Oliver Willie

A man that was recently chopped near the Castries market is currently in a serious but stable condition at the Victoria Hospital.

Reports are that Oliver Willie, 34, sustained a fractured skull, chop wounds to his eyes, fingers, arms and back.

However, the most serious injury was made to his eye which is now damaged and three of his fingers were also severed.

Relatives said he might not be able to walk nor see properly again, based on his condition.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) was the first to report this story which occurred around 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

An eyewitness had told SNO that the man was attacked by another male with a cutlass.

The female eyewitness said on receiving the first chop, Willie fell to the floor. However, the perpetrator continued chopping him about the body.

Several chops later, Willie managed to escape, but fell to the ground shortly after.

He was then rushed to the hospital for urgent treatment.

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PRESS RELEASE – Police have launched an investigation into a shooting incident which occurred on Thursday, July 14, 2016 about 2:15 p.m. on Chaussee Road, Castries.

According to reports, 42 year old, Zephania James alias “Zeph”, a security officer residing in Bois Patat, Castries sustained a single gunshot wound allegedly perpetrated by a masked individual who discharged several rounds of ammunition at him.

James was transported to the Victoria Hospital where he is in fair and stable condition.

Investigations continue into this matter.

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A British woman raped in Cas en Bas earlier this year has spoken out about the ordeal after she was offered a massage to make up for being attacked while on a women-only sailing vacation.

The 45-year-old woman gave a detailed account of the attack and the harrowing experience.

Georgina Mortimer, a British doctor and mother of two, is taking action against the holiday company and villa owner for negligence – paving the way for other tourists to sue private property renters.

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) was the first to carry this story but did not reveal the victim’s identity.

The initial report stated that the British woman was brutally raped in her villa in the early hours of Saturday, February 6, in Cas en Bas, which was confirmed with local police.

“SNO understands that the woman was asleep when she was attacked and raped. The woman’s apartment door was also closed but unlocked, which made it easy for her attacker to enter her room.”

SNO also stated in its report that the matter was reported to the British High Commission Office.

Mortimer told The Sun Newspaper on Sunday: “I woke up to find myself being strangled and raped by this total stranger. I was terrified. I honestly thought I was going to die.”

She said she is devastated by what happened and she is going to do what she can to stop any other woman going through the same, stating that she is shocked by a company, which claims to empower women.

While she was refunded her money and offered a free massage and manicure, the British woman said: “My life has been turned upside down. I have horrendous flashbacks and feel traumatised.”

Mortimer told The Sun that she was not given a key for her bedroom door but two instructors were also staying there and it was understood the front door would be locked each night.

“But I woke to find a monster pinning me down in my bed attacking me, I thought I was going to be murdered…The hand on my throat pressed down so hard I thought I was going to pass out. I could hardly breathe let alone scream,” she recalled.

The woman said, “I thought of my children and was determined not to die. I lay as quiet as possible because I felt any struggling on my part could anger him enough to kill me. It was around fifteen minutes of hell before someone knocked at the door and my attacker fled.”

Mortimer was on a £2,000 trip in St Lucia with company Girls for Sails when she was attacked in her bedroom on the second night of her holiday in February.

SNO spoke with an official from the Police Press office on Monday who said they will seek to get an update on the matter soon and furnish a response.

CLICK HERE FOR ORIGINAL STORY BY SNO

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PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating a fatal accident which occurred on Sunday, July 17, 2016 about 6:50 p.m. on the Millennium Highway.

Motor car registration number PK5945 driven by Andy Delmar of Bonne Terre, Gros-Islet was travelling in a southerly direction when it collided with motor truck registration number TK1050 driven by Jeremiah Alexander of Babonneau and motor pick-up registration number H4606 driven by Leonard James of New Development Soufriere.

As a result of the accident, Delmar sustained serious injuries. He was pronounced dead on the scene by a medical doctor.

Alexander and James sustained minor injuries. They were transported to the Victoria Hospital for treatment.

A post mortem examination is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 2016.

This is the 10th fatal Accident for 2016.

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Tanza Campbell

PRESS RELEASE-Police are investigating a fatal accident which occurred on Monday, July 18, 2016 about 3:47 a.m. on the La Toc Road.

