Inspector Dexter Felix

Speeding remains the number one cause for many fatal crashes on the island, but the Police are prepared to work towards significantly lowering this in 2016 and beyond.

Inspector Dexter Felix of the Traffic Department has said that the Force is preparing to deal with the instrument to assist with the procurement of speed guns that will be utilized to measure speed on the roadways.

“A small contingent from the Traffic Department visited Trinidad and studied the Police there and were able to understand how they go about measuring speed along the highways,” he explained.

Felix believes that the speed guns will help to reduce accidents in a major way in Saint Lucia and help to encourage drivers to adhere to speed limits, and caution them against speeding.

While admitting that the police continue to have challenges when it comes to the Bexon highway, Felix said certain measures have been put in place to reduce speed in that area.

He spoke to the erection of speed bumps and traffic safety signs, close to the Bexon School, where a child lost his life. There are also constant traffic patrols. But despite these efforts some persons are still not adhering to the rules.

Despite these challenges, the traffic official said ever since these systems have been implemented, there has been a reduction in the number of calls made to the police in relation to accidents in that area.

Meanwhile, another area which Felix said the police hopes to tackle this year is drunk driving. The police inspector said serious attention will be given to this area during discussions within the Force.

“We also studied Trinidad’s Driving under the Influence (DUI) response and how the breathalyzers are helping them and we would be looking at that this year,” he stated.

It was reminded that drivers should at all times adhere to speed limits which are provided through the Traffic Act. The speed limit for highways is 40 mph and in Castries is 25 mph.

With the expansion of the Castries-Gros Islet Highway, the Traffic Department is hoping that this will help to ease the traffic congestion, especially during peaks hours and reduce accidents.

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* Not the actual cocaine seized by the police.

Members of the Vieux Fort Drug Squad this morning discovered 15 blocks of suspected cocaine on a minibus early Monday, Jan. 18, 2016.

The vehicle is allegedly owned by a police corporal, according to reports.

The bus, which was heading towards Castries along the Castries-Vieux Fort Highway, was intercepted by the cops this morning around 4:10.

Three males including the driver, who is reported to be from New Development, Soufriere, were on board.

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563

A person who—

(a) solicits or endeavours to solicit alms or charitable contributions for himself or herself or any other person, under any false or fraudulent pretence;

(b) is convicted on more than one occasion of being a vagrant or idle or disorderly person;

(c) is convicted on more than one occasion of an offence;

(d) is convicted on more than one occasion of loitering about or importuning any passer-by for the purposes of prostitution;

(e) exposes in any public place or within view of any public place any defamatory or insulting writing or object;

(f) is found in or about any market, wharf, or jetty, or in or about any vessel, for any unlawful purpose;

(g) is found in any verandah, gallery, outhouse, passage, gateway, dwelling-house, warehouse, store, stable, or other building, in any yard, garden or other enclosed place or land, for any unlawful purpose;

(h) while being arrested as a vagrant or idle or disorderly person, violently resists the police officer or any other person arresting him or her, and is subsequently convicted of the offence for which he or she was being arrested;

(i) has in his or her custody or possession any pick lock, key, crowbar, jack, bit, or other implement, with intent unlawfully to break into any building;

(j) is armed with or has upon him or her any gun, pistol, or other firearm, or cutlass, sword, knife, razor, bludgeon, or other deadly or dangerous weapon or instrument, with intent to commit any unlawful act;

(k) has in his or her custody or possession any such implement or weapon or instrument referred to in paragraphs (i) and (j) and does not give a satisfactory account of himself or herself,

is deemed a rogue and vagabond and is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for 6 months.  

“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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Acting Top Cop Errol Alexander

Several internal works have been done at the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), despite United States (U.S) sanctions, Acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander has said.

Alexander was speaking in relation to the United States (U.S) government move to withdraw assistance to Saint Lucia following alleged extra-judicial killings back in 2010-2012.

While admitting that the RSLPF is still affected in some ways due to these sanctions, the acting top cop said the Force has been very innovative and productive.

According to him, the executive has managed to keep the Force in shape and has produced positive results. The Force has also successfully trained more police officers, through government’s assistance.

In addition to that, the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourist Association (SLHTA) assisted the police in rolling out an Anti-Crime Christmas Plan and helped to finance 13 more special reserve police officers to be on the streets.

