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Feb 01, 2011 at 11:02 AM
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St Lucia has never before had an uninvited guest quite like Tomas. For many St Lucians, October 30 started off like any other day. Those who didn’t really pay attention to the weather report wouldn’t have a clue there was storm, much less a hurricane looming until minutes before Tomas touched down. At that point it was a mad rush to the supermarket to get stocked up on water, food and other supplies.
The morning of October 30 would be the last ‘normal’ day for some. As hurricane Tomas touched down with furious winds and heavy rain and continued overnight and into the morning of November 1, the faces of some communities would change forever.
St Lucians around the island spent the night huddled around radios waiting anxiously for any sort of news with their houses lit up only by candles or torch lights. Tomas, a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 90 to 95 miles per hour, with higher gusts swept though St Lucia complete with excessive rainfall, 533mm in 24 hours to be precise.
As night turned into day and Sunday finally arrived after a seemingly endless night of howling wind and flying debris; in the form of tree branches, furniture, galvanized roofing and other assorted material, the decision to remain indoors would not be regretted. Bridges were gone in at least two places in the north, and at one of those locations, a jeep hung precariously over the edge where the bridge collapsed. The driver narrowly escaped injury.
No Signal:
Phone service in the south of the island was nonexistent, and there was no telling what kind of damage had occurred there. Even in the north, with the exception of back roads, some of which no one knew existed before hurricane Tomas, there was no way to get around.
People who couldn’t reach family in the south were in panic mode and many decided to make their way down south by any means necessary; some by boat, some driving as far as they could, then walking, hitching rides, climbing and doing everything they could to get to the ones they loved.
Jounen Kweyol was cancelled, but the day after Tomas, some people still found reason to party and as St Lucians drove around using the alternative routes, people who lived along the back roadwere spotted eating, drinking and being merry as
usual, while bodies were still buried under the mud in the south. St Lucians had to be told over the airwaves to keep off the roads as emergency and other service personnel were trying to get things back in order but were caught in traffic like everyone else!
Water Crisis:
Tomas talk has died down, but some communities are still suffering from post Tomas effects. St Lucia still has to deal with a far less than satisfactory water quality level. No one can forget the mud tinged water post Tomas. At least the water ‘flavour’ now beats the taste immediately after Hurricane Tomas—or perhaps we’ve just gotten so used to the bad taste of the water that we don’t even notice it anymore! Articles like, “How Safe is the Water Mama, appeared on the front page of this newspaper, where the writer questioned whether there was an even greater tragedy than Tomas waiting to happen because of the issues with water quality. WASCO said the water crisis post Tomas was unlike any other is St Lucia’s history.
Water quality tests were carried out on a number of springs residents used for bathing, drinking and cooking in Mingy, Fond Ste Jacques, the most devastated community. The results proved alarming! The springs were all contaminated with waste from nearby pigpens. Like any other region, St Lucia was place on cholera alert after Tomas, but many admitted that the issues with water quality in St Lucia wasn’t new. Many felt the issue could no longer be swept under the rug!
Fire!
News of fires spread faster than the flames as Lucelec tried getting the power back on as soon as possible. In some places fallen trees had knocked down poles and wires and wires sprang to life once the power came on resulting in disaster. It was even more of a disaster in some cases because landslides prevented ambulances from getting to the places where the fires were in the first place, including a fire at Lower Maynard Hill that engulfed at least three houses. Thankfully, no one was killed in that fire.
More Rain!
Just when we all thought it was over and students could return to school! There was more rain and floods on … as a surface trough swept over the island compounding damage from Tomas. The city of Castries was almost totally flooded and the community of Bexon was plunged back under water. Schools, which had only been open to form fives that week, were closed once more and some businesses also closed. The roads Soufriere and the Barre d’Lisle were once again closed.
The Damage:
According to prime minister Stephenson King, government allocated EC$3.7 million to relief efforts. King amounted the potential weekly loss of income to the banana industry at approximately EC$2.0 million over the next six months. The agriculture ministry reported that an estimated 80 acres of land under open-field vegetable production was washed away, while a further 60 percent of greenhouses under production, sustained major damage. The fishing industry also incurred damage to the tune of EC$1.5 million.
