PRESS RELEASE – On, Tuesday, October 13, 2015 police formally arrested and charged Iker Lubin, Dave William and Mathias William all of Mon Repos, Micoud and Terry Chedy of Cacoa, Vieux Fort for various fraud offences.

Lubin and Chedy were charged for the offence of conspiracy, whilst Dave William was charged for the offences of Conspiracy, Perverting the Course of Justice, Attempted Obtaining Property by Deception and Mathias William for the offences of Conspiracy and Attempted Obtaining Property by Deception.

They made an appearance before the Second District Court where they were granted bail.

They were charged in connection with an investigation into alleged fraudulent claims made to the NAGICO Insurance Company.

Lubin and Chedy are police constables of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

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A businessman was shot and injured during an armed robbery at his shop on Tuesday evening.

The incident occurred in Cul de Sac, Castries next to the playing field, at about 9:18 p.m.

Reports are that  Rufus Pierre, 56, was held at gunpoint by three men, who were armed with hand guns.

The perpetrators took a bag during which the businessman was assaulted and allegedly shot in the back.

He has been admitted a patient at the Victoria Hospital and is listed as being in stable condition, according to the Public Relations Department of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force.

His girlfriend, Georgia Isidore, 42, of the same address was also accosted and robbed by the assailants.

Investigations are in progress.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Bordelais Correctional Facility on Thursday, October 8, 2015 held a Briefing Ceremony where seven officers were promoted.

The recipients were as follows:

From Correctional Officer two to Correctional Officer three:

McLean Emmanuel

Roland Charles

Clinton Edward

From Correctional Officer One to Correctional Officer Two:

Etheldred James

Yolanda Braville

Kim Lenor   Samuel

Sixtus Julien

The chevrons were presented to the newly promoted officers by the Director of Corrections Mr. Vern Garde. The last promotion ceremony was held in 2013.

According to Communications Officer at Facility Clive Jules, the activity was well received and represents a boost to the spirit du corps of the staff.

Meanwhile the BCF has reiterated its commitment to curbing contraband activity at the Facility, noting that measures which have been put in place to strengthen security in and around the facility have resulted in a decrease in such activity.

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PRESS RELEASE – On Tuesday, October 13, 2015 a post mortem examination was conducted on the body of 4-year-old Milan Ferdinand of Grand Ravine, Dennery.

The examination revealed that Ferdinand died as a result of severe brain damage and head injury due to blunt force trauma. Also noted were multiple blunt force traumas all over the body.

Ferdinand was transported to the Victoria Hospital on Saturday, October 3, 2015 and succumbed to his injuries on Friday, October 9, 2015.

This is the twenty-third homicide for 2015.

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* Not the actual cocaine seized by the police.

PRESS RELEASE – On Wednesday, October 14, 2015 police destroyed one hundred and seventy six (176) blocks of cocaine valued at EC$ 2,895,000.00.

The narcotics were discovered on Saturday, September 26, 2015 during an operation conducted by police in the Point de Caye (Honeymoon Beach) area in Vieux Fort.

The illegal substance was set ablaze until completely destroyed.

No one was arrested during the operation.

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Human Services Director Elizabeth Lewis

The Human Services Department has responded to criticisms over it’s alleged failure to take action in the case of an abused four-year-old child Milan Ferdinand, who died recently.

Director Elizabeth Lewis said her department did receive one report of abuse for Milan and acted on it. According to her, Milan was examined by a medical doctor, but at that time the issue was “not deemed serious.”

Lewis said the department never received any other reports regarding the toddler.

“Pointing fingers at Human Services and the police, and removing ourselves is not going to help. There are several Milans going through the same situation and people must respond,” she asserted.

The director said Millan’s unfortunate death should be used as a reminder that “child protection is everyone’s business” and that “corporal punishment must come to an end”.

A post mortem examination revealed that Milan died as a result of severe brain damage and head injury due to blunt force trauma. Also noted were multiple blunt force traumas all over the body.

Lewis said she finds the situation “extremely disturbing”, stating that the loss of a child in any way is something that hurts many persons.

“This case is certainly not unique to Saint Lucia because at Human Services we get several reports and we work with families regarding issues of physical abuse of children,” she noted.

In defending her staff, Lewis said social workers work extremely hard to ensure that children are protected and cases of corporal punishment are dealt with efficiently.

She said: “Corporal punishment is embedded in our culture and so for many of us it is not abuse. We have to reflect as a society as how do we protect our children.”

Lewis argued that everything should not be left up to the Human Services Department to do, but everyone has a role to play in ensuring that these cases are reported.

“Certainly when the parents fail, somebody, somewhere must step in. It doesn’t always have to be the social worker or Human Services. We have schools, churches and family members,” she added.

Milan’s relatives have claimed that more than one report was made to Human Services and no one acted on those reports. They even said the social worker who handled the case apologised.

