PRESS RELEASE – “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

Handling Stolen Goods

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is committed to disrupting the market for stolen goods. Of course it is tempting to buy cheap goods, but the real cost of your bargain is you being a victim of a crime.

It could be you or a relative whose home is broken into, it could be your child’s bike stolen, or your neighbor’s car window smashed for the valuables inside.

So the next time you are browsing the flea market, online auction site or offered cheap goods elsewhere, consider this $150 for a Samsung Galaxy s5 smartphone? $50 for a gold chain?$20 for a 500gig external hard drive?This sound like a great deal but the person who it was stolen from paid a lot more.

According to Section 224 of the Criminal Code of Saint Lucia, Handling Stolen Goods is an offence and if convicted, you can face up to 14 years imprisonment.

So

-If you are not sure, where the item you are buying has come from

-If your senses are telling you that this deal is too good to be true

-If the person who offered you the item is uneasy or very persistent

DO NOT BUY THE ITEM.

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Sahab Jamshidi (centre) and his friends Stephen (left) and Raymond.

HAMILTON SPECTATOR (CANADA) – A Hamilton man facing charges in St. Lucia is calling on the Canadian government to help him get off the island until his date in court.

Sahab Jamshidi, 34, was charged in the drowning death of a local four-year-old boy in March. In May, a high court judge ruled that Jamshidi will face trial in the case.

But with the Caribbean island’s courthouse shut down this summer for asbestos issues, his family is concerned it could be years before the trial finally gets underway.

In a post on the Save Sahab Jamshidi Facebook page Tuesday, his family asks “how long will this crippled system take to reach a resolution?”

For the past few months the legal system (has been) crippled. Nothing happens there.

Jamshidi is charged with gross negligence or recklessness causing death. St. Lucia police allege four-year-old Terrell Joshua (T.J.) Elibox drowned after Jamshidi took him out on his kite board. The 34-year-old maintains he was kitesurfing with friends when he spotted T.J. drowning and called for help, before helping to lead a search party at the beach for the child.

Jamshidi, a medical school graduate, needs to write his United States medical licensing exam in order to apply for residencies — which would require him to travel to the U.S. twice between November and January to write the test — but until his matter is resolved, his bail conditions bar him from leaving the island.

Sahar Jamshidi says her brother’s lawyer, Alberton Richelieu, has been trying to file an application to loosen his bail conditions to enable him to fulfil his academic obligations — but with a courthouse backlogged after closing for asbestos removal, it’s proven impossible.

Sahar says it’s been completely on hold. “For the past few months the legal system (has been) crippled. Nothing happens there.”

A clerk who answered the phone at the Castries courthouse Wednesday confirmed there were “renovations,” but said some matters are still being heard on one floor.

His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 19, but Sahar says they are concerned there won’t even be a court to go to — which they fear is a sign of long delays to come.

He missed an appearance at the International Society of Hip Arthroscopy, where one of his scholarly articles has been accepted for a poster presentation in Cambridge, England on Wednesday.

He has watched similar opportunities slip away for the past seven months, his sister says, and they are now asking the Canadian High Commission in Barbados to provide an affidavit assuring his return to the island for future court dates should he be granted permission to leave. Calls to the High Commission by the Spectator were not returned.

Back home in Ancaster, Jamshidi’s parents have also been in touch with their MP David Sweet. In response to an interview request Wednesday, Sweet’s press secretary said he was unable to comment due to rules around his candidacy in the upcoming federal election.

Terrel Joshua Elibox

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MISSING: Hilarius Springer.

PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of 40 year old, Hilarius Springer of Balata, Babonneau.

His wife, Ketura Springer indicated that she last saw her husband on Monday, September 14, 2015 at Balata. He was wearing a black T-shirt, grey ¾ jeans pants and pair of slippers.

Springer is 5ft 10 inches tall,brown in complexion with a medium built.

Members of the public, with any information on the whereabouts of Hilarius Springer, should contact the Babonneau Police Station at telephone number 456- 4102 or the nearest police station.

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PRESS RELEASE – A contingent from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force will be travelling to Dominica on Saturday, September 26, 2015 onboard police vessel, Defender.

The officers will be transporting various supplies which will assist in the ongoing relief efforts in Dominica.

The Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, Severin Moncherry will be part of the voyage and will pay a courtesy call to the Chief of Police of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Daniel Carbon.

The vessel will contain supplies donated by the following groups;The Police Welfare Association,Police Sports Club, Bordelais Correctional Facility, Fisheries Complex, and Past Students of the University of the West Indies.

