Two Grenada police officers have been charged with manslaughter in the death of Canadian resident Oscar Bartholomew.
Kenton Hazzard and Wendell Sylvester, both junior officers, were charged on Saturday. If found guilty, the penalty for manslaughter ranges from a fine to a maximum of 15 years in prison.
On Friday night, Richard Simon, a spokesman for Prime Minister Tillman Thomas said two more officers had been detained after another witness had stepped forward.
grenada police is good cops but at some times bad things happen give the guys a brake they do good job keep up the the good work you do we love you guys.
I say a case of jealousy, who knows? The guy must have been doing pretty well in Canada and the Po-lies did not approve of his status. Man, what a waste of air space, government uniforms and tax dollars! Sick b*st*rds, they should pay dearly for this act.
so the lady officer in question couldnt have come to the man’s rescue and simply said the man made a mistake and allow the man to go his merry way at this time of year when pple are expressing Christmas joy and togetherness…it is my opinion that the lady officer is just as guilty as those cave men representing the law…what a sad day for the image of that department..may the good LORD have mercy on their souls
I heard on the News that three more Policemen were charged. This brings the number to five. It was also stated that there may be more charges.
I also heard that he had a skull fracture, broken hand and ribs.
Also prior to migrating to Canada he was previously a police officer in Grenada and that he has a brother or two who were police officers (or probably are).
It was also stated that he visited Grenada every two years to see his mother.
His neighbors in Toronto and others who knew him have said that he was a very nice person who always greeted them and was the life of the party. This means, he was also a friendly and hospitable person. They expressed their shock of what happened to him.
This accounts for the reason he was so friendly when he mistook the police officer for a friend.
The father resides in a suburb of Toronto. He spoke on TV and said that he wants the charges upgraded to murder. This is what the family wants. Hopefully, I expect this will occur.
The poor man, imagine going on vacation to his homeland and such a thing happened to him. It is rather unnatural.
The story also goes that he and his wife were traveling and she wanted to use the bathroom. They went to the Police Station. She was outside when she noticed that her husband was being placed in the van (and probably already injured. The worst may also have taken place on the way to the hospital.
So they state that he resisted arrest. Obviously, he knew that he did nothing bad. This gave them no reason, first, to arrest him and then to injure him in such a manner which caused his death. Those police officers should never be allowed to work even as security guards. I do hope that they will be imprisoned for a number of years.
Those Grenadian Police did not do justice to Oscar. I understood that he apologized, yet they arrested him. This indicates how wicked, ignorant and untrained those police officers are. They were not worthy of their positions. They have also disgraced the Police Force and Grenadians in general. Surely, they could have handled the situation in a humane manner, accept Oscar’s apology and let him go.
I must add that my words are insufficient to express my feelings about what those officers did to Oscar, how he suffered at their hands and eventually died from the wombs inflicted by them. It is downright murder and they should be charged accordingly.
I also heard that they will appear in Court on January 3rd. The entire world who heard about this sad story is awaiting the outcome of those proceedings. May the Grenadian Law be fair.
A loved one died and under such abnormal circumstances. Nothing will ever bring him back. This also hurts his family. It is not an easy matter for them. I visualize their grief.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Oscar’s mother, wife and family members. May his soul rest in peace. Amen!
May justice prevail in Grenada.
fire pon dutty babylon
aye.. weh my comment?? I was saying the reason the man was there was because HIS WIFE stop to use the station restroom…
SOME OF THE COPS ARE REALLY ABUSING THE
POWER. SOMETIMES THEY ARE OVER DOING THINGS
LIKE THEY ARE IN CONTROL MANY TIMES THEY
ARE WRONG.
Oh goodness, the family should consider filing a law suite against those police officers . So nowadays if you see someone whom you might think is related to you somehow , before you go run and hugging, think twice because that might cost you your life. Even if police officers are there to protect us they can be brutal sometimes. Aaaaahhhh, I feel sorry for the guy. Why do people have to be so wicked. I bet they tortured the man inside that station.
@ (.)
In time they will sue. They are obviously awaiting the outcome of this case.
Sometimes one might assume that this could be a reason why all these robberies are never solved. Maybe (at least some of) the robbers and the police are … i wont say it loud.
@ Anonymous
Please do not make me laugh. You have already said it – loud.
