gardens, Castries at around 11 a.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 10.

Relatives, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Pierre-Louis was charged for killing a man in Chase Gardens a few years ago and served several years for that crime. He was recently released from prison for a drug trafficking at sea offence.

“It’s so sad that no matter how clean you try to wipe your slate, your past always catches up with you,” one relative said, adding that no matter “you cannot run from what you do. It always catches up. Always.”

The relative said Pierre-Louis, who was unemployed and had no children, may have been trying to change his life “after all that has happened”.

“He was a loner. He wasn’t a bad boy but he wasn’t good either. Like I said, the past catches up with us. He had killed someone a few years ago in Chase Gardens. He was not too long released from prison for an unrelated matter.”

Another relative told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Pierre-Louis was “not one that we as his family are proud of but he was not a bad person”.

Pierre-Louis was reportedly ambushed and shot while taking a short cut to his home in Chase Gardens. Neighbours reported hearing about half dozen shots before his body was discovered.

(0)(4)

Kerwin Pierre- Louis .

PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 36 year old Kerwin Pierre- Louis of Chase Gardens, Castries.

Reports indicate that on Thursday, September 10, 2015 about 11:40 a.m. Pierre- Louis was walking in the Chase Gardens area when he was accosted by three masked men.

The men discharged rounds of ammunition at Pierre-Louis. As a result, he sustained gunshot wounds to the body.

Pierre-Louis was transported to the Victoria Hospital where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

This is the twentieth homicide for the year 2015.

(3)(0)

The citizens who beat a burglary suspect in Carielle, Castries on Wednesday could face criminal charges.

Police Press Officer Zachary Hippolyte told St. Lucia News Online today that you cannot fight crime by committing a crime.

“We as a society, we cannot support the fight against crime by committing crimes. It is clear in the criminal code that a citizen can arrest another citizen who has committed an indictable offence. You arrest the person, you detain the person, you bring the person to the police station or you wait for the police, but whilst the person is detained and the person is no longer a threat to you or any other person, you cannot assault the person. It’s an offence. You cannot wound or cause any form of injury or bodily harm to the individual. It is an offence,” Hippolyte explained.

He added: “So it is not proper. This the reason why we are guided by laws. And if we are a society that contributes or we promote committing a crime to fight crime, then we definitely will never, never put a dent on crime, because you are committing a crime to try and stop crime, so you’re adding onto the crime problem. So we the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, we do not promote this. We do not accept it….”

The press officer is encouraging citizens to read the laws that govern them so that they could know their rights to deal with such matters when they arise.

“But it definitely isn’t proper. It is against the law, it is an offence to cause injury or bodily harm to an individual that you have already detained, that you have already arrested and who no longer poses a threat to you or any other person,” he added.

It is not clear yet if the men seen beating the suspect with sticks and tree branches will be arrested, but based on the laws the police could cage them at anytime.

Meanwhile, the burglary suspect was handed over to the police but he has not yet been charged. He faces charges related to criminal trespass and attempted burglary.

The young male suspect was accused of breaking into a Carielle home Wednesday morning.

Reports are that the alleged thief gained entry through a window in the bottom flat of the house.

A friend of the owner reportedly came into contact with the suspect when he visited the home.

The trespasser attempted to flee, but neighbours managed to tie him up.

He had in his possession, cash and other items, including a TV remote control, that were stolen from the house.

The suspect was handed over to the police.

However, before he was handed over, he was given a sound beating all over his body by three male individuals. The  beating was captured on video and posted on Facebook group page, St. Lucians Aiming For Progress (SLAPS).

In the video, the suspect, who is tied by the foot to a concrete column, is being beaten on his head, back and upper torso with sticks and tree branches by several men as he bawls and begs for mercy.

The video has gone viral but has evoked mixed reactions. Many persons on SLAPS are rejoicing on the suspect’s capture and his punishment at the hands of the civilians, while a few others commented that vigilante justice is illegal.

Some still believe the beating was not enough.

