Last Friday the law firm of Anthony & Antoine issued a press release on behalf of the family of 68-year-old Englishman Martin Ellis who was reportedly electrocuted while visiting the John Compton Dam on August 16 with his three young sons.
According to the statement: “We do not accept that we accessed a clearly restricted area of the dam or that we were in any way notified before or on arrival that we had to secure prior permission to visit the site. Indeed, we were shown where to park so as not to be in the way of other vehicles on the site.” WASCO had previously stated that the area was “clearly restricted” and that Ellis and his sons entered without “first obtaining permission”.
ACP Wayne Charlery referenced the apparent contradiction at a press conference on Monday. “If there are discrepancies in the statements by WASCO and representatives of the deceased, then it is for WASCO to provide clarification.” Asked about updates on the matter, he said: “I can say that our investigation is ongoing and obviously our investigators will take all of that into consideration.”
Also, according to WASCO: “Mr. Ellis reportedly collapsed in this restricted area of the dam.” The cause of death, according to the police press office, was “arrhythmia due to suspected electrocution.”
This week Kenny Anthony of Anthony & Antoine Chambers told local reporters: “The [Ellis] family is very distressed. For them it’s an occasion of considerable pain. The boys were exceedingly close to their father and, having witnessed what occurred, their pain is even deeper. I think they’re going to live with the memory of what happened for a very long time.” He added: “Despite the fact that they are in deep pain and are mourning the loss of a father, they were also very touched by the kindness of the people of Saint Lucia.”
