LUCELEC Cul De Sac Power Plant. * Photo credit: lucelec.com

PRESS RELEASE – It has been reported to the St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) that individuals are presenting themselves to business establishments and/or people’s homes as LUCELEC employees and requesting permission to access their premises to conduct inspections or work on behalf of LUCELEC.

LUCELEC would like to advise all customers of the following:

1. Instances where LUCELEC employees and contractors would need to get into a building to carry out any work are rare. Most of LUCELEC’s work stops at the electricity meter.

2. Anyone presenting himself or herself to your place of business or home as a LUCELEC employee should always be asked to show the appropriate picture identification.

3. If someone purporting to represent LUCELEC or any of its contractors is requesting to get inside your office or home, call our Customer Service Department at 457-4400 to confirm if a crew was dispatched to your premises.

4. As a general rule, exercise due caution before letting anyone into your premises, even when individuals present themselves as representatives of LUCELEC or any other service provider. Confirm whether a service request was made by anyone at your location. Check Identification Cards thoroughly. Ask the individual to wait while you verify with the office they’re purporting to represent. Call and double check whether a work crew is supposed to be at your address.

LUCELEC seeks the cooperation of all its customers in ensuring that anyone seeking access to their premises on LUCELEC’s behalf is properly vetted.

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Left to right: Alexander, Garde.

Two of the most senior police officers are reportedly top candidates, who have applied to become police commissioner of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).

Reports are that acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander and Director of Corrections Vern Garde have been identified as the two front runners in the race.

Both Alexander and Garde are said to be well qualified for the position.

They were interviewed for the position last week, sources said.

The position was first advertised on October 23, 2015 on the Government Information Service (GIS) website and the submission date was extended to November 13, 2015.

Alexander was placed as acting COP after Vernon Francois was sent on leave following a public address made by Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony on the findings of the IMPACS report.

In early September 2015, Francois made a request for early retirement, after months of being sent on leave. The request was forwarded to the Public Service Commission and was later approved.

Alexander is expected to commence pre-retirement leave in April of 2016.

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A documentary has been produced to give persons a closer look at the experiences of students involved in a college scandal here in Saint Lucia.

The documentary is titled ‘Lambirds’ and was put together by a United States producer Lizzy Pittigrew, who felt the need to tell the story of these students, who have been stranded here for months.

A letter submitted to the editor of St. Lucia News Online (SNO) on December 3, 2015, described the students situation and explained that they are getting “mentally unstable day by day.”

In a previous interview, the students had told SNO that they are tired of waiting and expressed their disappointment with how the case is being dragged out.

“We are just hoping that it will come to an end soon, because nothing has changed. We are here with nothing to do, and nowhere to go. We are tired of waiting,” one student lamented.

Most of the students want to return home, but they also want their money back.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lambirds Academy Dr. Iftekhar Shams was recently cleared of money laundering charges brought against him by the director of public prosecutions.

However, he still faces a human trafficking charge, as well as charges of obtaining by deception.

Below is the official trailer for the documentary:

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PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 42 year old, Henson Jean of Deglos, Castries.

On Wednesday, December 16, 2015 about 4:45 p.m. police recovered the body of Jean in the sea, near to the Buckeye Oil Refinery in Cul De Sac, Castries.

Reports indicate that Jean allegedly dove into the sea on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 about 1:30 p.m. and never resurfaced.

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

A post mortem shall be conducted at a later date.

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One of the bandits is seen here exiting the business with several pieces of clothing in his hands.

Bandits reportedly broke into a clothing store next to The Hair Factory located at Chisel Street, Castries.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, December 18, at around 4 a.m.

Reports are that the bandits managed to cut the burglar bars and broke a glass. Upon gaining entry, they raided the store of thousands of dollars worth of clothing.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) understands that there was a hanger and clothing trail from the store through the street. A few hangers and two jackets were reportedly also retrieved.

A video captured the bandits exiting the business premises with several pieces of clothing in their hands.

Police are currently investigating the matter.

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Acting COP Errol Alexander

PRESS RELEASE – As we celebrate the festive season, we, The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to sincerely thank the citizens of Saint Lucia for the contribution they have made towards the maintenance of law and order.

We will undertake to ensure that our success continues into the New Year.

Regardless of who we are, crime affects us all. This is why it is paramount that the Police and the Citizenry sustain its relationship in the fight against crime. We cannot over emphasize the importance of community involvement in the continued battled against those who wish to destabilize the peace and tranquility of this lovely country.

