Staff Writer
SKNVibes.com
(Basseterre, St. Kitts) Wycliff Liburd of Market Street, who has in the past, been convicted and sentenced for rape and burglary, but had his charges acquitted after appealing the matter was up to his old habits once again.
This time he was charged with raping an 18-year-old of Frigate Bay.
Police officials said that if convicted Wycliffe Liburd can spend up to 20 years in prison for the crime of rape
The incident occurred two weeks ago on Monday July 10, at about 7: 30 p.m. when the young girl was on her way to her aunt's house upon leaving a dance workshop at the youth and community center on Victoria Road.
She then walked onto Seaton Street and stopped off by the Wesley Methodist Church looking in from the outside at a concert that was in progress.
She then walked down the steps that led onto College Street from Seaton Street, and continued on her journey to her aunt's home.
There on College Street she met with her 23-year-old perpetrator, Liburd who engaged her in a conversation and tried to hold her hand.
After she resisted Liburd then over-powered her and lifted her up and took her to the back of an old house on College Street.
There he committed the crime of rape upon her. He had been on the run since until July 20, when Police apprehended him. He was apprehended in the vicinity of the St. Johnson's Village.
Though there is a possibility that Liburd can be granted bail following the incident the Police highly condemn such a behavior.
They describe Liburd as a notorious character and said that he is under other investigations that includes rape cases, murder and gun related cases.
"We highly condemn such behavior and we want to implore citizen to guard themselves from this serious attack," the police official said. 'We also want our women to go about on the streets free and fearless. And the women should also dress moderately and respectfully to prevent themselves from being targets of these rapist, for it goes both ways."
It is stated that when one has been rape, one must get to a safe place away from their attacker. Then immediately go to a hospital emergency room baring in mind that one should not bathe or change clothing before going to the hospital.
~~Adz:Right~~It is wise that one gets there as fast as possible and calls the police from there. Rape is also a huge effect on ones life. It could change the way the one feels for along time. Such feelings are feeling frightened, ashamed or angry.
Having nightmares sleepless nights, not wanting to eat and becoming moody are some of the effects the abominable act may have on some rape victims.
Feelings of wanting to cry suddenly, getting angry with people, feeling guilty and that you are not worthwhile also not wanting people to touch you even if it's someone you love are behaviors that transpire.
The permanent secretary within Gender Affairs, Linda Adams gave advice for others to protect themselves.
"For me personally, I think people can prevent themselves from being rape by not walking alone during late hours," she said. "And if walking late you should have someone else with you, also one must walk in well lit areas."
She continued: "In addition one must make sure doors are securely fastened when home or an alarm system maybe put in place."