A large number of schools suffered extensive damage and parents and students had to get involved with clean up efforts. Cleaning up was a difficult task to do with no water as twenty-eight water production facilities had been affected by Tomas. Schools remained closed for almost one month, only to be reopened on Tuesday, November 23.
“I believe this could be a defining moment in our history and we should seize the opportunity to start afresh,” King said.
The “serenity and greenery” of Fond St Jacques, particularly in areas like the Toraille Falls was a stark contrast with disaster zone Tomas left behind.
It was amazing what some places had looked like before and what they were post Tomas. Frankly, Fond Ste Jacques resembled a war zone. Houses were washed away and those that hadn’t been were buried in mud. Areas like Gesneau, Marc and Bexon as well as Soufriere were the hardest hit. A story entitled, “Fond St Jacques, Bread Basket or Caldera of Death” was run in the STAR newspaper.
“Fond St Jacques is not alone, as an example of poor planning of housing and settlement which comes with a number of other social ills,” the article read. “There are many others like it—disasters waiting to happen.”
Mingy part of the larger Fond Ste Jacques community, the most affected, was declared a disaster zone.
The Aid:
British Royal Navy Warship HMS Manchester arrived in St Lucia on November 2 to provides] emergency relief. The ship was deployed offshore at Soufriere as were other vessels representing agencies from all over the world. The French Army undertook a rescue mission to get residents from Fond Ste Jacques to a safer location by helicopter.
St Lucians residing overseas and those residing on island staged numerous fundraisers for hurricane victims. Some did volunteer work with the Red Cross and other agencies. The non-profit organization reached out to those in need all over the island, providing food and other relief supplies donated by others.
The victims:
Some people recall their houses collapsing before their eyes seconds after they made their escape. Others weren’t as lucky. As the end of the month of November neared, at least five persons still could not be found. There were seven confirmed deaths at that point, with five bodies still not found. Sabbinus Thomas, his wife Eugenia Thomas and his children, Adisa and her 18-year-old Ali from Columbette all perished when their house went down with a landslide. Another man, a security guard who’d been at their home was also reported missing. Only the bodies of Adisa and Ali were found.
Theresa Joseph and her two sons Gabriel and Nelbert from Fond St Jacques also lost their lives after their house was destroyed when the hurricane ravaged the island. Lester Jn Baptiste from Ti Boug, Fond St Jacques also lost his life. Another woman also reportedly lost her life in a car accident when she was caught in the heavy rains.
Days after Tomas nine-year-old Clendon Emmanuel drowned under walkway on Thursday, November 18, the day of the surface trough. The boy was at home on Thursday as regular schools were still closed since the passage of Hurricane Tomas. Reports indicate that around 10am on Thursday, Emmanuel left his Rockhall home to run an errand.
The morning of October 30 would be the last ‘normal’ day for some. As hurricane Tomas touched down with furious winds and heavy rain and continued overnight and into the morning of November 1, the faces of some communities would change forever.
St Lucians around the island spent the night huddled around radios waiting anxiously for any sort of news with their houses lit up only by candles or torch lights. Tomas, a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 90 to 95 miles per hour, with higher gusts swept though St Lucia complete with excessive rainfall, 533mm in 24 hours to be precise.
As night turned into day and Sunday finally arrived after a seemingly endless night of howling wind and flying debris; in the form of tree branches, furniture, galvanized roofing and other assorted material, the decision to remain indoors would not be regretted. Bridges were gone in at least two places in the north, and at one of those locations, a jeep hung precariously over the edge where the bridge collapsed. The driver narrowly escaped injury.
No Signal:
Phone service in the south of the island was nonexistent, and there was no telling what kind of damage had occurred there. Even in the north, with the exception of back roads, some of which no one knew existed before hurricane Tomas, there was no way to get around.
People who couldn’t reach family in the south were in panic mode and many decided to make their way down south by any means necessary; some by boat, some driving as far as they could, then walking, hitching rides, climbing and doing everything they could to get to the ones they loved.