Motor car registration number PK 1031 driven by 30 year old, Tanza Campbell of Corinth Gros-Islet was travelling in a westerly direction when it ran-off the pitched surface of the road, partially submerging into the Castries Harbor.

As a result of the accident, Campbell sustained serious injuries. She was transported to the Victoria Hospital where she succumbed.

Tricia Felix of Bisee Castries, a front passenger sustained minor injuries.

A post mortem examination is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19, 2016

This is the 11th fatal accident for 2016

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O’Neill Fontenelle PHOTO

PRESS RELEASE –The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would like to thank the general public for their overall good behavior at the 2016 Carnival celebrations.

There were sporadic incidents which occurred during the parade of the bands but none which directly affected the event.

J’ouvert on the other hand was stopped due to incidents of fighting perpetrated by a few mischief-makers.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force would also like to commend its members for the dedication and commitment they displayed during the 2016 Carnival Celebrations.

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PRESS RELEASE – On Tuesday, July 19, 2016 a post mortem was conducted on the body of Andy Delmar of Bonne Terre, Gros-Islet.

The examination revealed that he died as a result of traumatic brain injury secondary to traumatic head injury.

Investigations continue into this matter.

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Allen Chastanet

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has broken his silence on the criminal deportation issue, apologizing for mistakenly quoting statistics about criminal deportees.

Chastanet had said on the sidelines of a recent regional conference that some 800 criminal deportees were sent back to this country by the United States in one year.

However, the US embassy responded to the prime minister’s statement clarifying that statistics indicate that the total number of deportees returned to Saint Lucia in the last five years was less than 100.

The US embassy went on to state that only eight persons were deported here last year.

“In fact I said there was a year in which there was as many as 800. So I apologize for that error. I don’t want it to be the issue at hand here, when there is a much bigger issue in play, which has to do with security in Saint Lucia.”,” Chastanet told members of the media outside his office Wednesday.

Chastanet said the issue of deportees has been an issue long before he became prime minister and it continues to be an issue, which he sought to highlight.

“Is it fair that people who have committed crimes in America are going to be deported back here with no assistance? The Caribbean is struggling. And one of the things we forget is not just the land space of the islands but what we call the economic zone. If we take the economic zone with all these islands put together, it’s a huge mass of land we are asking to secure, and America is vulnerable and we are vulnerable and we cannot do it alone,” he explained.

The prime minister also declared that his statement on criminal deportation was in no way to condemn the US, noting that if something is affecting a sovereign state, they must be able to voice that concern.

Chastanet also believes that Caribbean governments need to change their strategy and approach to the US, asserting that the region is no longer speaking as “one voice.”

He has been criticised for his statement, as some readers believe he grossly overstated the problem and have been calling on the prime minister to justify his comments with reliable fact checking.

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

Curacao Chronicle – The United States has made it clear to the new government in Saint Lucia that the ongoing failure to bring to justice those responsible within the local police force for gross violations of human rights prevents the US from reconsidering the sanctions imposed on the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) under the Leahy Law.

“We have made it clear to the current Saint Lucian administration and prior administrations that the government of Saint Lucia’s failure to bring to justice those responsible within the RSLPF for gross violations of human rights through credible judicial processes and prosecutions, where appropriate, prevents the United States from reconsidering the suspension of assistance to the RSLPF,” a State Department official said on Tuesday.

As a result of “credible evidence of extrajudicial killings of 17 people in 2010-2011 by the RSLPF”, the US Department of State suspended assistance to the local police and cancelled the visas of a number of senior police officers, denying them travel to the US.

“In accordance with Department policy and US law, those foreign security force units credibly implicated in gross violations of human rights are ineligible for US assistance, unless the Department determines and reports that the host government is taking effective steps to bring those responsible to justice,” the State Department noted.

Newly elected Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet recently returned from a controversial “courtesy call” on US Ambassador Linda Taglialatela in Bridgetown and announced plans to establish a tribunal, with one member from Britain, one from the EU, one from the US and two from Saint Lucia, to look into the matter and present a road map moving forward.

“We are encouraged by Prime Minister Chastanet’s statements that he is considering the establishment of a tribunal or other forum in which to address the credible allegations of extrajudicial killings committed by RSLPF personnel,” the State Department spokesperson added.