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STATEMENT – These four doors (see photos below) along with electrical accessories (wiring, outlets, switches, panels), paint etc. were stolen on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 from a dwelling house presently under construction in the Monchy area.

Two doors are wooden and brown while the other two are white metal.

One white metal door is whole while the other consists of two pieces; a bottom half and a top half. It is likely that they were purchased by some uncaring individual between Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25, 2015.

Note that the doors were still covered with the protective plastic as purchased.

Anyone knowing anything about the stolen items is asked to call 485-9674 or 718-5611.

To the individual(s) who purchased the items, please do not adorn your home with the stolen items. You are being warned. Do not adorn your home with the stolen items. Say no more. Instead, call 485-9674 or 718-5611.

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Saint Lucia’s Forensic Lab

Almost two million dollars worth of equipment from the Forensic Lab is sitting in the building at Tapion without any maintenance, according to Former Director Yannis Charles.

Charles is reported in the media saying that she is concerned about the facility because it is unmanned, noting that the equipment may have or are in the process of starting to rot.

She said this is based on the nature of the equipment and the fluctuations in electricity frequently being experienced in St. Lucia and with no staff present to check.

According to her, all equipment is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

She said it would not be surprising if this process has started, as a result of the accumulation of moisture.

Charles also revealed that the insurance coverage for the building and equipment expired in June 2015.

She also pointed out that the relationships with suppliers and service providers have been damaged, as a result of outstanding invoices not having been paid and contracts have not being honored.

Charles who is a trained forensic scientist served as director of the lab from 2009 to 2015.

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Hundreds of employees were forced to leave their place of employment on Monday, when the Francis Compton Building located at Waterfront Castries received a bomb threat.

The government workers gathered outside the building, while some moved to other locations.

The building was evacuated and the Fire Service was informed of the incident at about 9:56 a.m.

The National Insurance Corporation (NIC) office is said to have received the bomb threat.

The building was combed by officials who were dispatched to investigate the report, but they came up empty handed.

Once the building was declared safe again, staff resumed their normal work duties.

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

According to Section 118 of the Criminal Code of St. Lucia 2008,

STALKING

(1)          A person who commits the offence of stalking is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 5 years or on summary conviction to imprisonment for one year.

(2)          A person commits the offence of stalking if—

(a)          He or she intentionally and maliciously follows about or harasses another person in such a manner as would cause that person to be in reasonable fear of being assaulted or of suffering serious bodily injury or death;

(b)          He or she wilfully and maliciously engages in a course of conduct that involves an express or implied threat to kill another person or cause serious bodily injury to another person or cause emotional distress to another person;

(c)           He or she persistently makes harassing phone calls or sends unsolicited mail in any form, to another person in such manner as would cause emotional distress to the other person.

(3)          In this section “course of conduct” means a persistent pattern of conduct comprising 2 or more acts carried out over a period of time that shows a continuity of purpose aimed at a particular person who is a victim of the offence.

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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St. Lucia police team with Airmen during Operation Southern Partner

PRESS RELEASE – September marked a milestone for the Royal Saint Lucia Special Reserve Unit. The Special Reserve Unit was established on September 3, 1956. Twenty Five male officers were recruited to kick off the Unit and were under the command of Major Fitzgerald York who was officer in charge at Her Majesty’s Prison.

The Officers took the Oath of Office on September 5, of that said year.  Training was held on Tuesdays and Fridays at the former Port Police Station on Jeremie Street, Castries. The Commissioner of Police at the time of recruitment was Dr. David Douglas McGoun.

The 59th anniversary was observed in a low key manner however, the Special Reserve Unit has promised a significant recognition for its 60 milestone in September next year.

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Left to right: Irvin ‘ACE’ Loctar of Commercial Kings Ltd, Major Crime Unit Superintendent George Nicolas and Sergeant Shervon Matthew.

Officials of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) today announced the production of ten Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for the ‘Preserve and Protect Campaign’.

The campaign which was launched in July, aims to garner the public’s support in helping to preserve crime scenes, something the police admits to be a major issue on the island.

Superintendent responsible for Major Crimes and second in command George Nicolas said the launch of these PSAs is to sensitize more persons of ways they can assist the police in protecting these crime scenes.

“We are hoping that persons would take heed. That they would listen and would act accordingly when they are faced with these situations and assist us and help us solve more crimes,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Shervon Matthew expressed similar sentiments and stressed the importance of crime scene preservation by the public.