Jounen Kweyol was cancelled, but the day after Tomas, some people still found reason to party and as St Lucians drove around using the alternative routes, people who lived along the back roadwere spotted eating, drinking and being merry as
usual, while bodies were still buried under the mud in the south. St Lucians had to be told over the airwaves to keep off the roads as emergency and other service personnel were trying to get things back in order but were caught in traffic like everyone else!
Water Crisis:
Tomas talk has died down, but some communities are still suffering from post Tomas effects. St Lucia still has to deal with a far less than satisfactory water quality level. No one can forget the mud tinged water post Tomas. At least the water ‘flavour’ now beats the taste immediately after Hurricane Tomas—or perhaps we’ve just gotten so used to the bad taste of the water that we don’t even notice it anymore! Articles like, “How Safe is the Water Mama, appeared on the front page of this newspaper, where the writer questioned whether there was an even greater tragedy than Tomas waiting to happen because of the issues with water quality. WASCO said the water crisis post Tomas was unlike any other is St Lucia’s history.
Water quality tests were carried out on a number of springs residents used for bathing, drinking and cooking in Mingy, Fond Ste Jacques, the most devastated community. The results proved alarming! The springs were all contaminated with waste from nearby pigpens. Like any other region, St Lucia was place on cholera alert after Tomas, but many admitted that the issues with water quality in St Lucia wasn’t new. Many felt the issue could no longer be swept under the rug!
Fire!
News of fires spread faster than the flames as Lucelec tried getting the power back on as soon as possible. In some places fallen trees had knocked down poles and wires and wires sprang to life once the power came on resulting in disaster. It was even more of a disaster in some cases because landslides prevented ambulances from getting to the places where the fires were in the first place, including a fire at Lower Maynard Hill that engulfed at least three houses. Thankfully, no one was killed in that fire.
More Rain!
Just when we all thought it was over and students could return to school! There was more rain and floods on … as a surface trough swept over the island compounding damage from Tomas. The city of Castries was almost totally flooded and the community of Bexon was plunged back under water. Schools, which had only been open to form fives that week, were closed once more and some businesses also closed. The roads Soufriere and the Barre d’Lisle were once again closed.
The Damage:
According to prime minister Stephenson King, government allocated EC$3.7 million to relief efforts. King amounted the potential weekly loss of income to the banana industry at approximately EC$2.0 million over the next six months. The agriculture ministry reported that an estimated 80 acres of land under open-field vegetable production was washed away, while a further 60 percent of greenhouses under production, sustained major damage. The fishing industry also incurred damage to the tune of EC$1.5 million.
A large number of schools suffered extensive damage and parents and students had to get involved with clean up efforts. Cleaning up was a difficult task to do with no water as twenty-eight water production facilities had been affected by Tomas. Schools remained closed for almost one month, only to be reopened on Tuesday, November 23.
“I believe this could be a defining moment in our history and we should seize the opportunity to start afresh,” King said.
The “serenity and greenery” of Fond St Jacques, particularly in areas like the Toraille Falls was a stark contrast with disaster zone Tomas left behind.
It was amazing what some places had looked like before and what they were post Tomas. Frankly, Fond Ste Jacques resembled a war zone. Houses were washed away and those that hadn’t been were buried in mud. Areas like Gesneau, Marc and Bexon as well as Soufriere were the hardest hit. A story entitled, “Fond St Jacques, Bread Basket or Caldera of Death” was run in the STAR newspaper.
“Fond St Jacques is not alone, as an example of poor planning of housing and settlement which comes with a number of other social ills,” the article read. “There are many others like it—disasters waiting to happen.”
Mingy part of the larger Fond Ste Jacques community, the most affected, was declared a disaster zone.
The Aid:
British Royal Navy Warship HMS Manchester arrived in St Lucia on November 2 to provides] emergency relief. The ship was deployed offshore at Soufriere as were other vessels representing agencies from all over the world. The French Army undertook a rescue mission to get residents from Fond Ste Jacques to a safer location by helicopter.
St Lucians residing overseas and those residing on island staged numerous fundraisers for hurricane victims. Some did volunteer work with the Red Cross and other agencies. The non-profit organization reached out to those in need all over the island, providing food and other relief supplies donated by others.