Omg!!!!! that’s awful!!!
Even though the officers saw it as assualt why did they have to beat the man until he die? Omg!!!
After reading the full story Ihave concluded that the charges should be changed to murder rather than manslaughter. This unfortunate guy was simpy beaten to death.
Manslaughter for openly killing a man? This justice system is ridiculous…. u going to give them 15 years and the man died? He not there cripple nuh he died. Sad just sad. If I was this man’s family I would bring a civil suit against the Government. That’s just crap.
The man was in front the police because HIS WIFE stopped there to use the restroom. So how these guys could not see it was an innocent mistake is beyond me. Most of the mans injuries were in his head. I don;t know how they expected him to survive that.
I’m not even surprised at the way this was handled because the police across the Caribbean act vile and aggressive. Its like you have to protect yourself from the guards. All he did was hugged the woman. All that had to do was seperate him. They didn’t need to do that to a man of the soil or anyone for that matter. It just goes to show you how envious and wicked the people of your own country can be. Police acting like thugs.
You know whats very surprising is that they were able to beat this man it seems for hours and only two officers getting charged? Nobody else heard this man screaming? Nobody else knew that these police was beating someone to death? Thats just goes to show you the amount of corruption in the police force. LIARS! They’re all Liars and thugs! The man’s wife was there why would he even attempt to disrespect the woman police. uggggh I swear Black people will never progress .
some officers even when you greet them,they look at you from head to foot with disdain.sometimes they cause the situation to explode in their face.they are there to protect but some feel they have power in their hands.anyway don’t blame each and every police officer.there are those who are human and respect their responsibilities.some have a particular way of treating nationals who live in foreign.
@ Apache
I am not referring to what occurred to Oscar. It is sad and a strange situation which occurred to him.
I am referring to your comment, the generalization of the Police. Do not blame every police. I reside in Toronto. If I am near a police or two I greet them. I always receive a positive response. There are times I receive a smile. I even stop to talk to them. I show them that not every one is the same or one and the same.
There are some people who hate the police due to their lifestyle.
The Police of today have a big problem. They are experiencing more problems than ever. For instance, Toronto and other Cities in Canada have seen numerous murders, the likes of which did not occur when I migrated to this Country. Canada was a relatively safe place where we kept our doors unlocked and opened our doors to strangers when they knocked. We cannot take this chance today.
I recall those days when we would go to parties. A friend would call and say that, Friday and/or Saturday evening there was a party. We would go. Sometimes we would go from party to party. There were times we did not even know the host/hostess yet we were welcomed. This is how we met other West Indian nationals and befriended some. Today we fear going to parties. We stick to personal friends and go out to personal dinners and host same. It is also not safe to even go to night clubs.
It saddens me that young lives are lost due to specifically over drug wars, turfs, those who compete with and owe drug lords.
There are non-profit organizations also funded by the government that assist those who wish to change their lives. When they do, they are sought out (at least a few) and murdered.
There have been drive-by day/night shootings some of which have killed innocent people and children even while they are standing at a bus stop, waiting for a bus; also in their yard hosting a BBQ. The situation is grim.
A U.S. Pastor once came to Toronto to conduct a conference and of prayer. Many West Indians and those of W.I. parentage who are born in Toronto have conducted prayerful processions. Yet, the killing continues.
On December 31st, a young man in his 20’s was murdered. The day before another was murdered in another area of Ontario.
On New Year’s Day another of similar age was murdered. He was attending a party. He got into a quarrel and was asked to leave. While outside, someone pumped some bullets into him. I thought the person was asked to leave and he left. Why murder him and over a quarrel? For what reason? My heart cries for those young people.
To date, Toronto may have lost approximately 50 or more young lives; all blacks. The Police Department could give a more accurate number.
I ask myself what more can be done for them to live godly, normal lives? To a certain extent the situation is out of control.
I do agree and I am fully aware right here in Toronto that there are good and bad police. Nevertheless, the police are doing their best. There is additional police patrol be they in police vehicles at a higher cost to taxpayers. The evil ones will continue their evil actions. The only consolation we have is that one day they will all pay for their actions.
We must also pray for them as we do our utmost to worship God – going to Church – and obeying His Commandments. Many people talk but do not do so. This is the reason why the world in general has become worst. This includes major disasters. We are making God angry with godless attitudes. Hope you comprehend this. All the same, I wish all Dominicans and of course yourself a Happy New Year, a safe one and throughout the year. God bless you!