Ever since these alleged extra-judicial killings, the U.S. has moved to revoke the visas of several top police officials including former Deputy Police Commissioner Moses Charles.

The Government of Saint Lucia is still not able to purchase ammunition for the Force’s U.S. made weapons, and members of Force have been blocked from training in the region and elsewhere, which are financed by the U.S. government.

Financial and technical assistance to Saint Lucia’s Coast Guard Unit was also halted.

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Police are investigating a gruesome chopping incident which occurred on Wednesday evening at Soufriere, involving a farmer who is reportedly in his late 30’s.

Reports are that Gary Melius, from Esperance, Soufriere was returning from his farm when he was attacked by another male who had a machete in his possession.

Melius was discovered lying in a pool of blood close to the Mocha Bridge, Fond St. Jacques at around 7:00 p.m. and was bleeding profusely from the head and arms.

Residents were surprised by the incident, stating that the community is a peaceful one.

Melius was taken to the Soufriere Hospital. His condition is unknown at this time.

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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

ROBBERY

The recently released island wide 2015 Crime Statistics Report stated that robbery offences has increased steadily over the past three years with the year 2015 recording an increase of 18% when compared to 2014. Three hundred and sixty (362) incidents of Robbery were recorded for 2015.

The following tips may help reduce the risk of being a victim of robbery.

1. If possible, don’t walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is always safety in numbers.
2. Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, the police can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem.
3. Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
4. Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes, and other potential hiding places.
5. If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car, and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.
6. If on a public bus or some other mode of transportation, be mindful of your surroundings when seating next to a window. An individual can reach in and grab an item from you whilst seated on that vehicle.
7. Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. And don’t burden yourself with too many packages or items.
8. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don’t turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises or just don’t wear them at all whilst in public.
9. Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
10. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, or displaying expensive jewelry in public.

“We, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to encourage the citizenry to think “Crime Prevention” in day-to-day living.

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Cocaine

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) has been informed that a special reserve police officer has been arrested along with another male on suspicion of attempting to export drugs.

Reports are that the officer and the other male attempted to transport cocaine via mail from Saint Lucia to the United Kingdom on December 17, 2015.

They were both arrested on Friday, January 22, 2016 and are expected to be charged soon.

They are both residents of Babonneau.

The officer is facing another charge for a separate incident he allegedly committed.

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A male was injured during a chopping incident in Corinth, on Sunday, January 24.

Reports are that the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m.

The victim was chopped by an unknown male.

One of the victim’s fingers was severed and he reportedly sustained wounds to his head and arms.

The victim was later taken to hospital but his condition is unknown at this time.

No further details available.

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Human Services Director Elizabeth Lewis

The Human Service Department is currently making plans to assist communities and individuals to better resolve conflicts, amid an upsurge in chopping incidents, which have led to some fatalities, most recently.

Director of Human Services Elizabeth Lewis told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) on Monday (Jan.25) that her Department is looking at ways in which they could help to address this issue.

Lewis said her Department is concerned about this recent development where persons are starting to attack each other with the use of sharp objects to resolve their conflicts.

“It is a matter of concern for us and we want to remind persons out there that that is certainly not the way to solve issues,” the human services department head stated.

She continued: “We live in a very civilized society and as a developing nation, we need to find a way to move on from this barbaric society and find other ways to address our issues.”

Lewis told SNO that her Department plans to educate persons of better ways to resolve their problems, particularly through hosting conflict resolution workshops.

While these plans have not been finalized, she said her team is actively engaged in discussions in relation to this and is looking at different target communities, despite the issue seems to be widespread.

“Conflicts are part of life. There will be conflicts. How we resolve them, however, is very important. We have to be more careful in our response and we should not seek to harm or hurt people in that way.”

Lewis said Saint Lucia witnessed a high number of gun violence last year, but this seem to have eased and now persons are faced with this new phenomenon.

She reminded that her Department has an open door policy and everyone is welcomed to seek assistance.

“Persons can feel free to come to use our office to discuss family related issues and we will see how best we can assist them. We may not be able to resolve them directly, but we would refer them to the correct agency,” she said.