The victims:
Some people recall their houses collapsing before their eyes seconds after they made their escape. Others weren’t as lucky. As the end of the month of November neared, at least five persons still could not be found. There were seven confirmed deaths at that point, with five bodies still not found. Sabbinus Thomas, his wife Eugenia Thomas and his children, Adisa and her 18-year-old Ali from Columbette all perished when their house went down with a landslide. Another man, a security guard who’d been at their home was also reported missing. Only the bodies of Adisa and Ali were found.
Theresa Joseph and her two sons Gabriel and Nelbert from Fond St Jacques also lost their lives after their house was destroyed when the hurricane ravaged the island. Lester Jn Baptiste from Ti Boug, Fond St Jacques also lost his life. Another woman also reportedly lost her life in a car accident when she was caught in the heavy rains.
Days after Tomas nine-year-old Clendon Emmanuel drowned under walkway on Thursday, November 18, the day of the surface trough. The boy was at home on Thursday as regular schools were still closed since the passage of Hurricane Tomas. Reports indicate that around 10am on Thursday, Emmanuel left his Rockhall home to run an errand.
Read More
As promised this is a follow up of last weekend’s piece on the crime situation on the island, in this newspaper. It comes from one who, like thousands of others, loves this country dearly. It therefore gives me no pleasure to write this; but, someone has to do it. The difficulty arises from the perception that so few of those who love this place are prepared to extend themselves or risk their comfort zones for the greater good. That is to be regretted. The hardest truth for many of us to accept is that, to varying degrees, we are each responsible for the present situation (and fear) that presently stalk our land. It is far easier to accept that we are all in this together. So using this as a starting point we can agree that each has a contribution to make in beating the problem. Having acknowledged we have a problem, may I suggest one new approach to solving the problem of crime on the island?
I wish to focus on the role local journalists can play in this initiative. They are the natural persons to do what I think must be done to expose certain facts and truths, which need to be exposed, for all to see and hopefully learn from. Out of their findings can evolve a new way for the entire justice system on this island. Let me explain.
Over the past few years there has been much talk from all quarters on the crime situation here but, only a few perpetrators have been caught and fewer still, made to pay for their crime. Why is this so and whose duty is it to tell the people of the country why nothing happens? The phrase ‘AND NOTHING HAPPENS’ may well be the most apt anthem for the entire justice system on the island, at this time. It is my sincere and humble belief that the answer to the question: Why nothing happens, can best be presently unearthed only by the most competent and fearless journalists here. Questions such as: What are the reasons behind the stupendous and glaring failure in our criminal justice system? Where is the bottle-neck in the system and are there deliberate obstructions in the path of justice? Are there trustworthy persons who are being frustrated from executing their jobs, as they should?
Here is what I suggest needs to be done. The four most experienced, independent and senior journalists on the island should first get together and talk (by whatever means they choose) and exchange ideas on at least four cold cases of their fancy- murder, rape/murder, rape/assault/burglary, and so forth. Then each journalist would select one case in order to research and thoroughly investigate, where in the system that case is stuck or whether it longer exists. Among other things, each journalist must aim to discover the reasons their chosen cases have not gone forward and be resolved, and where exactly these particular cases are in the justice system.
Each of these four journalists would then be required to report to the nation every week at an agreed time and day and to do this on radio, television and in the print media. Their findings for a particular week ought to be headline news during their investigations. Each journalist should be allowed full access to every police file and court records and each would be afforded at least one assistant – preferable a young journalist. This ought to be financed as part of their daily jobs or from private sector support, and not from government.
.... Letters & Opinion
29th January 2011
And Nothing Happens…
As promised this is a follow up of last weekend’s piece on the crime situation on the island, in this newspaper. It comes from one who, like thousands of others, loves this country dearly. It therefore gives me no pleasure to write this; but, someone has to do it. The difficulty arises from the perception that so few of those who love this place are prepared to extend themselves or risk their comfort zones for the greater good. That is to be regretted. The hardest truth for many of us to accept is that, to varying degrees, we are each responsible for the present situation (and fear) that presently stalk our land. It is far easier to accept that we are all in this together. So using this as a starting point we can agree that each has a contribution to make in beating the problem. Having acknowledged we have a problem, may I suggest one new approach to solving the problem of crime on the island?
