77. (1) During the hours that the poll is open upon polling day a person shall not upon any public road or in any public place within 100 yards of any building in which a polling station is situate seek to influence any elector to vote for any candidate or to ascertain for what candidate any elector intends to vote or has voted.

(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $250 or to imprisonment for 3 months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

“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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Left to right: Joseph, Compton-Antoine.

With less than one week before the next general election, Independent candidate for Micoud North, Jeannine Compton-Antoine has come out to accuse former Agriculture Minister Ezechiel Joseph of sexual assault.

She told supporters on Sunday at a public meeting that was the main reason she left the United Workers Party (UWP).

Compton-Antoine said the only person she ever discussed this with is her husband, but had been haunted for years of being told that she ‘abandoned the people,’ and left the party that her father founded.

The former MP recalled that the incident took place at the Ministry of Agriculture at Castries Waterfront, while she was there to speak with the then minister about issues farmers were being faced with in Micoud North.

Compton-Antoine claims that Joseph kept interrupting her whenever she was ready to speak about the problems her constituency was faced with at the time, and instead he started to “chat me up.”

When she decided to leave, Compton-Antoine said Joseph allegedly grabbed her.“He tried to take off my shirt and kiss me, and you are telling me that I must stay with people like that?”

Joseph has denied that the incident ever occurred and questioned if its true, why Compton-Antoine never spoke about this alleged sexual assault as a reason for leaving the UWP before, until now.

The UWP Babonneau candidate is seeking legal advice on the matter.

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St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia coast guard interceptors pass each other near Castries, St. Lucia, during training as part of Tradewinds 2013 May 28, 2013. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Seeber/Released)

Saint Lucia has been excluded again from a list of countries due to participate in this year’s multi-national “Tradewinds” military exercise which will be held in Grenada.

A statement from the United States Embassy in Barbados on Tuesday (May 31) does not mention Saint Lucia. The island was also excluded in the 2014 and 2015 training exercises.

In 2013, the United States suspended assistance to the Royal Saint Lucia Police as a result of allegations of serious human rights violations which occurred between 2010 and 2011.

The allegations included claims of extra-judicial police slayings which was investigated. The matter is still pending advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

The paramilitary training Military will bring together security personnel from 13 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states — Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis,  Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago — will join military personnel from the United States, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom for Phase I of Exercise Tradewinds 2016.

This year’s Exercise Tradewinds will be conducted in three phases: Phase I will include maritime and land operations, and will take place in Grenada through June 14; Phase II will include maritime and land operations, including U.S. Marines, and will take place in Jamaica from June 20-28; Phase III, a Key Leader Seminar, will be conducted July 20-22 in Miami for key stakeholders and decision makers from the region.

Exercise Tradewinds supports the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a U.S. Department of State regional security partnership.  Phases I and II are designed to conduct joint, interagency capacity building exercises for participating nations. Those exercises focus on increasing regional cooperation in complex, multinational security operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response operations.

Participating regional organizations  in this year’s exercise include the Regional Security System (RSS), Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and CARICOM.

The Tradewinds will be hosted by Barbados in 2017.

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Severin Moncherry, Commissioner of Police. Photo: RSLPF

Commissioner of Police, Severin Moncherry, has issued a statement in light of the upcoming general election, urging peace during this period. Below is his full statement.

“As Commissioner of Police I take this opportunity to thank my Executive Team and all other members of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force, for the professional and efficient manner in which Saint Lucia Jazz 2016 was policed. Your hard work and dedication contributed to making Jazz 2016 an incident free event.

As we continue into the Electioneering Period I wish to thank members of the public for their conduct thus far. You have shown maturity and respect for the rights of others. I implore you members of the public in the coming days, and particularly on Election Day, that you continue to act responsibly and respect the rights of others.

Everyone in Saint Lucia has a right to choose whatever party or candidate he/she wishes to support. However, in exerting this right you need to respect the right of others. Let us during this period and beyond be more tolerant, manage our anger and use amicable ways to resolve conflict.

I call on every Saint Lucian to show the rest of the world that we can agree or disagree and when it matters most, we can unite for the good of Saint Lucia.”

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PRESS RELEASE – A donation of computers to the Vieux Fort Branch of the Special Services Unit (SSU) is expected to significantly impact the work of the law enforcement personnel.

The computer donation comes in response to a request by the Unit during the recent commissioning of the Vieux-Fort ICT Community Access Centre.

A brief handing -over ceremony has been planned for Thursday,  June 02, 2016, at the Vieux-Fort Police Station, from 3:00pm, where the Minister for the Public Service, Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, Senator, the Honourable Dr. James Fletcher,  will hand over the computers to Police Commissioner,  Severin Moncherry.