On Sunday, a Corinth man was brutally attacked by an unknown individual. The victim was brutally chopped in the head and arm, and lost a finger as a result of this incident.

Four days before that a man was attacked by four men in Soufriere. He was brutally chopped in the head and remains in a critical condition at hospital. Three suspects are being questioned.

On January 10, an 18-year-old man male was chopped in Ravine Poisson.

There have been a series of other similar incidents.

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PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 46 year old, Eyan David Sookwa of Forestierre, Castries.

On Sunday, January 24, 2016 about 5:00 p.m. police responded to a report of a sudden death in Forestierre.

According to reports, Sookwa, an outpatient of the Wellness Center, was in a physical altercation with his brother who was trying to subdue him. During the altercation Sookwa lost consciousness.

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

Investigations are continuing into this matter.

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MISSING: Syana Mathurin

PRESS RELEASE – The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is appealing to the public for assistance in locating 42 year old, Syana Mathurin of Delcer Choiseul.

According to reports, Mathurin was last seen on Saturday, January 23, 2016 about 12:30 p.m. in Delcer Choiseul.

Anyone having information can contact the family at mobile numbers 7152549/4889333 or contact the nearest police station.

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St. Lucia police during a patrol. * Photo credit: Telesurv.

The Government of Saint Lucia has moved to engage the services of a firm of lawyers based in the United States (U.S.) Capital of Washington, D.C to represent them in the IMPACS matter.

This was revealed by Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony during his New Year’s speech which was broadcast nationwide on Monday evening (Jan.25, 2016).

The Prime Minister declared that the group of foreign attorneys will “represent us in discussions with officials of the U.S. State Department”, regarding this sensitive issue.

He noted that the IMPACS report has caused much anxiety and uneasiness, but gave his assurance that the matter will be looked at and a resolution will be reached.

“I assure you that we will continue to work with the U.S. to bring closure to this matter,” he stated.

The U.S. has encouraged government to ensure that due process is served in the matter. The European Union (EU) also recently held a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss this same issue.

The IMPACS Report was compiled based on an investigation into alleged extra-judicial killings by some members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) between 2009 and 2011.

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A video of a young woman being attacked and beaten by at least two individuals has been seen circulating on social media.

The young lady, believed to be from Soufriere, appeared on the receiving end of many kicks and punches by an unidentified woman and another individual. Throughout the video the young lady was seen trying to escape as her assailants continuously knocked her to the ground.

Running away and crying, the lady was surrounding by a crowd who stood by and watched as the assailants rained blows on her as she struggle to simply stand on her feet.

What started the confrontation is not yet known but reports are that the alleged attackers were seen commenting on the video on social media in an effort to justify their actions.

See the video below, some viewers may find it disturbing so viewers discretion is advised.

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211. OBTAINING PROPERTY BY DECEPTION

(1) A person who, by any deception obtains property belonging to another person with the intention of permanently depriving the other person of it is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 10 years.

(2) For purposes of this section a person is to be treated as obtaining property if he or she obtains ownership, possession or control of it, and “obtain” includes obtaining for another or enabling another to obtain or to retain.

…

(4) …          “deception” means any deception (whether deliberate or reckless) by words or conduct as to fact or as to law, including a deception as to the present intentions of the person using the deception or of any other person.

212. OBTAINING PECUNIARY ADVANTAGE BY DECEPTION

(1) A person who by any deception obtains for himself or herself or another person any pecuniary advantage is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 5 years.

(2) The cases in which a pecuniary advantage within the meaning of this section is to be regarded as obtained for a person are cases where—

(a) he or she is allowed to borrow by way of overdraft, or to take out any policy of insurance or annuity contract, or obtains an improvement of the terms on which he or she is allowed to do so; or

(b) he or she is given the opportunity to earn remuneration or greater remuneration in an office or employment, or to win money by betting.

“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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The women on the ground was being attacked.

Police are currently investigating the incident which took social media by storm on Monday where a young woman was seen being attacked and beaten in a video.

Police Public Relations Officer Zachary Hippolyte confirmed with St. Lucia News Online (SNO) on Wednesday that the matter is being actively pursued by the police.

SNO understands that the video link was sent to Head of the Southern Division Superintendent Moses James and the Soufriere Police Station for further investigation and possible prosecution.