Millan reportedly died Friday afternoon, Oct. 9, 2015, about five days after he was admitted to Victoria Hospital.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a ‘Use of Force Policy’ for Law Enforcement Officers by Cabinet Conclusion No. 583 of 2015 dated September 21, 2015.

The Policy is designed to provide parameters and guidance to law enforcement officers in determining the appropriate use of force when discharging their duties.

Further, it reinforces the responsibility of law enforcement officers to adhere to proper practices and behavior.

The Policy recognizes that law enforcement officers must have the highest regard for the constitutional rights and human rights of all persons.

Therefore, as far as possible, law enforcement officers should use only that force which is objectively reasonable and necessary to accomplish lawful ends.

The Policy applies to all Gazetted and Non-Gazetted Police Officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Special Reserve Police, Special Constables and Peace Officers.

The Use of Force Policy will inform the relevant standing orders to be issued by the Commissioner of Police.

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Milan Ferdinand

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is yet to make an arrest in the death of four-year-old Milan Ferdinand who passed away on Friday, October 9, days after he went into a coma while in his father and step-mother’s care.

But Police Press Officer Zachary Hippolyte told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the police force is committed to ensuring that a thorough investigation is conducted into this recent incident.

“We are also sensitive to the family and the public, who are currently outraged and disheartened by this incident. However, it is incumbent on the police that the investigation, like any other investigation, is handled professionally knowing that this case may appear before the court,” Hippolyte said.

He continued: “We are given the assurance that progress is being made. We ask for patience and understanding from the public as the police goes through the necessary processes required by law.”

A post-mortem examination revealed that Milan died as a result of severe brain damage and head injury due to blunt force trauma. Also noted were multiple blunt force traumas all over the body.

The child’s mother has admitted to seeing marks about her child’s body, which led to the conclusion that he was being physically abused by someone at home.

The woman claims she reported the matter to the Human Services Department who did nothing to assist the child. But the department has since responded saying that only one report was made.

Director Elizabeth Lewis said her department acted on that report. She said Milan was examined by a medical doctor, but at that time the issue was “not deemed serious.”

Police sources have confirmed that the child’s father and stepmother – a recently married couple – were questioned by officials in connection with allegations of abuse.

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Milan Ferdinand

PRESS RELEASE – On Friday, October 16, 2015 police arrested and detained two individuals in connection with the death of 4 year old, Milan Ferdinand of Dennery.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2015 a post mortem examination concluded that Ferdinand’s death was a Homicide.

The examination revealed that Ferdinand died as a result of severe brain damage and head injury due to blunt force trauma.

Also noted were multiple blunt force traumas all over the body.

Investigations continue into this matter.

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PRESS RELEASE – Good day everyone, it’s my privilege to bring you today’s “Weekend Crime Prevention Tips”. “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

Ten Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse

• Be a nurturing parent.

Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.

• Help a friend, neighbor or relative.

Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand to take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.

• Help yourself.

When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.

• If your baby cries…

It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying.

Never shake a baby – shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.

• Get involved.

Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.

• Help to develop parenting resources at your local library.

Find out whether your local library has parenting resources, and if it does not, offer to help obtain some.

• Promote programs in school.

Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.

• Monitor your child’s television, video, and internet viewing/usage.

Watching violent films, TV programs, and videos can harm young children.

• Report suspected abuse or neglect.

If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call the Department of Human services or the police.

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

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A manhunt is underway for a male who is suspected of stabbing a young woman – believed to be his girlfriend – multiple times and left her for dead in the vicinity of the Vigie cemetery in Castries Friday night, sources have confirmed.

The victim is believed to be in her early 20s and is a resident of Agard, Morne Du Don, Castries, according to reports.

The incident occurred around 8 p.m.

The woman, who reportedly sustained multiple wounds including a slash on her neck, was hospitalised, but her condition is unknown at this time.

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Four-year-old Devin Charles was allegdely slapped in the face.

Another four-year-old child has been hospitalised after he was allegedly physically abused by his father, who was recently released from prison for abusing another one of his children.

Devin Charles of Coolie Town is currently a patient at the Victoria Hospital. He was allegedly stomped in the stomach and other parts of his body on Thursday and was vomiting blood, relatives said.

Vern Severin, a relative of the child, told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today (October 17) that Devin was allegedly badly beaten by both his mother and father for reasons unknown to her.

Sverin said, “The father allegedly stepped on the boy’s stomach while beating him. He also has a slap mark on his face. His back had lashes from a belt too. And he is unable to walk properly because of an injury to his ankle.”

This is not the first time that the child’s father has abused him or his other siblings, Saverin alleges. She said a report was made with the police about three years ago, where he had abused another child.

According to her, the man was also recently released from prison after serving a six-month sentence for abusing his eldest child, who is eight years old.

Severin said she is upset that the father continues to allegedly abuse his children, even after serving prison time for injuring one of his child. The community, she said, is also concerned about the children’s well-being.

She is of the opinion that the father has not learned his lesson, and is asking that the authorities look into the issue. She said a report on this recent incident has been made with the police.

