4 Homicides in 48 Hours: Top Cop urges Saint Lucians to show Love for each other, “please put down the Guns!”

The total number of homicides for the year now stands at 51, following 4 homicides in 48 hours. In declaring that there will be an increased police presence, Commissioner of Police, Severin Moncherry, has pleaded with Saint Lucians to show love for each other and become ‘hard targets.’ Moncherry, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Milton Desir, and Superintendent George Nicholas held a press briefing at Chesterfield on Tuesday morning.

In an update to the press, Nicholas stated that on Saturday, December 19 at about 12:50 pm, police responded to an incident in Cul De Sac, where they found the “motionless body of 56-year-old Josephat Charles alias Flyin, locked in a minibus. There was apparent multiple stab wounds to the body. He was pronounced dead on the scene by a medical practitioner.”

No one has been arrested in relation to this incident, but Nicholas says that “we are pursuing some leads and we are confident that in the short order, we will have someone in custody.” A post mortem is scheduled for later today.

The Superintendent stated that at about 10:30 pm on December 19, police responded to an incident in Beausejour, Gros Islet where they found “the motionless body of 34-year-old Canadian national Nichole Dempster in her house. There was marks of violence about the body. She was pronounced dead on the scene by a medical practitioner. One man is in custody in relation to that matter.” A post mortem is scheduled for later today.

On Monday December 21, two men were shot dead in Leslie Land, while a female received a minor injury. “About 5:20 pm, police responded to an incident in Leslie Land, Castries where upon arrival, found the body of 23-year-old Sellan Francis alias Dj Sello, lying on the ground with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead by on the scene by a medical practitioner,” Nicholas said.

“A second victim, 28-year-old Danny Charlemagne who had been transported to Tapion Hospital, was pronounced dead on arrival by a medical practitioner. A third victim, a 25-year-old resident of Bocage, received an injury to the upper right shoulder. She was treated and discharged.” No one has been arrested in relation to Monday’s incident.

In his opening statement at Tuesday’s briefing, Commissioner Moncherry said: “Let me first take the opportunity to extend condolences to the family of those who’ve lost loved ones. It is indeed sad as we are in a time when people are supposed to be showing love and sharing love, that within 48 hours you would have 4 homicides. It is something that bothers me, it is of concern to me.”

The top cop said that he had discussions with the executive of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), and that they are reviewing their plans for the Christmas season. He said that there will be an increased police presence in all communities, and that an “intelligence team” will be deployed. “Let me assure members of the public that notwithstanding the incidents of violence that we’ve had over the few days, we remain committed to ensuring that citizens and foreigners alike are safe during this festive season,” Moncherry said, calling on members of the public to become ‘hard targets.’

“By this I mean you need to know your surroundings. You need to ensure that you do not wear jewelry whilst in crowds, or if you know you’re carrying your wallets or your purse, make sure you hold on to that tightly. Do not walk around with cellphones in your hands or some people you see them on the telephone and do not even observe what is going on around them. Yes it is our duty and responsibility to ensure that you are safe but you need to assist us in making it a safer place for you,” Moncherry said.

He also urged citizens not to take the law in to their own hands, and have faith and confidence in the RSLPF that investigations will be carried out fairly so that justice can prevail. “I call on our young people especially in the festive season, please, be a little more tolerant. Manage your anger, control your temper and ensure that your efforts are directed in other areas. We know that people will always be upset… but you need to control your temper, you need to manage your anger and you need to show love for each other. Let us not take the law into our own hands. Let us make reports to the police.” Moncherry told members of the public to speak to community leaders if they choose not to speak to the police.

The Commissioner added: “When these things happen we are losing a generation, we are losing our young people. Please put down the guns! Let us resort to other means of resolving conflict… I urge you members of the public, especially the young ones, let us show love to each other. Let us show that we can tolerate each other and that we can be each other’s keeper.”

The RSLPF also announced that an “operational plan” has been implemented — aimed at “ensuring safety to all persons in Saint Lucia.” Deputy Commissioner Milton Desir told reporters that it involves “reducing incidents of criminal activities, enforcing the COVID-19 protocols and reducing incidents of traffic violations and accidents.”

Desir said that to achieve this, officers will not be allowed to go on vacation leave except in the case of emergencies; the Force will maximize the use of COVID wardens and special reserves; and the organization’s fleet will also be augmented by using vehicles from other government departments.