Thus far, we have been able to experience tremendous success in managing crime. This success is attributed to various new crime fighting strategies implemented this year and also the unwavering assistance given by the public.

We have also experienced a decrease in traffic fatalities and accidents resulting in serious personal injuries. For this, we say thank you to the motoring public.

I would like to thank the hardworking and resilient men and women of the RSLPF for their continued dedication to duty. Your performance for the year has been one worthy of note.

I would also like to thank our law enforcement partner agencies for their continued support. You augment our organization by being eyes where we can’t see and ears where we can’t hear.

Thanks to the numerous Non-Governmental Organizations around the island. I encourage you to continue the good social work that you undertake. You reach out to the social consciousness of our people, giving them hope for a better and brighter future.

Thank you to the Media for the constructive role that you have played in the dissemination of information to members of the public.

To you who will be celebrating Christmas may you have the joy, blessing and contentment of this occasion. Ensure that you celebrate in moderation, not forgetting tomorrow.

On behalf of the Executive and other members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 30 year old Cedrick Gourie of Darling Road, Castries.

On Saturday, December 19, 2015 about 7:57 p.m. police responded to a report of a stabbing which occurred on Jn.Baptiste Street, Castries.

Gourie was discovered in a supine position (lying face up) with what appeared to be a single stab wound to the left side of his chest.

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

A post mortem shall be conducted on a later date.

This is the twenty-seventh homicide for the year 2015.

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PRESS RELEASE – Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, Severin Moncherry returned to the island having completed a five week stint in Jamaica.

Moncherry left Saint Lucia for Jamaica on November 13, 2015. Upon arrival, he was received by the high command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Whilst there, Moncherry attended various operational, strategic and tasking meetings. He also engaged in various operational activities.

This visit was part of an exchange program initiated by the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP).

The Acting Deputy Police Commissioner would like to thank Police Commissioner, Dr. Carl Williams, his Executive and the entire Jamaica Constabulary Force for the hospitality given to him during his stay.

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NATIONWIDE – The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has teamed-up with a local bicycle business to launch what is expected to become the island’s first ever Police Bicycle Unit.

Guy Larcher of Universal Cycle Centre said the bicycle police unit is a pilot project that will improve the patrol capabilities of  the Police over foot patrols and regular  transport.

Larcher disclosed that during the three-month pilot phase, needed adjustments would be made to the   initiative.

The introduction of the unit met with much positive response in Castries last weekend, with many welcoming  it  as  one  that  will not only make the police move along more freely and quickly in crowded areas, but will also keep the riding officers fit for the fight against crime.

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Police have arrested and charged a man in connection with the death of a Surinamese national.

Darien Preville of Babonneau was taken to court today, Dec. 24 for the stabbing death of 30-year-old Cedrick Gourie, who was originally from Suriname but resided on Darling Road, Castries.

Preville was remanded in custody unti Jan. 10, 2016.

On Saturday, December 19, 2015, about 7:57 p.m.,police responded to a report of a stabbing which occurred on Jn.Baptiste Street, Castries.

Gourie was discovered in a supine position (lying face up) with what appeared to be a single stab wound to the left side of his chest.

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

This is the twenty-seventh homicide for the year 2015.

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Owald Downes

Police are investigating the death of a father of two, who was chopped to death during a jouvert celebration on Christmas Day in Belle Vue, Vieux Fort.

The deceased, identified as Oswald Downes, also known as Shadda, was reportedly attacked by about four men in the early hours of Friday morning.

An eyewitness told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Downes was “chopped repeatedly like an animal”.

“I thought I was watching a movie or a slaughter house scene… I ran away and puked,” the eyewitness said.

Downes was a former prison officer and accountant Bordelais Correctional Facility.

Several relatives said they are not aware Downes has any problems, but several sources in the community told SNO that an ongoing feud between persons from Belle Vue and Pierrot may have led to his demise.

A relative described Downes as an “intelligent” man, who was a “real father” to his two children, who were recently on island to spend time with him.

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Police are investigating the death of a young man in Cacao, Babonneau.

Police said 23-year-old Jervaughn Coureur was found dead at his home. Police received the report at around 11:15 p.m.

Investigators said the deceased appears to have been shot, but noted that an post mortem will confirm the cause of death.

Police are at the scene. No further details are available at this time.

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Downes

Police have held onto four persons in connection with the horrific Christmas Day murder of Oswald Downes, also known as Shadda.

Reliable sources told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the four persons, who are all males, were held for “questioning”. They were picked up by the cops on Saturday morning.

