Boys Training Centre (BTC).
Employees at the Boys Training Centre (BTC) are protesting the decision to have one of its juveniles returned, after he was arrested and questioned in relation to a recent shooting on Chaussee Road, Castries.
The 16-year-old, who is currently on remand, was returned to the BTC at about 9:00.a.m. He is being held for questioning with regards to the shooting death of James Alexander Nelson, 43, of Calvary Road, Castries.
St. Lucia News Online (SNO) understands that the juvenile, who cannot be named, was returned to the Central Police Station in Castries, until the issue is resolved.
The Civil Service Association (CSA) which represents the employees has organized a meeting with the BTC management, to discuss this issue. SNO understands that a meeting between police and government officials is also ongoing.
An employee, who asked not to be named, told SNO that the teenager is “very dangerous” and the fact that he is now being questioned by the police for a murder makes it even more worrying.
“We feel unsafe. He has threatened us before. He has even had huge fights with his other colleagues and every time this happens, someone always ends up getting injured,” another employee said.
The teenager has been at the BTC for over five years. He has also escaped several times and is known to allegdely carry weapons and illicit drugs.
Workers said even though several CCTV cameras have been recently installed, the perimeter fence at the BTC is currently in a deplorable state, which makes it easy for the juveniles to escape.