I wish to focus on the role local journalists can play in this initiative. They are the natural persons to do what I think must be done to expose certain facts and truths, which need to be exposed, for all to see and hopefully learn from. Out of their findings can evolve a new way for the entire justice system on this island. Let me explain.
Over the past few years there has been much talk from all quarters on the crime situation here but, only a few perpetrators have been caught and fewer still, made to pay for their crime. Why is this so and whose duty is it to tell the people of the country why nothing happens? The phrase ‘AND NOTHING HAPPENS’ may well be the most apt anthem for the entire justice system on the island, at this time. It is my sincere and humble belief that the answer to the question: Why nothing happens, can best be presently unearthed only by the most competent and fearless journalists here. Questions such as: What are the reasons behind the stupendous and glaring failure in our criminal justice system? Where is the bottle-neck in the system and are there deliberate obstructions in the path of justice? Are there trustworthy persons who are being frustrated from executing their jobs, as they should?
Here is what I suggest needs to be done. The four most experienced, independent and senior journalists on the island should first get together and talk (by whatever means they choose) and exchange ideas on at least four cold cases of their fancy- murder, rape/murder, rape/assault/burglary, and so forth. Then each journalist would select one case in order to research and thoroughly investigate, where in the system that case is stuck or whether it longer exists. Among other things, each journalist must aim to discover the reasons their chosen cases have not gone forward and be resolved, and where exactly these particular cases are in the justice system.
Each of these four journalists would then be required to report to the nation every week at an agreed time and day and to do this on radio, television and in the print media. Their findings for a particular week ought to be headline news during their investigations. Each journalist should be allowed full access to every police file and court records and each would be afforded at least one assistant – preferable a young journalist. This ought to be financed as part of their daily jobs or from private sector support, and not from government.
I make this proposal because it is clear to me that one of our greatest challenges at every level in this society is follow-up work. We don’t seem to appreciate the use of following up of tasks we have been set. Yet follow up is the key to getting the job done - to completion. There are exceptions, of course but our purpose here is to delve more deeply into our justice system, perchance to uncover why so little information has been forthcoming on the status of those serious crimes which have been committed on the island, over the past several years. For example, many are aware when police arrest someone for serious offence. Then for reasons we are not told, that someone is later released. Quite often no explanation and no reasons are given for the release. And no new arrests are made, in the particular case. Soon, that case goes cold and no one knows what happened. Why is this? Who is behind the facilitation of such poor performances? And let’s face it, God don’t work that way.
This lack of credible information from those concerned within the criminal justice system breeds frustration in the public. Frustration in turn breeds fear and mistrust. These in turn lead to a hardening cynicism which then refuses to co-operate with authority – the system.
The public therefore needs to know where the flaws in the system are. Why are so many criminals (including violent rapist and murders) walking the streets and byways of the island, freely? Why does nothing happen so frequently? Are we incapable of managing a country of one hundred and seventy thousand odd people in which only a handful are repeated criminals? What is at the root of the problem of catching criminals and putting them away? Are there more accomplices rubbing shoulders, hands and feet with the justice system than we imagined? Are some of these accomplices hidden and embedded within the political system and do they share the ears of leading politicians on the island?
People must demand to know why nothing happens. Every tax-paying, law abiding citizen regardless of religion, place of residence or other differences must demand an answer to why nothing happens. And they must demand answers now, today, pronto, immediately; not later.
Frankly, we do not need any more high-priced studies. We also do not need any more research by foreign experts. No, what we need is competence where it matters most – and I suggest we look within the journalistic fraternity for help. Frankly, we need our best journalist s to strike a blow for Saint Lucia and perhaps the Caribbean can learn from us. This island does not need any more stalling and protecting of those who can (and often do) pay the criminals. So let’s agree to call a spade a spade regardless of the clothes it wears or in which profession it happens for the moment.
In addition to these ideas, I also respectfully suggest that magistrates (Judges too) must decide on which side of the fence they sit – or fall. They need to stop their pussyfooting and do their jobs fearlessly or get out, and retire into private practice.