(9)(18)

The alleged thief. Photo credit: HTS NewsForce

Attorney-at-Law Norman Francis has condemned the persons responsible for beating an alleged thief in Carielle, Castries on Wednesday, stating that people should not take justice into their own hands.

Francis told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today that despite there have been very few incidents of this nature in Saint Lucia, there is still no place for vigilante justice in society.

“People have the police. They have to report these matters to the police and allow the police to do their work. Taking the law into your own hands is just not acceptable,” he asserted.

The attorney recalls that there have been cases in the past where people out of anger try to inflict serious injuries on robbery suspects, but said this should not be encouraged at all.

A video of a young male, who was allegedly caught breaking into a home in Carellie Wednesday morning, has been posted on Facebook group page, St. Lucians Aiming For Progress (SLAPS).

In the video, the suspect, who is tied by the foot to a concrete column, is being beaten with sticks and tree branches by several men as he bawls and begs for mercy.

The video has gone viral but has evoked mixed reactions. Many persons on SLAPS are rejoicing on the suspect’s capture and his punishment at the hands of the civilians while a few others commented that vigilante justice is illegal. Some believe the beating was not enough.

(3)(14)

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

30. ARREST WITH OR WITHOUT PROCESS FOR CRIME

(1)          A person may—

(a)          with or without warrant or other legal process, arrest and detain another person whom he or she knows to have committed an indictable offence;

(b)          if the other person, having notice or knowing that he or she is accused of an indictable offence, avoids arrest by resistance or flight or escapes or endeavours to escape from custody,

-use any force which is necessary for the arrest,detention or recapture, and may kill that other person if that other person cannot otherwise be arrested, detained, or retaken by any other means.

34. REASONABLE USE OF FORCE IN SELF-DEFENCE

A person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances—

(a)          to prevent crime;

(b)          to protect himself or herself or another person from injury;

(c)           to protect himself or herself or another person (with his or her authority) from trespass to himself or herself or the other person;

(d)          to protect from injury or damage his or her property or property belonging to another person with that person’s authority.

36. FORCE TO REPEL TRESPASSER

A person in actual possession of a house, land or vessel, or goods, or any other person authorized by him or her, may use the force reasonable in the circumstances as is necessary for the purpose of resisting a person who attempts forcibly and unlawfully to enter such house, land or vessel, or to take possession of the goods.

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.

(1)(0)

Police Commissioner Vernon Francois.

Saint Lucia’s top cop Vernon Francois has made a request for early retirement, sources have confirmed.

The request by the police chief comes months after being sent on leave.

The request will be forwarded to the Public Service Commission for a decision.

Approval will be granted by the Governor General Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy.

The move to prolong the police chief’s leave has been met with criticism from all sections of society.

At one time, the top cop showed up for work, only to be told that he should proceed on an additional month’s leave.

It was reported that the authorities were looking to send a few senior police officials on early retirement, following the revelations from the report of alleged extra-judicial killings back in 2010-2011.

Francois headed what was dubbed “Operation Restore Confidence” which saw an unprecedented cut down in violent crime resulting in the fatal shooting of 12 suspects during that same period.

The vacancy for police commissioner could be advertised soon and a new commissioner appointed, sources said.

(2)(1)

Benjamin Joseph. Photo: HTS Newsforce.

Police have officially charged the man accused of a burglary that occurred in Carellie, Castries on Wednesday.

Benjamin Joseph, 23, of Agard/Morne Du Don, Castries has been charged for the offences of stealing from dwelling house and damage to property.

He has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to make a court appearance on Monday, September 14, 2015.

Before being handed over to the police, he was given a severe beating by three male individuals.

The beating was captured on video and posted on Facebook group page, St. Lucians Aiming For Progress (SLAPS).

In the video, Joseph, who is tied by the foot to a concrete column, is being beaten on his head, back and upper torso with sticks and tree branches by several men as he bawls and begs for mercy.

The video has gone viral but has evoked mixed reactions. Many persons on SLAPS are rejoicing on the suspect’s capture and his punishment at the hands of the civilians, while a few others commented that vigilante justice is illegal.

Some still believe the beating was not enough.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) was told that the men who were involved in the beating incident, could face charges.