At least two individuals were seen beating the female who is believed to be a teenager from Soufriere.

She appeared to have received kicks and punches by an unidentified woman and another individual.

What started the confrontation is not yet known but reports are that the alleged attackers were seen commenting on the video on social media in an effort to justify their actions.

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USE OF FORCE POLICY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

(Sections 1 and 2)

Definitions:

-“Physical Force” includes the use of fists, hands and feet.

-“Mechanical Force” involves the use of some device or substance other than a firearm to overcome a subject’s resistance to the Law Enforcement Officer’s authority. Examples include the use of a baton or other object, canine physical contact with a subject or chemical or natural spray.

-“Lethal Force” involves the use of a firearm, bladed weapon, vehicle, nontraditional-weapon or force reasonable anticipated or intended to create a substantial likelihood of causing death or serious bodily injury.

-Factors to be considered when determining the Reasonable Use of Force.

In determining whether the level of force is “reasonable”, the following factors along with the prevailing circumstances of each case must be considered. These factors include but are not limited to the following;

-The conduct of the subject being confronted by the Law Enforcement Officer

-Whether the subject poses an imminent threat to the safety of the Law Enforcement Officer or other persons, taking into account the subject’s age, size, skill level and strength

-The mental capacity of the subject

-Whether the subject is resisting or attempting to evade arrest

-Whether the situation is tense, uncertain or rapidly evolving

-The seriousness of the crime(s) at issue

-The foreseeable risk of injury to Law Enforcement Officers, suspects or other persons

-The possible influence of drugs or alcohol on the subject

-Any previous arrest of the subject which include a pattern of violence

-The proximity of access to weapons by the subject

-The age, size and strength of the Law Enforcement Officers

-Environmental conditions and other exigent circumstances

-Training and experience of the Law Enforcement Officers

-Information and intelligence that has been communicated to the Law Enforcement Officer.

The above information derived from the Use of Force Policy for Law Enforcement Officers which was approved by Cabinet Conclusion No. 583 of 2015, dated 21st September 2015.

“BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW” is a production of the Press Office of the Royal St Lucia Police Force.

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Syana Mathurin

A woman reported missing in Choiseul was found dead Wednesday afternoon.

Forty-two -year-old Syana Mathurin was reported missing on Saturday, January 23, about 12:30 p.m.

Relatives confirmed with St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that Mathurin’s body was found on top of a cliff today.

Relatives said someone spotted a body at around 3 p.m. and alerted the police.

The body was later identified as Mathurin’s.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force had issued a press statement on Monday appealing to the public for assistance in locating Mathurin, who resides at Delcer, Choiseul.

Investigations are ongoing.

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DEAD: Syana Mathurin

PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 42 year old, Syana Mathurin of Delcer, Choiseul.

Mathurin was reported missing on Saturday, January 23, 2016.

On Wednesday, January 27, 2016 about 3:40 p.m. her partly decomposed body was discovered suspended on a cliff in Moolas, Choiseul.

She was pronounced dead on the scene by a medical doctor

A post mortem has been scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2016.

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PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 57 year old, Paul St. Rose alias “Bams” of Bagatelle, Castries.

On Thursday, January 28, 2016 about 2:50 a.m. St. Rose was discovered in a seated position with stab wounds to his upper body at his residence in Bagatelle.

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

This is the fourth homicide for the year 2016.

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Two female teenagers were charged for attacking and beating another female in Soufriere, in a video which was recorded and posted on social media.

Perclyn Joseph, 18, and Shaneika Andrew,19, were jointly charged on Thursday with assault and damage perpetrated on Abigail Lucien, 16, also of Soufriere.

Police Press Officer Zachary Hippolyte told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the duo will make their first court appearance at the Second District Court on Friday.

SNO understands that the video link was sent to Head of the Southern Division Superintendent Moses James and the Soufriere Police Station, who carried out the investigation.

The victim was seen receiving kicks and punches allegedly by the two teenager. Throughout the video the young lady was seen trying to escape the duo as they continuously knocked her to the ground.

Running away and crying, the lady was surrounded by a crowd who stood by and watched as the assailants rained blows on her as she struggle to simply stand on her feet.

What started the confrontation is not yet known but reports are that the alleged accused were seen commenting on the video on social media in an effort to justify their actions.

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