Finally, in this country some of us know at least one parent who refused to ask their children, where they got that lead pencil or pen. Later, that same child brings home a new school bag or a new pair of Nikes and still no questions are asked. Still later, that child passes on a brand new motorcycle or car. And still no one asks any questions. That child has no rich aunts or uncles and the mother’s new man can’t stand that child. Yet no body asks where you got this from. So now we slowly begin to see, why nothing happens.
I wish to focus on the role local journalists can play in this initiative. They are the natural persons to do what I think must be done to expose certain facts and truths, which need to be exposed, for all to see and hopefully learn from. Out of their findings can evolve a new way for the entire justice system on this island. Let me explain.
Over the past few years there has been much talk from all quarters on the crime situation here but, only a few perpetrators have been caught and fewer still, made to pay for their crime. Why is this so and whose duty is it to tell the people of the country why nothing happens? The phrase ‘AND NOTHING HAPPENS’ may well be the most apt anthem for the entire justice system on the island, at this time. It is my sincere and humble belief that the answer to the question: Why nothing happens, can best be presently unearthed only by the most competent and fearless journalists here. Questions such as: What are the reasons behind the stupendous and glaring failure in our criminal justice system? Where is the bottle-neck in the system and are there deliberate obstructions in the path of justice? Are there trustworthy persons who are being frustrated from executing their jobs, as they should?
Here is what I suggest needs to be done. The four most experienced, independent and senior journalists on the island should first get together and talk (by whatever means they choose) and exchange ideas on at least four cold cases of their fancy- murder, rape/murder, rape/assault/burglary, and so forth. Then each journalist would select one case in order to research and thoroughly investigate, where in the system that case is stuck or whether it longer exists. Among other things, each journalist must aim to discover the reasons their chosen cases have not gone forward and be resolved, and where exactly these particular cases are in the justice system.
Each of these four journalists would then be required to report to the nation every week at an agreed time and day and to do this on radio, television and in the print media. Their findings for a particular week ought to be headline news during their investigations. Each journalist should be allowed full access to every police file and court records and each would be afforded at least one assistant – preferable a young journalist. This ought to be financed as part of their daily jobs or from private sector support, and not from government.
.... Letters & Opinion
29th January 2011
And Nothing Happens…
As promised this is a follow up of last weekend’s piece on the crime situation on the island, in this newspaper. It comes from one who, like thousands of others, loves this country dearly. It therefore gives me no pleasure to write this; but, someone has to do it. The difficulty arises from the perception that so few of those who love this place are prepared to extend themselves or risk their comfort zones for the greater good. That is to be regretted. The hardest truth for many of us to accept is that, to varying degrees, we are each responsible for the present situation (and fear) that presently stalk our land. It is far easier to accept that we are all in this together. So using this as a starting point we can agree that each has a contribution to make in beating the problem. Having acknowledged we have a problem, may I suggest one new approach to solving the problem of crime on the island?
I wish to focus on the role local journalists can play in this initiative. They are the natural persons to do what I think must be done to expose certain facts and truths, which need to be exposed, for all to see and hopefully learn from. Out of their findings can evolve a new way for the entire justice system on this island. Let me explain.
Over the past few years there has been much talk from all quarters on the crime situation here but, only a few perpetrators have been caught and fewer still, made to pay for their crime. Why is this so and whose duty is it to tell the people of the country why nothing happens? The phrase ‘AND NOTHING HAPPENS’ may well be the most apt anthem for the entire justice system on the island, at this time. It is my sincere and humble belief that the answer to the question: Why nothing happens, can best be presently unearthed only by the most competent and fearless journalists here. Questions such as: What are the reasons behind the stupendous and glaring failure in our criminal justice system? Where is the bottle-neck in the system and are there deliberate obstructions in the path of justice? Are there trustworthy persons who are being frustrated from executing their jobs, as they should?
Here is what I suggest needs to be done. The four most experienced, independent and senior journalists on the island should first get together and talk (by whatever means they choose) and exchange ideas on at least four cold cases of their fancy- murder, rape/murder, rape/assault/burglary, and so forth. Then each journalist would select one case in order to research and thoroughly investigate, where in the system that case is stuck or whether it longer exists. Among other things, each journalist must aim to discover the reasons their chosen cases have not gone forward and be resolved, and where exactly these particular cases are in the justice system.
