St. Lucia police are investigating an alleged internet scam which has left a group of 16 people from Nepal and The Phillipines stranded on the island.
Police officials have told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that the group paid at least US$9,000 each to an agent from their region to secure a place at Lambirds Academy in Gros Islet, St. Lucia.
At the Academy, the prospective students were to be trained in hospitality management and promised employment in the United States of America after completing the one-year programme.
However, when the foreigners arrived in St. Lucia on Wednesday to register for classes, the Academy was closed.
The police said the visitors are now stranded at a guest house in Gros Islet.
According to the police, the visitors claimed to have mortgaged land and borrowed money to get to St. Lucia and to finance the course. One student claimed that he spent over US$12,000 for his plane ticket and other expenses to get to St. Lucia.
According to reports, the owner of the guest house in Gros Islet are assisting the students, preventing them from sleeping on the streets.
Further investigations by SNO revealed that Lambirds Academy has been advertising on Facebook and other websites. The entity could not be reached for comment.
Below is one of their advertisements:
Study in Lambirds Academy Saint Lucia, North America
Your Gateway to USA / Europe / Canada
• No IELTS – No Interview
• Minimum Education: SSC
• Visa in 7-20 Days • 100 % Visa Ratio
• Spouse can work full time
• Very Low Tuition Fees, starts from $ 3,300
• Low Living Cost (Food & Residence) – Yearly $ 3,600 (On shared accommodation)
• PR after two years
• Job Placement support in Middle East for India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri-Lanka,Thailand, Indonesia, & Philippine Students after successful completion of the course.
Certificate in Thai Massage (Single Certificate)
Duration: 6 Months (2 Months Theory + 4 Months Training), Tuition Fees: US $ 3,500
Certificate in Thai Massage & Massage Therapy (Double Certificate)
Duration: 10 Months (4 Months Theory + 6 Months Training), Tuition Fees: US $ 6,000
Award in General Housekeeping Operations
Duration: 6 Months (3 Months Theory + 3 Months Training), Tuition Fees: US $ 3,300
Professional Certificate in Care Giving/ Nanny
Duration: 6 Months (3 Months Theory + 3 Months Training), Tuition Fees: US $ 3,500
Certificate in Front Office Management (Level 3)
Duration: 6 Months (2 Months Theory + 4 Months Training), Tuition Fees: US $ 3,500
Diploma in Cruise Management
Duration: 10 Months (4 Months Theory + 6 Months Training), Tuition Fees: US $ 10,500
OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management (QCF)
Duration: 18 Months (12 Months Theory + 6 Months Training), Tuition Fees: US $ 6,830 (First Year),
US$ 4,000 (Second Year)
Degrees / Diplomas from British Awarding Body (OTHM) or CVQ (Caribbean Vocational Qualification)
Earning per hr. minimum EC$8 per hour.
Wife/Husband and Kids can join with you with only visa cost. Free Education for kids
You can also go for higher studies to UK, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, Canada and USA after successful completion
of courses.