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.