“It has been and is a grave concern for law enforcement personnel, the issue of crime scene security and preservation. When a crime occurs, securing the scene is the first order of business for the responding officer in order to ensure that there is no loss of physical evidence, which are clues in piecing the chain of events that have occurred, for a successful investigation,” he explained.

The police sergeant said however most times when crimes occur, citizens are the first persons on a scene and no care or attention is taken with regards to security or loss of evidence.

As a result, evidence is easily lost as persons accidentally or intentionally contaminate the scene. In many instances, this is mainly due to a lack of knowledge on the part of citizens.

To continue this island-wide public education and sensitization, the RSLPF collaborated with Commercial Kings Ltd and obtained the assistance of radio personalities and music artistes to bring the message across in a more appealing and “catchy” way, using PSAs.

Some of the persons who  volunteered to do the PSAs include: Roxanne Didier Nicolas, Ezra D’Funmachine, Kendell “Scady” Eugene, Arthur Allain (Groovy King), Jenna-Anne Gaston, among others.

At least three radio stations have offered to broadcast these PSAs for free. They include: MBC Radio, BlazinFM and Rhythm FM. The RSLPF is seeking the assistance of other entities to do the same.

Sergeant Matthew said, “We intend to continue to distribute our bookmarks at our upcoming Police Week exhibitions slated for November 2015, in the north and the south of the island,”

A booth will be set up with personnel on hand to provide information, to handout these bookmarks and answer questions.

The RSLPF is also soliciting the assistance of the private sector through sponsorship for key rings and pencils.

The effort thus far has been a tremendous success, according to Sergeant Matthew.

Senator Dr. Stephen King has endorsed the initiative and was present for the launch.

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Police are investigating reports that a male child was allegedly physically abused by his stepmother in Grand Ravine, Dennery.

Reports are that the child, believed to be about three-four years old, is currently in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Victoria Hospital.

The stepmother, believed to be about 21 years old, was questioned by police, police sources have confirmed. It is not clear if she has been charged or will be charged.

Sources close to the family told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the couple, both in their early early 20s, got married earlier this year, and the husband, who has a son from a previous relationship, took the child to live with him and his wife.

However, over a period of time, it was discovered that the child was being abused, evidenced by several scars and bruises all over his body.

On the night of Saturday, Oct. 3, the matter worsened when it was suspected that that the stepmother slammed the child into the wall of the house.

The child suffered a concussion and was admitted to ICU where he is reported to be battling for his life. He is reported to be unresponsive.

Unconfirmed reports are that the stepmother, who appears to be of unsound mind, have blamed evil spirits in the house for making her abuse the child.

If you have more information about this matter, please contact SNO at 285-2361.

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The matter involving a four-year-old child who was allegedly physically abused by his stepmother in Grand Ravine, Dennery is now being investigated by the police.

Police Public Relations Officer Zachary Hippolyte told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) this morning that the police is actively pursing this matter.

Hippolyte could not say whether criminal charges will be laid against the stepmother, but said the police are now gathering evidence as part of the investigations.

A police official had told SNO on Wednesday night  that the matter was transferred to Social Services.

Meanwhile, the child’s mother told SNO that her son is still in a bad shape at the hospital. The woman could not say however, where exactly the child sustained injuries.

The woman claimed that both the Social Services Department and the police were dealing with the matter.

The father was also questioned in the matter.

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A Morne Du Don man was reportedly robbed and poisoned by masked bandits on Monday.

O’Brien Antoine, 44, was robbed of about $60 and poison was poured down his throat.

“Reports indicate that Antoine was accosted by two masked men who allegedly forced him to consume a poisonous substance,” according to a press statement from the Police Press Office.

The incident allegedly occurred on Monday, October 5, 2015, at about 8:00 a.m. on the Choc Beach, Castries.

He was taken to the hospital and succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, a few hours after being poisoned.

Antoine, who is a plumber by profession, was stabbed and robbed by bandits last year.

He was hospitalized for a short period, but had recovered from his injuries.

The police said an investigation has been launched into this incident.

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

According to Section 311 of the Criminal Code of St. Lucia 2008

CAUSING DISAFFECTION IN POLICE FORCE     

311. CAUSING DISAFFECTION IN POLICE FORCE

(1)          A person who—

(a)          causes, or attempts to cause, or does any act calculated to cause disaffection amongst the members of the Police Force;

(b)          induces, or attempts to induce, or does any act calculated to induce any member of the Police Force to withhold his or her services or to commit breaches of discipline, is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, or on summary conviction, to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, or to a fine not exceeding $10,000, or to both such imprisonment and fine.

