A major shooting in Wilton’s Yarde, Castries this week broke the silence that had recently permeated one of the previous “hot spots” in the city. According to police on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 about 10:10 p.m. two men sustained gunshot wounds at Wilton’s Yard. They have been identified as 33 year old Ernie Pierre Louis of Wilton’s Yard, Castries and 42 year old Richard Mathew of Morne Du Don, Castries.
Reports say that the two were fired upon by three masked men while having a drink at a bar in the area. The victims were transported to the Victoria Hospital for medical attention and were listed as being in stable condition.
Meanwhile this week the RSLPF announced that it was intensifying efforts to crackdown on gang rivalry in the town of Soufriere.
According to lawmen, on Sunday, March 22, 2015 about 2:00 a.m. officers attached to the Soufriere Police station responded to a report of gunshots and throwing of missiles in “the gulf”, an alleged gang area on Bridge Street, Soufriere.
During the police response one police vehicle received damage from a stone, as individuals fled the scene. This incident police say, arose from an apparent dispute between rival gangs.
Then on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 about 1:00 p.m, on Market Road, Soufriere another dispute involving rival gangs resulted in one French national sustaining a minor injury to the forehead, when a stone was thrown through a restaurant where he was having lunch. The French national was taken to the Soufriere Hospital, treated and discharged.
Since then a massive police operation has been undertaken under the command of Officer in Charge of the Southern Division, Superintendent Augustin Sampson. The operation included officers attached to the southern departments of the Special Services Unit, Criminal Investigations Department, Marine Unit and officers attached to the Choiseul, Soufriere and Vieux Fort police stations.
As a result of the operation, one 9 mm pistol with two rounds of ammunition, one black and orange flare gun with a spent shell and two homemade shotguns were recovered.
Three individuals are at present in police custody assisting the police with ongoing investigations. According to Sampson, there will be no abating of efforts on part of the Southern Police to crack down on gang related activity.