(5)(0)

The burglar writhes in pain while being beaten by one of the men.

Several police officers believe that the male civilians who beat a burglar on video are not only at risk of being arrested for their illegal action, but have put themselves in danger of being victims of violent retaliation in the near or distant future.

The officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that not only it is illegal to beat a detained criminal who poses no threat, but the civilians were dumb to record the illegal act on video and publish it online – showing their faces.

In addition, the officers said this case is unique because the beating was not inflicted by a large crowd of people, which is the norm in vigilante cases, but by three individuals whom the burglar and his friends/relatives may have easily identified and marked for revenge.

“The burglar may well be a member of an organised crime group. By his appearance he don’t look like an addict, just somebody who needed at the time or frustrated with the system,” one cop said.

Another said: “From my standpoint, the burglar’s actions were wrong. He committed an offence and so did the persons who beat him. The guy was already captured and the police officers were on their way. Why cause harm to the man? Let the man be charged and taken before the court. I don’t condone vigilante justice. I believe in the law.”

One officer strongly believes that the way in which the burglar was beaten and humiliated could cause him or his friends or relatives to take revenge in the future. The burglar, who begged the men to hand him over the police, was beaten all over his body, including on the head, with sticks and tree branches.

“To be honest, I cannot render an opinion on the future actions of people, but I can say with confidence that I believe that there will be some form of retaliation. He and his friends and family, if he has any, won’t take it lightly.”

The same officer added that some St. Lucians do not think before taking certain actions, accusing them of adopting aspects of the American culture and “putting themselves at risk”.

“Don’t worry, when it comes you’ll hear them bawling,” the officer added.

SNO also asked the officers to comment on popular public opinion that officers, on numerous occasions, have beaten and killed suspects in their custody, so what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

“Officers don’t beat prisoners for stealing. Sometimes they touch them up to say where they hide the items or who they sold the items to,” one officer responded.

Another said: “It shouldn’t happen on either party’s part.”

The issue of vigilante justice has been an ongoing concern with the local police force.

Police Press Officer Zachary Hippolyte told SNO on Thursday – in response to the burglar’s beating – that you cannot fight crime by committing a crime.

“We as a society, we cannot support the fight against crime by committing crimes. It is clear in the criminal code that a citizen can arrest another citizen who has committed an indictable offence. You arrest the person, you detain the person, you bring the person to the police station or you wait for the police, but whilst the person is detained and the person is no longer a threat to you or any other person, you cannot assault the person. It’s an offence. You cannot wound or cause any form of injury or bodily harm to the individual. It is an offence,” Hippolyte explained.

He added: “So it is not proper. This the reason why we are guided by laws. And if we are a society that contributes or we promote committing a crime to fight crime, then we definitely will never, never put a dent on crime, because you are committing a crime to try and stop crime, so you’re adding onto the crime problem. So we the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, we do not promote this. We do not accept it….”

The majority of comments posted on SNO in reference to the beating of the burglar appear to support vigilante justice, with one reader stating that the SNO representative who posted Hippolyte’s comments should be arrested. The bloggers said they are frustrated with the large unsolved cases of burglary and robbery and this incident will send a clear message to criminals that the public will fight back.

A few bloggers said St. Lucians on a while are totally missing the point being taken by the professionals who have spoken out against vigilante justice. They stated that no one is condoning the actions of the burglar, but the acts of the civilians were also illegal and should not be condoned.

One commentator stated: “Lucians nowadays just never thought that technology and media would have come to what it is today. Like it took them by surprise, they don’t think twice or hesitate about posting. Every single crap and nonsense goes viral in no time. For that reason they ought to be charged for assaulting the alleged thief. Also that mother who abused that young school girl in the video recently. Unless the law charge one or two, it will not stop. Time to make them pay for their stupidity and lack of thoughtfulness.”

Meanwhile, the burglar, Benjamin Joseph, 23, of Agard/Morne Du Don, Castries, has been charged for the offences of stealing from a dwelling house and damage to property.

He has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to make a court appearance on Monday, September 14, 2015.

