The stranded foreigners. * Photo credit: T.M. from SLAPS FB page.
A group of foreigners, who were recently scammed here have provided the police with copies of several documents, which are believed to be licences issued to Lambirds Academy, to operate.
St. Lucia News Online (SNO) understands that the students provided the police with copies of three licences, which were sent to them by the Academy. These said licences were sent to them, to prove that the Academy was legitimate.
A trade licence issued in the name of the academy, on Jan. 23, 2015 for a period of one year, was presented to the police. The licence bears the signature of the Secretary of the Trade and License Advisory Board.
The group also provided police with a document from the Saint Lucia Public Health Board, registering the institution and permitting it to operate a Culinary Arts Academy. They also gave police a certificate of incorporation, bearing a seal.
The group of foreigners – from Nepal and The Phillipines – claimed that they 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.
Four men have been arrested and charged with human trafficking in connection with the alleged internet scam at Lambirds Academy that left a group of foreigners stranded in St. Lucia.
They are: Iftekhar Ahmed Shams of Bonne Terre Koushal Kumar Batukbhai Chadasama of Bois D’Orange Ashwin Kanji Patel of Bois D’Orange Gurjeet Singh Vilkhu of Bois D Orange.
The men have been remanded in custody. They are scheduled to reappear in court on March 11.