The computer donation is in keeping with the National ICT Policy (2013-2018) objectives, with respect to the use of ICT for improved public administration processes and enhancing national security.

Law enforcement operations can be supported and can be more effective through the strategic deployment of ICT resources, given the increasing levels of sophistication in criminal activity. Information management is critical in crime detection and prosecution and therefore information must be accurate, securely stored and easily accessible by relevant personnel.

The use of these computers for better information management is therefore expected to have a positive impact on the operations of the Vieux Fort Branch of the SSU.

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Cymatha Mitchel

PRESS RELEASE – It is the solemn duty of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to bid a final farewell to Woman Police Constable 55 Cymantha Mitchel, who passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the age of 41.

WPC Mitchel enlisted on August 17, 2009 and gave her best to the profession for six years.

She was attached to the Major Crime Unit in Castries and more recently she formed part of the Vulnerable Persons Team in Vieux Fort.

Although this occasion is very emotional, fond recollections of her bubbly and upbeat personality, her helpful nature and her determination to remain smiling despite ill–health, provides comfort for all who are left to mourn this untimely departure.

A Military Funeral will be held on Friday, June 10, 2016 in honor of Woman Police Constable 55 Cymantha Mitchel at the Lady of Lourdes Church, Choiseul at 2:30 p.m.

Viewing of the body on the day will take place at the Choiseul Arts and Craft Centre from 11:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. The funeral procession will march from the La Fargue Highway and will proceed into the village and to the church. The Final Salute and burial will take place at the Choiseul Cemetery.

The absence of a hardworking and dedicated colleague is already being felt among her fellow officers as do her circle of family and friends.

The Executive, Gazette Officers and Rank and File of the Royal Saint Lucia Police extends heartfelt condolence to the family of Woman Police Constable Cymantha Mitchel.

May her soul Rest In Peace

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PRESS RELEASE – The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to inform all police officers that leave will be cancelled from 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 5, 2016 until 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

Police officers are advised to refer to the operation order and deployment plan which is available at the nearest Station or Department.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to remind the general public that no intoxicating liquor should be sold or supplied on polling day.

According to section 72 of the Elections Act 2008;

“No intoxicating liquor shall be sold, offered for sale, supplied or given away, at any premises situate in any electoral district in which an election is being held, to which a licence issued under the Liquor Licence Act, or under the Registration of Proprietary Clubs Act or under any other enactment applies, at any time between the opening and the closing of the poll on polling day”.

Polls shall be opened at 6:30 a.m. and closed at 6:00 p.m. on Monday June 6, 2016.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force urges the citizenry to adhere to this law as any person who contravenes section 72 shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500 or to imprisonment for 6 months.

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With just a few hours left before Saint Lucians head to the polls to elect a new government, local police are now investigating a threat made against Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony via social media.

This was confirmed with senior police officials on Sunday evening, who said that a female posted something on Facebook which is being considered a ‘serious threat’ to Dr. Anthony.

The individual said in her post that if the Labour party wins the next elections, she will be alive to see a Prime Minister get “sniped” and had the words “yellow power” included in her post.

“So keep taking the cries of the people for a joke, if this should happen I will watch it go boom on TV far away from here, but since this won’t happen, I will stick around to dance with Allen Chastanet and the rest of the party.”

While most of the short political campaign season has been violent free, threats were however made against two popular media personalities, Rick Wayne and Sam “Jook Bois” Flood.

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* NOT actual damaged car.

Two vehicles were reportedly damaged and people injured in Grande Ravine, Dennery North on Tuesday evening by residents in the area.

A woman who identified herself as Gail told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the residents attacked persons who were passing in a celebratory motorcade.

The woman said she is disappointed that the residents would be engaged in this kind of “vicious” behaviour, by hurling bricks and other instruments at people.

“They injured two young ladies, who had to be taken to hospital and damaged some vehicles.These savages even threatened to get their guns and machetes to harm people,” she alleged.

Gail said that the motorcade also had children and some people in Richfond were jeering and cheering.

While the Richfond Police Station said they heard about the incident, they told SNO that no official report was lodged with the station in relation to this issue that reportedly happened around 7 p.m.

But Gail claims she called the police herself.

“The police initially said there were no vehicles, but they came a few short minutes later. It was said that the same happened during the election before the last,” she added.

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PRESS RELEASE – The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to thank all Police Officers for their dedication and commitment during the 2016 General Elections.

Polling day was observed without any serious incidents.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would also like to take this opportunity to commend the citizens of Saint Lucia for their overall good conduct during the General Elections.

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The owner of a 2001 Nissan Bluebird is breathing a sigh of relief today after the vehicle was recovered after having been stolen just over 24 hours before.

