And as the military parade proceeded through the streets of Castries, Police officials found comfort in the belief that the person responsible for shooting Corporal Peters is himself dead. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Vernon Francois told reporters that although the case has not been closed, the investigation at this stage points to Owen Jacobs Jules as the gunman. He was shot dead by SSU officers moments later. Reports however suggest that on the night of February 19, it was a group of men that opened fire on Corporal Peters and SPC Timothy John as they made a bank deposit at the Castries Waterfront. According to ACP Francois, officers have stumbled upon names of potential suspects who may have served as look outs or drove a second car. These individuals he said have been questioned. Corporal Vincent Peters was a 20 year veteran of the Police Force and served as a Crown Prosecutor in the DPP’s Office.
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Meantime, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Senator Guy Mayers has agreed with a call from the Police Welfare Association for the Protective Services Compensation Act to be enacted. But the Minister says it is not something that will be done immediately. Senator Mayers says he sees the urgency and importance in assuring Police and protective service officers that their families will be taken care of in the event something were to happen to them in the line of duty. He says he has already spoken to the Attorney General to address the matter. Mr.Mayers says legislative issues take time however it is a matter high on his agenda. The Police Welfare Association last week called for the establishment of a committee to oversee the process.
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The man who has been chosen to contest the Anse La Raye seat on a Labour ticket is speaking out about his decision to move from singing about political issues to becoming an active member of the political arena. Dr.Desmond Long better known as the Mighty Pep says he has for sometime now been contemplating become involved in politics. Dr.Long is the former district health officer for Anse La Raye/Canaries and says during that time he developed a close bond with residents and a desire to see a better standard of living for them. He says his need to make a difference influenced his decision. According to Pep, he firmly believes that the only way someone can make a change in society is by becoming part of the solution not by staying on the sidelines and criticizing. He is hoping that his entry into politics will inspire other persons to become involved. As for his chances in winning, he says he is taking it one step at a time and is working towards developing a comprehensive plan for the people of Anse La Raye/Canaries.
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The Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade and Investment, through its overseas Missions has continued to play a vital role in the economic and social development of Saint Lucia by identifying opportunities for investment and technical assistance that can be beneficial to the people of Saint Lucia. Following the devastating fire at St. Jude Hospital in August 2009, the Permanent Mission of Saint Lucia to the United Nations in New York contacted a number of countries, seeking assistance for the reconstruction of the St. Jude Hospital. To date, the Government of Saint Lucia has received technical assistance from a number of friendly Governments as well as local Organizations towards its reconstruction efforts. In February, 2010, the Government of Saint Lucia received a grant of US$250 000 from the Government of India for the rebuilding of the facility. In addition to this, Saint Lucia has also received computers, microscopes and dialysis equipment valued over US$200 000 from the Government of India. A formal handing over ceremony is scheduled to take place next Tuesday.ENDS======