Severin claims that she was also threatened by the child’s father for making the report. “He saw me on the road while I was dropping off my daughter this morning and came up to me and said he will kill me.”

Four-year-old Milan Ferdinand who died recently was also allegedly physically abused. A post-mortem exam revealed that he died from severe brain damage due to blunt -force trauma.

At the time of his death, he was under the care of his father and step-mother.

The child also fractured his ankle.

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Barnard.

PRESS RELEASE – On Friday, October 16, 2015 about 7:30 p.m. police responded to a report of a stabbing near the Cemetery in Vigie, Castries.

Upon arrival, the officers discovered a female being attended to by Emergency Medical Technologists (EMT) of the Saint Lucia Fire Service.

The female, later identified as 24 year old Mc Lana Bernard of Agard, Morn Du Don, Castries, sustained what appeared to be multiple stab wounds to the body.

Bernard was transported to the Victoria Hospital where she is listed as being in critical but stable condition.

An individual is presently in custody assisting with investigations.

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Milan Ferdinand

Police Public Relations Officer Zachary Hippolyte has revealed that the case involving four-year-old Milan Ferdinand who died from alleged child abuse is now with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Hippolyte made this disclosure on Sunday evening’s Police Insight programme aired on MBC.

According to him, the police did what was necessary and required by law and have now submitted the case file to the DPP for further advice and or instructions.

In a press statement issued on Friday by the Royal St. Lucia Police Force, it said that two people were arrested and detained in relation to the death of the four-year-old child.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Milan died as a result of severe brain damage and head injury due to blunt force trauma. Also noted were multiple blunt force traumas all over the body.

The child’s mother has admitted to seeing marks about her child’s body, which led to the conclusion that he was being physically abused by someone at home.

The woman claims she reported the matter to the Human Services Department who did nothing to assist the child. But the department has since responded saying that only one report was made.

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A man was allegedly caught stealing at the construction site of Courts (Marisule, Gros-Islet) this morning.

Reports are that the man was placed in a make-shift cage made of steel rods, until the police arrived.

He has since been taken into custody.

No further details.

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Four-year-old Devin Charles was allegdely slapped in the face.

Four-year-old Devin Charles who was hospitalised on Thursday last with a fractured ankle and bruises about his body, caused by alleged physical abuse is recuperating, relatives said.

The child’s aunt, Vern Saverin, told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today that the police and Human Services Department have been playing a very active role in the case.

Devin who resides in Coolie Town was also admitted to Victoria Hospital for vomiting blood. He was allegedly stomped in the stomach and other parts of his body.

Saverin said the police have visited Devin’s home and taken statements from both his parents. The police also took a statement from the aunt and neighbours.

While the child could be returned home, Human Services have decided not to send him now, so as to keep him out of harm’s way and to facilitate a full police investigation, Saverin said.

Devin’s father who is alleged to have abused him, was recently released from prison, after serving a six-months sentence for abusing his eldest child, who is 8-years-old.

A report was also made with the police about three years ago, where he had abused another child.

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St. Lucia police officers guard a crime scene in Castries. * SNO file photo

PRESS RELEASE – The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has observed that police officers are engaging in off duty employment without applying to the Commissioner of Police or once having applied are not confirming the status of their applications.

Therefore, the public is hereby advised that police officers wishing to be employed, need to be in possession of an approval letter from the Commissioner of Police. In absence of this letter, any police officer has the authority to put an end to the event.

Furthermore, potential employers need to ensure that police officers, who are contracted to work, are present at the event/occasion in accordance with the approved period of time stated on the permit.

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PRESS RELEASE – Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs, National Development and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony will be meeting police officers in two separate encounters this week.

The Prime Minister will meet with police officers assigned to the south of the island tomorrow, Wednesday, October 21, 2015, while he will meet police officers assigned to the north on Thursday, October 22, 2015.

The Prime Minister will take the opportunity to address the implications of the imposition of the Leahy Law on Saint Lucia by the United States, and matters relating to the IMPACS Report.

He will also respond to other issues of concern to police officers.

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Police are investigating a chopping incident in Balca, a community near Saltibus in Choiseul, earlier this afternoon, Oct. 22.

Reports are that a man, identified as Rawle, sustained serious wounds at a residence in the community and he is currently in critical condition at a hospital.

Police have reportedly identified  a suspect. It is not yet clear if the suspect was apprehended.

No further details are available at this time.

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HAPPY COUPLE: Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand seen in this wedding photo have been charged in connection with the death of four-year-old Milan Ferdinand.

PRESS RELEASE – On Thursday, October 22, 2015 police formally charged 24-year-old Kersharma William Ferdinand of Grand Ravine, Dennery for the offences of murder and ill treatment.

Her husband, 24-year-old Marlon Ferdinand of the same address was formally charged for the offences of ill treatment, neglect and exposed/abandonment.

They were charged in connection with the death of 4-year-old Milan Ferdinand.

They are scheduled to make an appearance at the Second District Court on Friday, October 23, 2015.

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