(3)(2)

Felicia Browne.

Local human rights advisor Felicia Browne has said while the beating of a burglar by civilians was against the law, the incident is a “clear reflection” that residents are frustrated with the increase in violent crimes and the local justice system.

In a prepared statement sent exclusively to St. Lucia News Online (SNO), Browne said frontier justice, also called vigilante justice or street justice, is extrajudicial punishment that is “motivated by the nonexistence of law and order or dissatisfaction with the state’s implementation of justice”.

Referring to the recent incident in Carielle, Castries in which a burglar was tied and beaten with sticks and tree branches by several men, Browne said: “…it is a clear reflection of the frustration that residents have felt over the few months with the increasing rate of violent crime.”

However, she said when a citizen’s arrest is made, it is prudent that the rights of the alleged perpetrator are not violated as it can set a “dangerous precedent” for law-abiding citizens.

“The right to protect one’s property is legally and morally acceptable, however, it should not infringe on the rights of others – including the alleged perpetrator. If everyone decides to take the law into his/her hands, through his/her own judgement of legality, then the laws of the land will become void. The alleged perpetrator is legally innocent, and has the same rights as every citizen until the law proves otherwise – it is the law of our land.”

Browne continued: “It is from this perspective that I strongly believe that though the vigilantes were just to apprehend the alleged perpetrator, it would have been appropriate to await the police to charge and convict him. The physical and psychological harm that both the alleged perpetrator and the vigilantes suffered may lead to further concerns for us as a society.

“For instance, should citizens become more aggressive in the protection of their properties and personal safety; and further, would “potential” perpetrators use this as a reason to arm themselves in the event they are caught? In such cases, we should act within good conscience, reflect on what harm would it do to a young man who chose this path of life; how do we rehabilitate him or should we immediately use force and violence to educate him on his wrong-doing?

“And further, is it our responsibility as citizens to ensure that our young men are on the right path? We are quick to punish them, yet slow to guide them. From the viral video, one of the vigilantes said “don’t ever come back here and steal.” Does this mean that only his property should be protected? Or that it is permissible to steal, as long as you don’t come here?

“We must not forget that we live in a democracy and a law-abiding society where the law is designed to protect the rights of all citizens, including perpetrators.”

The burglar, who was beaten by several men in the viral video, has been charged by the police and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

(4)(12)

Police have arrested a Trinidadian national residing in Aux Lyon, Dennery for allegedly stealing electricity.

The man, who is employed by the St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) as a sub-contractor, was arrested by Richfond Police on Thursday morning for reconnecting his electricity after it was disconnected over four months ago for being in arrears.

Reports are that LUCELEC officials were conducting checks in the area on Wednesday when they noticed the illegal connection at the residence and spoke with the police.

They returned to the house with the police the following day where the suspect was arrested.

He was granted bail to attend court for the offense of abstracting electricity without the permission of the authorities.

(4)(1)

Benjamin Joseph. * Photo credit: HTS News4orce

The young man who was reportedly caught burglarising a house and beaten by civilians in Carellie, Castries on Wednesday, was gainfully employed and was on sick leave when he committed the crime, reliable sources have told St. Lucia News Online (SNO).

Benjamin Joseph, 23, of Agard/Morne Du Don, Castries was on Friday charged for the offences of stealing from dwelling house and damage to property.

He is currently in police custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 14, 2015.

Joseph has been an employee of Real Foods Inc., operator of KFC in Saint Lucia, since April 2015 as a team member in the restaurant department.

Joseph accidentally cut his finger on the job and was granted five days of sick leave by his employer. He committed the crime on the second day of his five-day sick leave, according to sources.

Joseph, who previously worked part-time for a bakery in Castries, was reportedly caught burglarising a house and tied up. The police was called, but before they arrived he was beaten by several men with sticks.

The beating was caught on camera and published online, evoking an intense discussion over vigilante justice.

Persons close to the accused told SNO that they’re surprised he was caught stealing because he was gainfully employed. Others claimed that Joseph suffered from mental issues or may have been under an evil spell.