(2)          Subject to subsection (3), where a person convicted under subsection (2) is a member of the Police Force, he or she shall forfeit all pension rights and shall be disqualified from being a member of the Police Force.

(3)          Cabinet may review the order of forfeiture made under subsection (2) and may either confirm the order or grant such relief as it thinks fit.

Note: Disaffection means a state or feeling of being dissatisfied with the people in authority and no longer willing to support them.

EG.”there is growing disaffection with large corporations”

synonyms: dissatisfaction, disgruntlement, discontent, restlessness, frustration;

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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Millan

A four-year-old boy who was suspected of being physically abused has died, according to reports.

Millan Jn Baptiste reportedly died Friday afternoon, Oct. 9, 2015, about five days after he was admitted to Victoria Hospital with severe head injuries.

In an earlier interview with St. Lucia News Online (SNO), who first broke the story, the child’s mother had expressed fear that her son could die.

The woman, who asked not to be named, had told SNO that said she was very worried about her child’s condition.

“He is in a bad state. His brain is almost dead. My son will not make it,” she said in the earlier interview.

The concerned mother had said she is confused as to what really led to her child’s current condition and is hoping that she can get to the bottom of it, with the help of the police and social services.

“I just really want to know what is going on. What’s the story behind that? Because the father saying that the child didn’t fall, and then the girlfriend said he fell, and they said nobody was around when he got injured. I really want to know what happened to my son,” she told SNO.

Questioned as to whether she believes that her child was physically abused, the woman responded in the affirmative, stating that she has seen marks of violence on her son’s body before.

“The child has marks all over his skin. He has marks on his tummy, all over. They have bruises that healed and some that haven’t even healed yet,” she added.

Police sources have confirmed that the child’s father and stepmother – a recently married couple – were questioned by officials in connection with the allegations. They have not been charged.

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The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says it has arrested several Caribbean nationals among 314 criminal immigrants in an enforcement action targeting individuals who pose a threat to public safety.

The immigration agency said those arrested from the Caribbean included nationals from St. Lucia, the Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, Turks & Caicos Islands, Antigua, and Cuba.

The arrests were made across the state of Florida, during an enforcement action, which concluded on September 29.

ICE said more than one-quarter had criminal records that included felony convictions for serious or violent offences, such as murder, attempted murder, child sex crimes, sex offences, weapons charges, and drug violations.

“As this operation makes clear, ICE is committed to prioritising convicted criminals and those who are public safety threats for apprehension and removal,” said Marc Moore, field office director for the Miami Field Office of ERO, which oversees all of Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

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PRESS RELEASE – On Thursday, October 8, 2015 a post mortem was conducted on the body of 44 year old O’Brian Antoine of Morne Du Don, Castries.

The examination revealed that Antoine died as a result of multiple organ failure due to ingestion of a poisonous substance.

Investigations are continuing into this matter.

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

According to Section 83 of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act 2008

LEAVING SCENE OF ACCIDENT

-A person driving or in charge of any motor vehicle shall if, owing to the presence of the motor vehicle on a road, an accident occurs whereby personal injury is caused to any person or damage is caused to any other motor vehicle—

-immediately stop; and

-if required so to do by any person having reasonable grounds for so requiring, give—

(i)    his or her name and address,

(ii)    the name and address of the owner of the vehicle,

(iii)    the registration number of the vehicle,

(iv)    the name of the insurance company with which the owner of the vehicle is insured, and

(v)    the names of all persons in the vehicle at the time of the accident; and

(c)    report the accident at a police station as soon as reasonably practicable but before the expiration of a period of 24 hours after its occurrence.

(2)    Paragraph (c) does not apply if a report is made at the time and place of the accident, to a police officer in uniform.

(3)    A person who contravenes or fails to comply with this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.

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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PRESS RELEASE – On Monday, October 12, 2015 about 2:45 a.m. officers attached to the Gros-Islet Police Station responded to an accident which occurred on the Rodney Bay Highway, Gros-Islet.

Motorcycle registration number 4319 driven by 24 year old, Clement Alexander of Arundel Hill, Castries was travelling in a southerly direction when it veered off the pitch surface of the highway, plunging into a drain.

As a result, Alexander and Michelle Prospere of Arundel Hill who was the pillion passenger sustained serious injuries.

They were transported to the Victoria Hospital where Alexander succumbed to his injuries whilst Prospere is admitted for treatment.

This is the tenth fatal crash and the fourth involving motorcyclist for the year 2015.

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