The police may be wrong but sometimes these returning locals think that they have a special right to treat the resident locals with disrespect.
And what planet have you just arrived from?
How ignorant!
The planet where no human beings live. Only aliens or animals where one is not expected to love oneanother or even speak to others.
Really you should find out why they beat this man to death before you make such comments
Does it matter what he did,they didn’t put this man on earth so there shouldnt be no such reason to take this man’s life….
@ Jalay
Of course, without a doubt he was beaten to death. There is no doubt about it. It hurts my heart every time I read and hear about it.
Stuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuupes. Haven’t you mistaken someone for someonelse. Right in front the police station, he hugged the woman. do you think the man would have the audacity to run over and hug and lift up the woman right infront the station. I mean to say we have to restrain ourselves sometimes. I am sure he appologised when he realised his mistake. Why should “junior officers” beat the man. It would seem that she was proobably the girlfriend of one of them and his “marconiss” just entered in him and he started beating the man like mad aided and abetted by his fellow “young inexperienced “marco too” junior police officers” Men need to understand that even if you have a girlfriend, they are entitled to have friends some of which they grown up and gone to school with. I as a woman refuse if and when with my boy friend or by further extension – a husband not to be able to say hi and hello to my old friends or school mates or family friends. By that same token, I would also respect the fact that my boyfriend and or husband has friends or acquaintances he needs to say hi to as well. I had this opinion as a young person and still have this even as a grown adult. Worse and too bad now, I know that Jesus would not choose anyone as being more than the other. He preached love and forgiveness and also we need to be able to speak to anyone – jew or Gentile without fear or shame. I would never deserve a man who would be so jealous that I cannot say hi to someone I knew before. Where is Trust. I am not anyone item – I am a human beings who live on the earth where there are other human beings to interelate. Also no man as well deserve this kind of treatment as well from his wife or girlfriend.
If we were not suppose to speak to other persons, then probably we should be animals – donkeys/cows/goats/sheeps> Then we would not speak or smile to other persons.
@ ??
You have made a great, sensible point. Let us commence and/or continue doing that. We are human beings not human beans.
We are all to treat others humanely as we expect them to treat us. May this be so from now on.
Let us stand up for the truth, speak the truth and defend the truth whether religious or not.
God bless you. Have A Happy New Year – 2012 – and more to come.
You’re such an idiot! Look at your two subjects Returning LOCALS and resident LOCALS. You only show your disdain for people who live abroad. A man was murdered by the police and you there being envious. The problem is all you “resident locals” think people have it so nice in another country. Instead of trying to better yourself on the island you sitting there and hating on other working hard to try to make a living for their families.
People that move abroad have it hard! We have to deal with all this crap, take care of our family and plus deal with nasty attitudes from the likes of vile people as you and those person we live amongst in the new country. Stop being evil, open your eyes, get some self respect and go out there and work hard for what you need.
pple like you need to shut the hell up.they have right beating the guy to death
GO OUT SO YOU CAN RETURN TO SOMEWHERE, WHAT YOU DON,T UNDERSTAND IS THAT WHEN WE GO OUT AND RETURN THE CRAPPY SO CALLED COPS YOU SEE IS SICKEN BOTH YOU N THE COPS NEED TO GO OUT AND COME IN AGAIN.
MURDER IS STILL FRICKING MURDER
@ Fairplay
No fairplay at all!
You are oh so wrong, stupid, ignorant, lack common sense and love. This is who you are. You heard about what occurred. I have concluded that the Grenadian policemen exceeded their authority and acted in total ignorance of their position. I know some Grenadians in Toronto and I am certain that they are saddened at what occurred to this man and also embarrassed. Those who are my friends happen to be Catholic Christians as I. They will never uphold those police officers actions. What those police officers did was out-of-place, inconsiderate, unfair and inhumane. They deserve to be arrested, charged and imprisoned. The entire world has heard of it and they are hearing, taking note and are awaiting the outcome. This is also due to Oscar being a naturalized Canadian citizen. I am also one.
All those who are citizens of other countries, whether born or naturalized have the protection (to a certain extent) of the government of that country, wherever they travel to. This is why there is so much publicity about Oscar and a well-deserved one.