Each of these four journalists would then be required to report to the nation every week at an agreed time and day and to do this on radio, television and in the print media. Their findings for a particular week ought to be headline news during their investigations. Each journalist should be allowed full access to every police file and court records and each would be afforded at least one assistant – preferable a young journalist. This ought to be financed as part of their daily jobs or from private sector support, and not from government.
I make this proposal because it is clear to me that one of our greatest challenges at every level in this society is follow-up work. We don’t seem to appreciate the use of following up of tasks we have been set. Yet follow up is the key to getting the job done - to completion. There are exceptions, of course but our purpose here is to delve more deeply into our justice system, perchance to uncover why so little information has been forthcoming on the status of those serious crimes which have been committed on the island, over the past several years. For example, many are aware when police arrest someone for serious offence. Then for reasons we are not told, that someone is later released. Quite often no explanation and no reasons are given for the release. And no new arrests are made, in the particular case. Soon, that case goes cold and no one knows what happened. Why is this? Who is behind the facilitation of such poor performances? And let’s face it, God don’t work that way.
This lack of credible information from those concerned within the criminal justice system breeds frustration in the public. Frustration in turn breeds fear and mistrust. These in turn lead to a hardening cynicism which then refuses to co-operate with authority – the system.
The public therefore needs to know where the flaws in the system are. Why are so many criminals (including violent rapist and murders) walking the streets and byways of the island, freely? Why does nothing happen so frequently? Are we incapable of managing a country of one hundred and seventy thousand odd people in which only a handful are repeated criminals? What is at the root of the problem of catching criminals and putting them away? Are there more accomplices rubbing shoulders, hands and feet with the justice system than we imagined? Are some of these accomplices hidden and embedded within the political system and do they share the ears of leading politicians on the island?
People must demand to know why nothing happens. Every tax-paying, law abiding citizen regardless of religion, place of residence or other differences must demand an answer to why nothing happens. And they must demand answers now, today, pronto, immediately; not later.
Frankly, we do not need any more high-priced studies. We also do not need any more research by foreign experts. No, what we need is competence where it matters most – and I suggest we look within the journalistic fraternity for help. Frankly, we need our best journalist s to strike a blow for Saint Lucia and perhaps the Caribbean can learn from us. This island does not need any more stalling and protecting of those who can (and often do) pay the criminals. So let’s agree to call a spade a spade regardless of the clothes it wears or in which profession it happens for the moment.
In addition to these ideas, I also respectfully suggest that magistrates (Judges too) must decide on which side of the fence they sit – or fall. They need to stop their pussyfooting and do their jobs fearlessly or get out, and retire into private practice.
Finally, in this country some of us know at least one parent who refused to ask their children, where they got that lead pencil or pen. Later, that same child brings home a new school bag or a new pair of Nikes and still no questions are asked. Still later, that child passes on a brand new motorcycle or car. And still no one asks any questions. That child has no rich aunts or uncles and the mother’s new man can’t stand that child. Yet no body asks where you got this from. So now we slowly begin to see, why nothing happens.
Police have launched an investigation in relation to the death of 48-year-old, Arthur Clarke, a.k.a “Afoo” of Bexon, Castries, who was shot about 9:50pm on Thursday the 27th of January, 2011 at Chase Gardens, Castries.
Reports indicate that at the aforesaid time, Clarke was near his car in an area at Chase Gardens when several shots were fired at him, hitting him in the upper part of his body. He was thereafter pronounced dead at the Victoria Hospital.
No one has been arrested in connection with this incident.
Reports indicate that at the aforesaid time, Clarke was near his car in an area at Chase Gardens when several shots were fired at him, hitting him in the upper part of his body. He was thereafter pronounced dead at the Victoria Hospital.
No one has been arrested in connection with this incident.