Downes, a father of three, was reportedly attacked by four males, and repeatedly chopped during a jouvert celebration in the early hours of Friday morning, Dec. 25 in Belle Vieux, Vieux-Fort.

An eyewitness told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Downes was “chopped repeatedly like an animal”.

“I thought I was watching a movie or a slaughter house scene… I ran away and puked,” the eyewitness said.

Downes was a former prison officer and accountant Bordelais Correctional Facility.

Several relatives said they are not aware Downes has any problems, but several sources in the community told SNO that an ongoing feud between persons from Belle Vue and Pierrot may have led to his demise.

A relative described Downes as an “intelligent” man, who was a “real father” to his two children, who were recently on island to spend time with him.

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PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 38 year old, Oswald Downes alias “Shadda” of Pierrot Vieux Fort.

On Friday, December 25, 2015 about 5:40 a.m. police received a report of a chopping incident at Belle Vue, Vieux- Fort.

According to reports, Downes was allegedly chopped and stabbed multiple times by four (4) known individuals.

He was transported to the St Jude Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

There are four (4) individuals in custody assisting with investigations.

This is the twenty-eighth homicide of the year 2015.

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354. VIOLENT DISORDER

(1) Where 3 or more persons present together use or threaten violence and their conduct taken together is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his or her personal safety, each of the persons using or threatening violence commits the offence of violent disorder.

(2) A person commits the offence of violent disorder only if he or she intends to use or threaten violence or is aware that his or her conduct may be violent or threaten violence.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1)—

(a) it is immaterial whether or not the 3 or more persons use or threaten unlawful violence simultaneously; and

(b) no person of reasonable firmness need be, or be likely to be present at the scene.

(4) An offence of violent disorder may be committed in a private or public place.

(5) A person who commits the offence of violent disorder is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment of 5 years.

 “We, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to encourage the citizenry to read and study the laws which governs our society. Never forget that knowledge is power”.

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Residents of Forestiere and surrounding communities are being urged to keep an eye out for thieves.

A resident claims that thieves have been prowling the community, especially between 12 a.m – 5 a.m.

The concerned resident said the community should come together and adhere to certain safety conditions.

“Pay attention to every sound and dog bark, and call your neighbours and inform them to cast their eyes around,” the resident advises.

These residents are also being urged to call the police on sight of anything suspicious.

“Let us take all precautionary measures possible to keep our family and friends safe,” the resident added.

There was already one attempted break-in and at least three successful break-ins in one night.

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Acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander.

The police are appealing to citizens once again, to adhere to the laws which pertain to the hosting of mass crowd events.

Acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander made this call during a press conference held on Wednesday, December 30, urging persons to ensure that they are properly licensed.

Alexander reiterated that in events where there is no proper policing, it could lead to chaos and pubic disorder, which is something that the Force is trying to reduce.

The acting top cop said the Force has made repeated calls over the past year, to ensure that citizens follow the rightful procedures and is making this call again.

As such the Force is looking to enforce these laws in the New Year.

Section 4.4 of the Mass Crowd Events Guidelines of Saint Lucia 2009 states that “Mass Crowd Events” are defined by any gathering that is expected to attract two hundred (200) persons or more.

Applications must be made twenty one (21) days, expecting two hundred (200) and over persons and ten (10) days for events expecting less than 200, before the intended date of the event.

Organizers who do not possess the required permit from the Office of the Commissioner of Police will risk having  their event being shut down by police.

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DEAD: Oswald Downes

PRESS RELEASE – On Wednesday, December 30, 2015 police formally charged 28 year old Richey Auguste, 25 year old Danny Preville, 24 year old Lucaius Gilbert alias “Oliver” and 20 year old Kaja Vigier all of Belle Vue, Vieux Fort for the offence of Murder.

They were charged in connection with the death of 38 year old, Oswald Downes alias “Shadda” of Pierrot Vieux Fort.

A post mortem conducted on the body of Downes revealed that he died as a result of hemorrhagic shock secondary to assault caused by sharp instrument.

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A man has died  from wounds he sustained in a stabbing incident last night.

Dead is Joseph Herman from a Capitol Hill address.

Reports are that he received the fatal stab wounds while in an altercation with some men.

More details to follow as the story develops.

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Babonneau Police Station under the leadership of Inspector Terry Bradley continues to donate food hampers to needy families during and after the festive season.

This venture was in collaboration with SLHTA, Mrs. Goretti Lawrency, Gros Islet Police Station and Richfond Police Station. Some twelve food hampers have been distributed so far in the community.

The hamper distribution is part of their community policing initiative.

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