Businessman robbed at gunpoint in Soufriere, St Lucia

A Soufriere businessman was robbed at gunpoint on Thursday.

The incident occurred outside the businessman’s home at around 2pm.

Aloysius Hippolyte was about to exit his vehicle when a masked gunman came running up to him and demanded cash.

It is reported that the bandit fired at least one warning shot.

The victim is said to have reached for his wallet and threw it a short distance away from the armed man.

The businessman escaped as the bandit went to retrieve the wallet.

Soufriere residents describe the victim as one who is well known in the community as an individual who assists others in need and sponsors sports and other events.

Hippolyte told St Lucia Times that the robbery Thursday morning was an "unfortunate event".

"I am a law-abiding citizen who has employees and a family. I see no need for this to happen – I mean, I help the community as much as I can," he explained.

"If somebody wants something all they have to do is come and ask me and I will assist – it is in my nature.

“In the future, people have to know that it is not worth it. Putting businesses at risk will keep the community stagnant and before you know it, shops are going to be closed down and the economy is going to get worse.”