The vehicle, which was stolen in Augier, Vieux Fort early Tuesday morning, was recovered at Bon Terre yesterday afternoon.

The thieves entered the vehicle by breaking a rear window and opening the door of the vehicle from the inside.

They drove away the car by hot-wiring the ignition switch.

St. Lucia News Online shared, on its Facebook page, a plea by the owner on Tuesday morning for assistance in recovering the vehicle.

The vehicle was found with the radio removed and the rear windscreen removed, the thieves also took tools from the vehicle and the spare tire.

The culprits reportedly placed fake license plates on the vehicle which may have helped them to evade the watchful eyes of persons who may have known that the vehicle was stolen.

instances of car theft are becoming increasingly common and car owners are being advised to exercise caution when leaving vehicles for extended periods at parking lots or other areas that are frequented by people.

Add-ons such as alarm systems and GPS trackers are recommended to make it more difficult for thieves to get into and steal vehicles.

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(1) A person who, in Saint Lucia—

(a) kills or attempts to kill the Governor General or any person performing the functions of the Governor General under the Constitution;

(b) levies war against Saint Lucia or does any act preparatory thereto; or

(c) assists an enemy at war with Saint Lucia,

commits the offence of treason and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life.

(2) A person who, in Saint Lucia—

(a) uses force or violence for the purpose of overthrowing the Government of Saint Lucia;

(b) without lawful authority, communicates or makes available to an agent of a State other than Saint Lucia, any information, or any sketch, plan, model, article, note or document of any character that he or she knows or ought to know can be used for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or defense of Saint Lucia;

(c) instigates any person to make an invasion into Saint Lucia;

(d) conspires with any person to commit treason or to do anything mentioned in paragraph (a);

(e) forms an intention to do anything that is treason or that is mentioned in paragraph (a) and manifests that intention by an overt act;

(f) conspires with any person to do anything mentioned in paragraph (b) or forms an intention to do anything mentioned in paragraph (b) and manifests that intention by an overt act,

commits the offence of treason and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term of not less than 25 years.

308. CONCEALMENT OF TREASON

A person who—

(a) knowing that the person intends to commit treason, does not report such information with all reasonable dispatch to a magistrate, justice of the peace or a police officer, or use other reasonable means to prevent the commission of the offence; or

(b) knowing or believing that the person has committed the offence of treason, does any act with intent to obstruct or prevent his or her arrest or prosecution for that offence,

commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 7 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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The Carnival Planning and Management Agency (CPMA) is staging the annual Carnival Parade of the Bands on Monday, July 18 and Tuesday July 19, 2016 to commence near Caribbean Cinemas on the Choc Highway.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force will be responsible for the effective management of security and traffic during the two-day event.

The public is hereby advised of the route, commencement and end time of Carnival 2016.

J’ouvert

J’ouvert will commence at 4:00 a.m. and end at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 18, 2016.

Bands and revelers will assemble at Vigie Playing Field and will proceed down the John Compton Highway then right onto Peynier Street, then right onto Jeremie Street and onto Bridge Street, then right onto Micoud Street, right onto Manoel Street, then right onto Jeremie Street, left onto Peynier Street and up the John Compton Highway to complete the city circuit.

Parade of the Bands

The parade of the bands will commence at 10:00 a.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2016 and commence at mid-day and end at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2016.

Bands and revelers will assemble near Caribbean Cinemas. The parade then moves south along the Castries-Gros Islet Highway, onto the John Compton Highway, past the Vigie Roundabout to the Waterfront buildings, then right onto Peynier Street, right onto Micoud Street, then right onto Manoel Street, right onto Jeremie Street, then left onto Darling Road, left onto Jn. Baptiste Street, then onto John Compton Highway continuing to the Castries- Gros Islet Highway, ending at Caribbean Cinemas.

Traffic Notice

Commuters are advised that all vehicles travelling to Castries from Gros-Islet must turn left into Grand Riviere and utilize the Morne Dudon Balata Road with the EXCEPTION of vehicles wishing to exit at Sunny Acres.

All vehicles wishing to travel to Sunny Acres MUST be escorted by a police outrider.

This diversion shall take effect from 9:00 a.m. on July 18, 2016 and from 10:00 a.m. on July 19, 2016.

All vehicles travelling northbound will utilize the Castries- Gros Islet Highway but will be restricted to the outer lane only (Left lane). The inner lane MUST be kept free from all vehicular traffic as it will be utilized for emergency purposes.

The relevant signage shall be erected to direct motorists accordingly.  

