The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has heaped praise on one of their officers, one week after the High Court awarded EC$102,754 in damages to a fellow villager that he maliciously shot with his service pistol in an unprovoked attack in Owia on March 3, 2019.
The police force praised Corporal of Police Mohammid Lavia for completing “the rigorous” Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course (IBOLC) at Fort Moore, Georgia, in the United States.
The police force said that Lavia exemplified “dedication, grit, and a relentless pursuit of excellence…
“His achievement stands as a beacon of what is possible within the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), reflecting not only his commitment but the potential and calibre of our officers.”
But just one week earlier, High Court master Cybelle Cenac-Dantes in assessing damages for Okeno Fergus, Lavia’s shooting victim, had noted that the trial judge, then Justice Esco Henry, who is now a justice of appeal, has been left confused by Lavia’s actions.
“I cannot understand what would drive a police officer to treat a resident of a country in the way Corporal Lavia behaved toward Mr. Fergus that morning. It was inhumane, merciless, aggressive, high-handed and totally underserved,” Justice Henry had said in her scathing July 14, 2022, judgement.
“The court cannot countenance such conduct in a democratic society where the rule of law pervades the administration of the justice system and the society. If ever there was a case that attracted exemplary, aggravated and substantial general damages or loss, damage and physical, emotional and mental injury, this one certainly does. I hold that Mr. Fergus is entitled to recover special, general, exemplary and aggravated damages from Corporal Lavia and the State.”
Reporting on Lavia’s course, the Police Public Relations and Complaint Department of the police force said that over the course of 19 intensive weeks, from June 11 to Oct. 30, Lavia stood alongside 160 participants, including 11 international military students hailing from countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Poland, Slovakia, Thailand, and Trinidad and Tobago.
“This diverse assembly of officers brought together a wealth of experiences and perspectives, enriching the learning environment and fostering international camaraderie,” the police force said.
It said that the IBOLC is a demanding programme that combines intensive classroom learning with hands-on field exercises, shaping officers into effective leaders in complex operational settings.
“Participants, including Corporal Lavia, immersed themselves in critical areas such as troop leading procedures, where they refined their strategic planning and decision-making through high-pressure, simulated missions,” the press release said.
“This in-depth training pushes officers to think decisively, lead confidently, and adapt to evolving challenges.”
The release said that participants were pushed to their limits through intensive day and night exercises across challenging terrains, sharpening their skills to move with precision and confidence under any conditions.
“The training also emphasised battle drills, placing officers like Corporal Lavia in high-stakes scenarios that required quick thinking, strategic coordination, and effective communication. These experiences reflect the real-world complexities of field operations and embody the values of teamwork, integrity, and leadership that are at the heart of the RSVGPF.”
The police force said Lavia’s successful completion of the rigorous programme “underscores the trust and high expectations placed in him by the Commissioner of Police and the rank and file” of the police force.
“His determination to elevate his skills and knowledge serves as an inspiration to his colleagues and sets a standard for others to follow within our organisation.”
The release said that throughout his journey, Lavia “has demonstrated qualities essential to strong leadership, integrity, decisiveness, and the ability to bring people together.
“The expertise and insights he brings back to the RSVGPF will strengthen our capabilities and further enhance our service to the public.
“We take this opportunity to recognise, celebrate and congratulate Corporal Lavia’s outstanding performance. As we reflect on this milestone, we anticipate the impact he will have as he continues to contribute meaningfully to the RSVGPF and the citizens, residents and visitors we serve,” the police force said.
At the trial in the shooting matter, Lavia acknowledged that he shot Fergus but asserted that far from being an unprovoked act on his part, Fergus had struck him with a bottle and he feared a repeat when he saw Fergus pick up another bottle and prepare to lob it at him.
Lavia had fled the scene after shooting Fergus.
After being shot, Fergus, who was 30 at the time, underwent surgery on March 3, 2019, to repair the broken bones in the left leg and extract bullet fragments.
He also had procedures done on Aug. 16 and 29, 2019 to remove bony fragments in his left leg.
Fergus was arrested and charged in July 2019 with wounding Lavia and was tried at the Georgetown Magistrate’s court, where he was convicted.
The conviction was overturned on appeal and the case was remitted to be tried by another magistrate.
The hearing has not taken place.
As a result of the shooting, the range of movements in Fergus’ left ankle was reduced by 50% and internal rotation was reduced by 75%.
The integrity of the bones in the region has been compromised by the presence of ballistic fragments and the fact that the bones have been fractured before.
Further, a doctor has concluded that Fergus would have to undergo a lifetime procedure to check for osteomyelitis — a bone infection.
Another joker to contend with.
The learned local experience is that the law courts have no standing in respect of decisions that oblige government and their ‘agencies’ to pay money. Such decisions have been shown to be unenforceable. Note that these are the kinds of situations that typically trigger vigilantism when absurdity and frustration reach beyond tolerable
Well with his accomplishment, he should be given a huge promotion. I want to read that the man is either made deputy commissioner or chief of police.Just lip service. The man is a liability in the police force.
This media circus announcement is done so that this officer would face no discipline. This is the kind of transparency we have in this country .
How does on arrives at compensation? It is my opinion he should have been awarded more money.
hope mr ulric hansen gets compensation for being shot by police and not being armed
There is a disconnect here, the real hero should have been Mr Fergus who survived an attempt to derail the course of justice by officer Lavia and his cohorts. .It would appear that offier Lavia acted in concert with certain officers to deny the victim his rights as a citizen of this nation. We are a nation that is governed by the rule of Law. The Police Complaint Bureau was implicit in denying Mr Fegus natural justice and procedural fairness throughout the entire process.
Should Mr Fegus did not have the fortitude to resist the assault on his basic rights. He would have been blown to pieces and the reward would not have been materialized. We hail the the inner strength and fortitude of Mr Fergus to persevere.
History has shown us that the RSPF is not without its blemishes. One can recall Iwitness News account of a RSPF police officer loaned his service revolver to a one of his bosom friend in the commission a crime. In another case a RSPF officer was alleged to be involved in certain robbery in City Kingstown. It was also alleged that a Junior counstable in the windward side of the island was indicted in an alleged rape case. That case is considered to be subjudice.
Ladies and gentlemen let’s heap praises on the real hero., the victim Fergus who survived all assaults that were thrown at him in an attempt to derail the course of Justice and was rewarded accordingly. The reward however, was a paltry sum when taken in conideration the tremendous pain and suffering the victim endured.
Is this another example where criminals are applauded and rewarded while the victims are persued and convicted ?? There will be a day so sure , it’s only a matter of time, the wheels of the bus go around and around.