Major embarrassment!
CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) — Outspoken Human Rights Activist Mary Francis says the interest of the European Union in the IMPACS (Implementation Agency for Crime and Security) investigation into alleged extra-judicial killings by some members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is a major embarrassment for the island.
Francis asserted that the previous United Workers Party (UWP) Government and the current administration could have done something about the alleged killings, but chose to do nothing.
“There was information which they had and there was no reason why international bodies should become involved in this situation.”
Francis, an attorney at law, spoke shortly after an announcement that the head of the EU delegation in Barbados, the British High Commissioner in Barbados and the Ambassador of France in St Lucia would be making an “important” call on Prime Minister Kenny Anthony.
One of the main agenda items for the January 14 meeting will be a discussion of areas related to security and justice in St Lucia, in particular the Government’s follow-up to the publication of the IMPACS report.
The diplomats are scheduled to hold a news conference afterwards.
Francis said it may take that meeting with the diplomatic representatives to “push things”.
“Outside forces, the EU and the Americans and the French, if they want to collaborate and see how the Government could be moved to actually do what is right, maybe we can get this thing over and done with,” she asserted.
Francis recalled that the authorities had a fine opportunity to do what was necessary, but failed.
According to the human rights activist, for years the police have been involved in wrongdoing, without facing any sanctions.
“Every inquest into a fatal police shooting concluded that it was lawful killing and the police were allowed to have a free hand in law enforcement,” she said.
She said had police officers been called to account years ago, St Lucia would not have found itself in the current situation.
Francis has served as the legal voice for the families of the 12 men shot by police during an upsurge in crime here between 2010-2011, which results in an investigation by a team of Jamaican police officers, hired by the Caribbean Community organised IMPACS group.