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PRESS RELEASE – Good day everyone, it’s our 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

Being Safe During Carnival Season

1. Beware of moving vehicles especially those used in the Carnival Parade.
2. Look out for rapid moving crowds (if not involved) to prevent being stomped on.
3. Take note of the size of the road, drains could be a hazard.
4. Observe the demeanor of persons next to you, those of a discreditable nature should be avoided.
5. Young persons (children) should always be accompanied by an adult.
6. Note the locations of emergency vehicles, Police and Ambulance, also temporary emergency structures.
7. Acknowledge the presence of authority, and adhere to instructions to prevent embarrassment and possible injury.
8. Avoid alleyways and side roads, dark corners and scarcely populated areas; it’s preferred if persons move around in groups, avoiding isolation.  Stay in well-lit areas.
9. Retreat from areas where disturbances have occurred.  Don’t rush in.
10. Refrain from carrying and displaying large amounts of cash.
11. Excessive display of expensive personal effects such as jewelry, clothing and accessories should be avoided.
12. Park vehicles in a well-lit secure place or where the vehicle can be in public view.
13. When in a fearful situation, draw attention to yourself to alert others of your distress
14. Resist the urge to multi-task while walking; wait to make phone calls, check your email and listen to music at your destination.
15. Do not use ATMs that are located in remote areas, use ATMs during the daylight hours in well-populated areas.
16. Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
17. Limit your alcohol intake and/or have a designated driver.
18. Men: if you carry a wallet, place the wallet in your front hip pocket or inside jacket pocket- do not carry in the back pocket of your trousers
19. Women: when walking in public spaces carry a small handbag or purse that you can easily grasp with one hand.

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A stabbing incident which took place on Brazil Street,Castries today has left one man seriously injured.

Reports are that the incident took place on the staircase of a business place sometime around noon.

The victim is believed to have received stab wounds to left side of his abdomen.

Emergency services responded and the man was taken to the hospital.

No further details at this time.

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Close to one week after two people were shot and injured on Chaussee Road, Castries, another shooting occurred someplace close to that area around 2 p.m. today.

Reports are that a security guard was shot by an alleged bandit when he attempted to go after him. However, the security guard was reportedly saved by his bulletproof vest.

Persons in the area recalled hearing several gun shots. Some of them began running and others were heard shouting when they heard the bullets being fired.

A man and woman were recently shot on Chaussee Road, Castries. The male victim had to undergo surgery and remains a patient at the hospital, while the female was treated and sent home.

Police are investigating both incidents.

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Persons attending this year’s carnival celebration are being warned by the police to take all the necessary precautions to prevent injury and to reduce the chances of becoming targets for thieves.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Bernard Gaston said that while there will be high police presence for the two-day event, persons must be conscious of their surroundings and be sensible in their action.

Gaston stressed that excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to several unwarranted incidents.

“I want to state very strongly and caution drivers against drinking and driving,” he said.

The senior police official told the media on Friday that the Force observed in the past, during the parade of the bands, that trucks would sometimes have persons join them along the route.

In some cases, these same persons are often seen hanging outside the railings that were placed on the trucks to protect the speakers and the bands.

“I want caution very strongly against people hanging outside these trucks while travelling,” he also stated.

Gaston said not only is it dangerous, but there is a possibility of people falling off, which could eventually lead to injuries and even death.

The police official is also advising revellers not to engage in the consumption of alcohol that will lead to them losing their valuables and other items.

Meanwhile, Assistant superintendent of Police, Gregory Alexander is also warning persons against walking with any weapons or offensive instrument.

“The reason being, is somebody may annoy you and if you have this with you, you may be tempted to use it. Please be reminded that you are coming to carnival and not a war zone, he said.

Alexander is also advising revellers to leave their home secured and if possible leave a family member inside. In the cases where no one is at home, he said ensure that the property is properly secured.

For those who will be joining others to look on at the parade, Alexander said these persons should be conscious of their surroundings and try not to wear too much jewelry or open their wallets in a crowd.

“In other words, don’t do anything that will cause you to be the center of attraction to persons who came to carnival to see what they can get from you,” he stressed.

Everyone is encouraged to obey the laws and cooperate with law enforcement.

Persons who may wish to seek advice from police as to the various routes, among other things, can make contact with them on 1-758-456-3738 or 1-758-456-3716.

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PRESS RELEASE – On Monday, July 11, 2016 police attached to the Laborie Police Station embarked on a two day health campaign in the community.

The police in collaboration with the Environmental Health Department engaged in a fumigation exercise geared at eliminating vector borne diseases especially that of the Zika Virus.

The initiative was well received by members of the community.

The Laborie Police and by extension, The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to thank the Environmental Health Department for their assistance and look forward to future collaborations.

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