Thousands thronged the Anse La Raye Waterfront yesterday Sunday January 30th, for the launching of Saint Lucia Labour Party’s candidate, Dr. Desmond “The Mighty Pep” Long; who will contest the Anse La Raye/Canaries seat at the next general elections. Under the theme: “Bringing Back Honesty and Integrity To Representation” the programme included an energetic Praise and Worship Session, sweet steel band music and rhythmic Calypso renditions. There was also dance and drama which excited the large crowd, along with speeches of endorsement and solidarity by Messrs Jude Regis, Hermangild Francis, and Cyprian Lansiquot, who were Dr. Long’s contenders for the of that constituency. Speeches were also delivered by Hon. Harold Dalson and Mr. Timothy Mangal, who will contest the adjoining constituencies for the Labour Party.Master of Ceremony Hon. Philip J. Pierre kept a running report card on the Stephenson King Government which came up with a rapturous shout of “fail,” every time promises were compared with performance. The Candidate’s daughter, Twyla Long, delivered a stirring rendition of Celine Dion’s “Because We Love You,” to her father, which was followed by the formal introduction of Dr. Desmond “The Mighty Pep” Long by his friend and colleague St. Mary’s College Teacher, Hon. Dr. Robert Lewis.
The candidate came on with a captivating introduction which had the crowd shouting when he said: “I am the small axe ready to chop down the big tree.” In a brilliant Launching address which covered issues across the constituency, Dr. Long listed the failings of the current Parliamentary Representative and outlined his plans to improve the lives of the people through honest and caring representation. Among his priorities are health, housing, employment, water, youth development and recreational and sporting facilities. He ended his presentation with a new and very catchy calypso composition: “Mondesir Must Go,” which had the crowd jumping, singing and begging for more.
Political Leader, Hon. Dr. Kenny Davis Anthony brought the formal proceedings to a close with a call to action, setting the tone for Labour’s election campaign. To thunderous applause, Dr. Anthony declared that Labour was “Ready for Elections” and called upon Prime Minister Stephenson King to date the elections no later than December 11, 2011.
The candidate came on with a captivating introduction which had the crowd shouting when he said: “I am the small axe ready to chop down the big tree.” In a brilliant Launching address which covered issues across the constituency, Dr. Long listed the failings of the current Parliamentary Representative and outlined his plans to improve the lives of the people through honest and caring representation. Among his priorities are health, housing, employment, water, youth development and recreational and sporting facilities. He ended his presentation with a new and very catchy calypso composition: “Mondesir Must Go,” which had the crowd jumping, singing and begging for more.
Political Leader, Hon. Dr. Kenny Davis Anthony brought the formal proceedings to a close with a call to action, setting the tone for Labour’s election campaign. To thunderous applause, Dr. Anthony declared that Labour was “Ready for Elections” and called upon Prime Minister Stephenson King to date the elections no later than December 11, 2011.
The St Lucia government is seeking assistance from Israel and the United States to combat a rising crime situation in the country.
Foreign Minister Rufus Bousquet said the local authorities were having a difficult time dealing with the spate of murders, which reached a record 48 last year.
He said there appeared to be no let up in the murders, with six people being killed so far this year.
The CMC reported that Bousquet said, "I will be the first to admit that crime in St Lucia has reached alarming proportions and I don't believe that beyond giving technical assistance to the government or to the police that foreign officers such as persons within the Israeli Defence Force or the American armed forces are willing to come out here and put their personnel on the line.
"Or the question must be asked as to whether you do not want to engage in something like this that could result in some level of international discomfort."
He said, while the Israelis were dealing with their own problems in the Arab world, they have nonetheless indicated a willingness to help, as the Stephenson King administration pursues various strategies to deal with the crime situation.
Foreign Minister Rufus Bousquet said the local authorities were having a difficult time dealing with the spate of murders, which reached a record 48 last year.
He said there appeared to be no let up in the murders, with six people being killed so far this year.
The CMC reported that Bousquet said, "I will be the first to admit that crime in St Lucia has reached alarming proportions and I don't believe that beyond giving technical assistance to the government or to the police that foreign officers such as persons within the Israeli Defence Force or the American armed forces are willing to come out here and put their personnel on the line.
"Or the question must be asked as to whether you do not want to engage in something like this that could result in some level of international discomfort."
He said, while the Israelis were dealing with their own problems in the Arab world, they have nonetheless indicated a willingness to help, as the Stephenson King administration pursues various strategies to deal with the crime situation.
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St Jude Hospital, Vieux Fort, St lucia today 09.09.09...coincidentally the same number for emergency .(7 comments)