However, some local observers consider any such tribunal to be mere window dressing by the Chastanet administration and would still not represent any tangible progress towards prosecuting anyone for those crimes, as the US demands.

Meanwhile, recent reports of the brutal rape of a British doctor while on vacation in Saint Lucia have raised concerns over the safety of visitors to the island and whether the US and Britain may be prompted to issue a travel warning to their citizens.

Sexual assault and violent crime generally is an ongoing problem in the island, a situation that was publicly acknowledged by former prime minister, Dr Kenny Anthony, who claimed there were serial rapists on the loose in the island, but nothing of any significance appears to have been done about the situation.

In particular, there are currently over 400 unsolved murders in Saint Lucia – an island with a population of just 180,000 in a close-knit community. This ratio is almost four times higher than that in the US since 1980 and, in Britain, which recorded 537 homicides in 2013/14, would equate to some 140,000 unsolved murders – something that would produce public outrage in the UK if there were a total of 140,000 murders in recent years, let alone unsolved ones

In this regard, the State Department said it has no higher priority than the protection of US citizens overseas.

“An important part of that work is keeping US citizens informed while traveling, working, and living abroad. The State Department uses a variety of information tools, including country specific information, travel alerts, travel warnings, emergency messages, and security messages through Facebook, Twitter, and the smart traveler enrollment program (STEP) to keep US citizens up to date. We continue to monitor conditions through our embassies and consulates across the world and will use these tools as necessary to keep US citizens informed,” a State Department official said.

However, the country specific information published by the State Department in relation to Saint Lucia hardly reflects the gravity of the situation and says merely:

“Crimes, including murder, rape, armed robbery, petty street crime, automobile break-ins and burglary, do occur. Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, unsecured hotel rooms or in rental homes.”

Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) current travel advice in relation to crime in Saint Lucia is equally out of touch and states:

“Most visits are trouble-free, but there have been incidents of crime including murder, armed robbery and sexual assault. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as you would in the UK and make sure your accommodation is secure.”

The FCO also responded that it continues to monitor the situation in Saint Lucia carefully and claimed that its current travel advice already makes reference to the risks associated with travelling to Saint Lucia, and advises sensible precautions, but at the same time acknowledges that tens of thousands of UK citizens visit Saint Lucia each year and return without incident.

“The Foreign Office constantly reviews its travel advice to ensure that it is up to date, and that it accurately reflects the risks to UK nationals travelling to particular countries,” an FCO spokesperson said.

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Two men are now the latest victims of gun crime in St. Lucia.

The men, identified as Junior Gilbert and Miguel Theodore were found with gunshot wounds at Bruceville in Vieux Fort.

Both men were rushed to the hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

The police are currently investigating.

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Tourism Director Louis Lewis.

The Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) has responded to reports of an alleged rape that took place here in February of this year involving a female British tourist.

SLTB Director Louis Lewis said his organization will be conducting its own investigation to determine what happened during the time that the British woman was here on holiday.

“We have to be very careful how we respond to those things. Right now, we are gathering some facts and when we do know what actually transpired, we will share it,” he said recently.

Only last week, the woman came out stating her intentions of taking action against the holiday company and villa owner for negligence – paving the way for other tourists to sue private property renters.

Georgina Mortimer, 45, a British doctor who was raped in Cas en Bas has spoken out about the ordeal after she was offered a massage to make up for being attacked while on vacation.

The mother of two said she is devastated by what happened and she is going to do what she can to stop any other woman going through the same.

While she was refunded her money and offered a free massage and manicure, the British woman said: “My life has been turned upside down. I have horrendous flashbacks and feel traumatised.”

Mortimer told The Sun that she was not given a key for her bedroom door but two instructors were also staying there and it was understood the front door would be locked each night.

“But I woke to find a monster pinning me down in my bed attacking me, I thought I was going to be murdered…The hand on my throat pressed down so hard I thought I was going to pass out. I could hardly breathe let alone scream,” she recalled.

The woman said, “I thought of my children and was determined not to die. I lay as quiet as possible because I felt any struggling on my part could anger him enough to kill me. It was around fifteen minutes of hell before someone knocked at the door and my attacker fled.”

St. Lucia News Online (SNO) was the first to carry this story but did not reveal the victim’s identity.

