Popular tour operator charged with assault, intent to commit wounding

Popular tour operator Munroe “Daddy” Peters of Daddy’s Tours is back in the news again, but this time, not for something as glamorous as being awarded the Ministry of Tourism’s Stake­holder of the Year for 2016.

Yesterday February 9, Peters appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before senior magis­trate Bertie Pompey, charged that on February 8 at Harmony Hall, he assaulted Lynda Balcombe with intent to commit wounding.

Peters is represented in the matter by lawyer Grant Connell and prosecutor Corporal Delroy Tittle did not object to Peters being released on his own recognizance.

He was given bail in the sum of EC$2,000, and his next court appearance is set for Monday, March 13 at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court.

While in court, Connell, who described Peters as a nation builder, told magistrate Pompey that he was extremely disappointed with the actions of the police at the Calliaqua Police Station in relation to Peters.

“They refused Peters station bail… Peters is an asthmatic and suffers from high blood pressure and I think that it was a vindictive act by the police. I am convinced that some police officers have become heartless creatures,” said Connell.

However, the lawyer thanked the officer who left the station and went to Peters’ home for his medication.

“He could have become a risk for the police last night. Where has proper policing gone? I mean this man is a nation builder,” said Connell.

Connell said that the fact that Peters was now released on his own recognizance by the court supports what he is saying.

On Saturday, November 26, 2015, Peters and a number of other stakeholders were recognized for their contribution to the local tourism industry during the Ministry of Tourism’s and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority’s (SVGTA) 2016 Awards Ceremony at the French Veranda restaurant at Villa.

Peters was recognized for his outstanding contribution to society and the fact that he offers free bus tours to senior citizens and primary schools, while he also provides free funeral transportation for disadvantaged families.