(0)(0)

Brandon Breedy

The main suspect in Monday’s shooting death of a teenager in Hospital Road, Castries is currently in police custody, according to police sources.

The suspect, also a teenager, turned himself over to the police on Friday, Sept. 11, at around 9 p.m.

He is alleged to have shot 18-year-old Brandon Breedy on Monday, Sept. 7 at around 11 p.m.

Breedy, who was born in Guyana but grew up in Saint Lucia, was shot multiple times on his bed. A screenshot of the suspect’s Facebook profile, showing his photo, was published by the father of the deceased two days after the incident.

Relatives have told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Breedy was killed by his friend as a result of a dispute over a female.

According to relatives, several eyewitnesses have reported seeing one or more suspects entering and fleeing the house around the time of the shooting.

The suspect has not been charged.

Following the homicide, relatives told SNO that Breedy was warned about the bad company he kept. He was trying to change his ways when his life was cut short, relatives say.

“Those who knew him can attest he was like any other teenager in St. Lucia. He had done his share of wrongs because of the company he followed, but after the decision to get him out, there was major changes in his lifestyle. I challenge to relate to the things that were said about him on his Facebook page by the people who knew him personally, and you would see what a positive effect he had had on their lives,” a close family member told SNO.

(10)(6)

Kerwin Pierre-Louis was gunned down in Chase Gardens.

A “grieving family member” of St. Lucia’s latest homicide victim Kerwin Pierre-Louis said she is not happy with the things other relatives have said about the deceased.

Police said Pierre-Louis, while walking, was accosted by three masked men and shot to death in Chase Gardens, Castries on Thursday, Sept. 10, at about 11:40 a.m. – the island’s 20th homicide.

Following his death, several relatives told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Pierre-Louis’ death may have stemmed from his criminal past. They indicated that he spent time behind bars for killing a man in Chase Gardens a few years ago and that he was recently released from prison for drug trafficking at sea.

However, another family, who requested anonymity like the others, said in a Whatsapp statement sent exclusively to SNO, that the persons who claimed to be a family member “was only trying to tarnish the family’s name, and if in truth was a family member, must have not been on good terms” with Pierre-Louis.

The relative further told SNO that Pierre-Louis spent some time on remand awaiting trial for the killing, but claimed the matter was dismissed because “it was self-defense”.

“Everyone has a past,” the relative said. “They are not proud? That person really tried to make it look like he was the worst person out there.”

The family member also admitted that Pierre-Louis spent four months in jail for drug trafficking offences.

“He wasn’t the first and won’t be the last. Am not saying it was right but everybody tries to make some fast cash every now and then. He was no loner. He had family who loved and cared for him, he had his own home and was self-employed as a shop keeper,” the relative said, adding “signed grieving family member”.

In an earlier interview, other family members painted a different picture of the 36-year-old homicide victim.

“It’s so sad that no matter how clean you try to wipe your slate, your past always catches up with you,” one relative said, adding that no matter “you cannot run from what you do. It always catches up. Always.”

The relative said Pierre-Louis, who was unemployed and had no children, may have been trying to change his life “after all that has happened”.

“He was a loner. He wasn’t a bad boy but he wasn’t good either. Like I said, the past catches up with us. He had killed someone a few years ago in Chase Gardens. He was not too long released from prison for an unrelated matter.”

Another relative told SNO that Pierre-Louis was “not one that we as his family are proud of but he was not a bad person”.

Pierre-Louis was reportedly ambushed and shot while taking a short cut to his home in Chase Gardens. Neighbours reported hearing about half dozen shots before his body was discovered.

(1)(0)

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

Enforcement of Compulsory School Attendance (Education Act of Saint Lucia)

37. DUTY OF PARENT TO ENFORCE ATTENDANCE

Subject to section 38, it is the duty of the parent of every child of compulsory school age to cause the child to receive education by regular attendance at a school.