The initial report stated that the British woman was brutally raped in her villa in the early hours of Saturday, February 6, in Cas en Bas, which was later confirmed with local police.

A report was also made with the British High Commission Office.

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PRESS RELEASE – Police have launched an investigation into a double homicide which occurred on Saturday, July 23, 2016 about 3:15 a.m. at Bruceville, Vieux Fort.

According to reports, 30 year old Quacy Junior Gilbert alias “Sparks” and 31 year old Miguel Theodore alias “Bright Eyes” sustained gunshot wounds allegedly perpetrated by a masked individual.

They were transported to the St. Jude Hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

Both men are from Vieux Fort.

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Missing: Gina Lima

PRESS RELEASE – Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of 22 year old, Gina Lima of Independence City, Castries.

On Sunday, July 24, 2016 about 9:00 a.m. Lima left her dwelling house at Independence City for the Streams of Power Church at Water Works Road, Castries.

She was last seen about 12:30 p.m. after Church Service.

Lima was wearing a long brown dress with multicolored designs along with a brown Bolero jacket and black side bag. She is light brown in complexion, shoulder length mixed hair, medium built and about 5ft 10 inches tall.

She suffers with Mild Autism.

Members of the public, with any information on the whereabouts of Gina Lima, should contact the Marchand Police Station at telephone number 456- 3880 or the nearest police station.

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A man identified as ‘Papa God’ has been confirmed dead after the boat he was travelling in was found somewhere close to Martinique, local marine officials have confirmed.

Reports are that ‘Papa God’ and another male identified as Joachim Theodore were found by a local French vessel around 7.p.m. Sunday, July 24.

The two had left in a fishing pirogue named ‘Move It’ bearing registration number J6116 around 6.a.m. Thursday from Vieux Fort, but did not return the same day.

Once the men did not show up around 8.p.m, a report was made with local authorities, who then contacted their counterparts in neighboring islands, seeking their help to locate the missing vessel.

Marine Superintendent John Preville said although several searches were conducted by local marine police, the French and a team from Barbados, there were still no trace of the missing vessel until Sunday.

Reports are that the men encountered difficulties in the water and made an attempt to tow the vessel, but it sank.

Only one of the two men survived.

Investigations are ongoing.

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Minister Hermangild Francis

Concerns about Home Affairs Minister Hermangild Francis interfering with work of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has been dismissed.

Francis said he is not aware of the rumours but said he has been performing his ministerial duties and nothing more.

There have been concerns that the minister, a former deputy police chief, is trying to allegedly micro-manage the Force and influence the promotion process.

But Francis said as minister he has only offered his advice to the police commissioner and the senior management team of the Force, based on his own views.

He said persons who deserve promotions are those who are working towards making the Force better.

During an interview with St. Lucia News Online (SNO) in late June, Francis had stated that members of the Force are taking advantage of the regulation in relation to promotions.

The regulation states that if an officer acquires a degree or any higher education certificate, he may be eligible for promotion. Several officers have been taking advantage of this.

“Some persons have catapulted above others and so quickly that it is causing disaffection in the Force,” Francis had told SNO, noting that some officers who served for many years and are competent are not given the opportunity to lead.

The minister had said there must be a balance in the system and as such, together with his ministry, the Force and other stakeholders, they will look to review the current regulation.

He also said he will try to engender accountability and transparency within the Force, and will discuss starting in the future a scholarship programme for police officers who cannot afford to study.

The new minister has also given a commitment to help professionalize the Force.

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A police officer has been accused of allegedly filming a young female while she was urinating.

The female was reportedly detained at Custody Suites when the incident happened.

She is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Mary Francis who said she is upset about the incident.

Francis said the treatment meted out to the female violates the constitution which prohibits degrading punishment.

The young female was reportedly taken into police custody on Sunday and on requesting to use the bathroom, she was directed to use the yard outside the station.

It was then that the officer decided to allegedly film her, the female claims.

Francis said she is looking into the matter as this is not the only issue concerning that incident.

According to her, while the female was arrested for the minor offense of the use of insulting language, she was detained for an excessive length of time, as she was only released Tuesday.

Francis claims that the female and her sister who was also arrested were not allowed to seek legal representation.

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