There is a lot of TV, Radio and Newspaper coverage in Toronto about this case. We are appalled at what happened to this man. Our heart goes out to him and his family. We support them in every way, be it prayerfully and verbally.
THESE SO CALLED POLICE OFFICERS WERE VAGABONDS EVEN BEFORE THEY BECAME POLICE OFFICERS ,BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH IT WAS NOT BY MISTAKE HE DID WHAT HE DID ,THERE IS NO NEED OF ANY FORM OF VIOLENCE TOWARDS THIS POOR MAN.
THANKS GOD THEY DID SUCH A NASTY THING TO PUT AN END TO THEIR CAREER WHILE IT IS EARLY,,,LET THEM SEE AND FEEL WHAT THE PRISON LIFE IS ALSO ,BUT DO NOT PUT THEM IN THE SAME CELL THEY WILL FEEL STRONG AT LEAST PUT THEM WITH VIOLENT CRIMINAL IN ORDER FOR THEM TO TASTE A BIT OF THE SAME VIOLENCE THAT THEY PLACE THIS MAN INTO CAUSING HIS DEATH….HE WAS SOMEONE SON, FATHER ,BROTHER, COUSIN, UNCLE ….MY HIS SOUL RIP.
Yes I do agree with some of the sentiments you (C.B) have just expressed. How could someone do this to another person who probably made a mistake How sad — the fact he ran and hugged my God means he identified her as an old friend or acquaintance. To do this as young police officers who should protect persons from such violence is rather not in keeping with what is expected of them. I am sure after he realised the mistake, he appologised. The young police officer – woman– I wonder did she appeal to her fellow officers to stop or maybe she was so full of herself that she felt that they should do such a despicable act and felt good that she had other colleagues to fend for her when she thought she was taken advantage of ( in her opinion).
My sincerest condolescences to the family of Mr Barthomolew. God will see you through. Family forgive for they know what they have done (the words of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross). It is hard I know but vengeance is mine saith the Lord. Lean on the Everlasting arms. Your son, Father, cousin, Uncle, husband, Brother and the list can go one is gone but not forgotten. Let his memories live on in your lives.
@ C.B.
I tend to believe that they are vagabonds. They possess evil hearts to do something like that to a fellow person, their very own. The devil possesses their hearts.
This is horrible! What gives so many police the idea they can be thugs? Not just in Genada, seems like a habit all around. I think they need to evaluate the character of police and military persons before graduating them to the force. They don’t know who they messed with, I hope Canada gets involved, all too often black on black crimes get swept under the rug! I hope this is not the case?
Oh yes Canada is involved that’s why Grenada doing something about it, they need to learn they are here to serve and protect not to abuse their power
FYI He is a born Grenadian
@ Country
Not in Canada! I reside here and no matter if there are bad police, it surely will not be placed under the rug. Nationals will pursue this case with all their might. They will not let it lie and placed under the rug.
I always say, ensure that we are on the right side and did the right thing. Oscar was merely being friendly. Any West Indian would comprehend this and why he hugged the police woman. How many times we have mistaken people for friends? He was an overly friendly person. He must not be blamed for that. He did not deserve this. May God bless his soul and may he rest in peace.
Oscar is a naturalized Canadian. Sadly, he died in such a manner but fortunate that he was a citizen of this country in which I reside in. There has been a lot of Canadian publicity in this sad matter. It is for this reason why the Grenadian P.M. also got involved and the police involved were arrested and are now imprisoned.
I do believe that Canada will demand a full autopsy and investigation. There will be a lot of pressure on the Grenadian PM and Chief of Police.
We must be fair and just. The world has heard what those Grenadian police did. It has given them a bad reputation. Some nationals stated that some members of the Grenadian police have been brutal to their people. I hope that they have now learned a lesson and will change their evil acts. As sad as this situation is, nothing happens without reason and without God putting a hand. Grenadians nationals will benefit from it.
God bless you! A Happy New Year – 2012 – to you!
HANG THESE THUG POLICE
@ WIKILWAKS
I hope so but I doubt that they will be hanged. Does Grenada have capital punishment? While there are reputable lawyers and I hope so there will be some of ill-repute who may represent them. I cannot see them escaping this one, an atrocity committed towards a fellowman and a Canadian national (naturalized citizen) at that which is vivid to the world.