[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he criminal code of Saint Lucia—the revised edition (as at 31st December 2005) contains some interesting laws. Some of them, I, and probably others, have never even heard about. For instance, the six hundred-page document includes laws, which deal with calling a person derogatory names—an offence that can cost you $1,000).
Recently, individuals have found themselves in trouble as a result of breaking one of these laws. It, like others, has been on the books for some time, but, was not being enforced. These individuals were all arrested for urinating in public, more specifically, in the city of Castries.
On February 21st, Mayor of Castries, Peterson Francis, launched the Clean City Campaign. At the gathering, the mayor spoke on the various problems facing the city. “The problems are broad and widespread, from urinating, defecating, littering and spitting in the streets. While personal responsibility is critical, the legislation is there to be enforced and help curve the problem,” the mayor stated. “Let me remind you that you will be charged according to the Litter Act Chapter 6.05 (Revised Laws of St. Lucia 2008) and the Criminal Code Chapter 3.01 (revised Laws of Saint Lucia 2013). The charges range from one hundred and fifty dollars to one thousand five hundred and in some cases where the Law dictates, up to six months in prison. The Clean city Campaign pertains to persons who urinate in the corridors of the capital. There are comfort zones which I employ you to make use of,” he continued.
The Criminal Code Chapter 1 (General Provisions) Part 5 (Summary Offences) deals with ‘Indecent Exposure in Public’. It states that a person who willfully and indecently exposes his or her genital organs—(a) in any public place or within view of the public; or (b) in any place with intent to insult any other person—is liable on summary conviction to a fine of one thousand dollars.
True to the mayor’s word, the City Police arrested a man for indecent exposure. Speaking to the press, Sgt. Yone Camchon gave details on the situation: “On Sunday 25th March 2018, officers attached to the City Police arrested a male individual for indecent exposure. Meaning that the individual willfully and indecently exposed his genital organ in a public place. The fine for this offence is a thousand dollars.” Sgt. Yone, like the mayor, encouraged the public to use the public facilities and stop urinating in the streets. There are comfort zones located in or around, Jeremie Street Plaza, the Babonneau Bus Stand, the Castries Market, Vendors Arcade, Darling Road Plaza, Jeremie Street as well as in some of the City businesses.
Apparently, one arrest was not enough to deter others from committing the offence. A few days later, on March 29th, the City Police arrested another male individual, a bus driver, for the same offence— indecent exposure. The driver asserted that he and his colleagues would strike if need be, because there are no facilities in close proximity for them to use. Mayor Francis was quick to respond to the threats of strike action: “I wasn’t the one who put the laws on the books you know, all what I’m doing now, is to adhere to the laws of Saint Lucia. Within that vicinity, we have three washrooms.” He added: “I understand for convenience, we have been talking to the association (Mini-Bus). They have applied to DCA, which we have supported, so that we going to put something in the immediate vicinity. What are they striking for? Strike against the law, strike against the mayor, strike against upholding the law?”
A problem with which the City has been plagued for years is finally being addressed and the public is being held accountable for their careless actions. We can all agree that there may be a need for
more public facilities, but, they won’t be built tomorrow. While we wait for the facilities, efforts should be made by all to comply, for the betterment of the City. A city which many have complained about for year . . . that it was dirty, smelly, and rat and roach infested. Time will tell if the law against littering will also be enforced, as this is another very serious issue the City (and Saint Lucia on a whole) faces.
