Police have issued a stern reminder to residents about Saint Lucia’s anti-vandalism laws after charging a 27-year-old man for defacing a bus shelter in his Belle Vue, Choiseul community.
Eric Poleon was formally charged on Wednesday, four days after police at the Choiseul Police Station investigated graffiti sprayed on the bus shelter. The graffiti featured the name “King Baros” and the number 6.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) said their probe led them to Poleon, who is also known by the nickname “King Baros”. He was subsequently charged with defacement of a structure, an offence that carries a maximum fine of $1 000 upon summary conviction.
In light of the incident, the RSLPF issued a public reminder urging individuals to “respect our shared spaces and comply with the law”.
“The RSLPF wishes to remind all citizens and visitors that acts of vandalism, including graffiti and unauthorised advertisements on public and private structures, are strictly prohibited by law. These measures are in place to safeguard the aesthetic integrity and safety of our public spaces and private properties,” it said in a statement.
Under Section 487 of the Criminal Code of Saint Lucia, it is unlawful for anyone other than the owner, occupier, or person in charge of a structure, land, door, gate, window, tree, pole, or post to exhibit or authorise the display of any article or advertisement on the property. Writing, drawing, or marking—including graffiti—on such property is also strictly prohibited
The RSLPF encouraged the public to report any incidents of vandalism or similar offences to their nearest police station.
I wish I was the Magistrate. I would fine him , make him scrub the entire Bus Shelter, buy paint with his own money, ensuring that he buys Primer and Paint and repaint. Having completed he will have to report to the Bus Stop for one month carrying a sign which reads, “I JUST COMPLETED MY FIRST PAINTING COURSE”. Failure to do so he will spend six months in prison painting the prisons toilets.
@Community Service – I agree – why are these idiots so destructive??? Find a book and educate yourself “MORON BAROS”
Ok
Not a bad sentence
Sit at the bus stop for a month 8 hours a day
We as Lucians will still bring him lunch.
Community service makes a lot of sense for offenses such as these. While you, or I, may miss a meal, prisoners never do, they are fed on time three times a day, all at the expense of the State! Persons who break the roadside mirrors meant to guide drivers should also be similarly treated, and more important, they should be made to pay replacement costs.
@Community Service well said,I couldnt agree with you more. I just wish the presiding magistrate would take note.He definately would learn his lesson
Just so u all bringing shame and disrepute to Choiseul? Since when? That’s the nation’s untold capital, growing prosperous and quite clean. minus vagrancy and vandals. anyone interfering with this, has to dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. And those of you who run from this beautiful place to hell holes and shanty towns in castries while you all family land just there, better rethink and contribute to classy. Great schools available. simple and elegant life. again if you are a vieux negre, stay away.