38. VALID EXCUSES FROM ATTENDANCE

A student shall be excused from school attendance if—

(a) in the opinion of the Minister, the student is receiving satisfactory instruction at home or elsewhere;

(b) the student is excluded from attendance at school under any provision of this Act or the regulations made thereunder;

(c) the student is unable to attend school because of sickness, danger of infection, infirmity, sudden or serious illness of a parent or other related cause;

(d) the student is suffering from a physical or mental disability that, in the opinion of a registered medical practitioner, makes the student incapable of being educated by ordinary methods of instruction;

(e) the student is granted permission by the principal of the school to be temporarily absent from school for good and sufficient reason;

(f) the student is a participant in observances, celebrations, or activities recognised by a religious denomination;

(g) the student has been suspended by a school in accordance with this Act and has not been given permission to enroll in another school;

(h) the student is enrolled and in regular attendance at a private school or a home education programme in accordance with this Act; or

(i) the student is engaged in work experience or other educational programmes authorised or approved by the principal.

46. LIABILITY OF PARENT

(1) A parent of a child of compulsory school age, who neglects or refuses to cause the child to attend school, unless the child is excused under section 38, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000.

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.

(1)(0)

Bandits broke into a store on Jeremie Street, Castries sometime between Sunday evening and Monday morning and carted off with thousands of dollars worth of clothing, cash and other items.

Paulina (only name given), the owner of Paulina’s Variety Store, said residents in the area heard loud sounds coming from the store and decided to report it to the police on Sunday evening.

However, Paulina told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the police did not show up, even after she arrived at the store and discovered the place was ransacked, and reported it herself at around 4 a.m.

The businesswoman said the bandits gained entry from the back of her store and scanned through her cabinet cases before leaving with several pieces of clothing, cash and a flat screen television set.

Paulina said she has been operating her business for the past 15 years in Castries and despite there have been other break-ins in the same area, this is the first time that her store has been burglarised.

There was evidence of forced entry at the business place.

The bandits are believed to have compromised a grilled door before cutting the padlocks and breaking the hinges to a wooden door. They then forced their way in through another grilled door before entering the store.

The bandits also broke the cash register and carted off with an undisclosed sum of cash.

Paulina said she is devastated by the loss and suspects that three known individuals in the area might be responsible for the break-in. She said this was also reported to the police.

She expressed her displeasure with the ineffective response of the police in this matter.

Paulina said it would be difficult to acquire more financing to invest again.

(1)(0)

The Babonneau Police Station is currently engaged in a community service project in Garrand.

The officers are assisting a family of four to renovate their home with the help of corporate sponsors.

The home is occupied by a mother and her three children aged 19, 15 and 10.

The renovations are expected to be completed by the end of this month.

The project is part of the Community Policing initiative of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, (RSLPF).

(1)(0)

Police Public Relations Officer Zachary Hippolyte. Credit: Voice St. Lucia Newspaper.

The Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has responded to comments made by Political Leader of the Lucian Peoples Movement (LPM), Therold Prudent, regarding the party’s planned protest march.

The force has debunked claims made by Prudent, which suggests that the RSLPF, and by extension the acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander, is attempting to thwart plans by the party for its planned protest march.

Public Relations Officer of the RSLPF Zachary Hippolyte told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today (September 15) that there were several errors in the LPM’s request.

Despite this, the force decided to acknowledge the letter and responded shortly after, by requesting greater details so that the application can be processed.

Hippolyte said contrary to what Prudent said, the letter did not bear the LPM’s symbol nor did it bear the signature of the party chairman, explaining that anyone could have written the letter.

The police PRO also claims that the application was reviewed by the Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Severin Moncherry and not Alexander, as suggested by Prudent.

The acting police chief is said to have been off island, when the letter was received by the force.

To make matters worse, Hippolyte said the LPM said they are organising a public protest, something which the Public Order Act of Saint Lucia 2008 does not make provisions for.

“Section 10/1 provides for public marches and mandates that permission be sought from the Commissioner of Police,” he asserted.

He went on to state that the law also requires that several conditions be met, including a statement of the purpose of the activity, the route, the hours within which the march will be held and estimate.

Hippolyte stated that the police never questioned the legitimacy of the LPM as suggested by Prudent.

The force has since invited the LPM to re-submit its letter.

(1)(0)