On Thursday, July 6, photos of a police pickup laden with crates of beer were shared on popular Facebook group, St. Lucians Aiming For Progress (SLAPS).
The post was shared by a number of individuals who vented their disgust with the lawmen, saying government vehicles should not be used for personal activities.
One person stated: “This is what a friend sent me today. Police pick-up being used for personal use. Since when the police van is used to transport cases of beers to Morne Du Don? This is how public servants misuse the state’s assets.”
However, the police have since cleared the air, stating that the beers were being transported for a police BBQ and dance in Choiseul.
The officers are upset that members of the public criticised the police without getting the facts.
“Typical Lucian mentality,” was how one of the officers described the unfounded criticisms.
“I was on board this vehicle. At the time we were on our way to an officer’s home to collect some documents we needed. The stuff on the back of the vehicle is for a BBQ and dance we’re having in Choiseul tomorrow (Friday.”
The event, called “After Work Lime 2015″, is being organised by Police Week Committee, and will be held outside the Choiseul/Saltibus Constituency Office in Choiseul, starting at 4:30 p.m.
One of the officers told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) that people should ask questions before jumping to conclusions.
“Just that as police officers we deserve to have time to free up. Ours is a stressful job, and we deserve to have some down time. The incident yesterday shows how very lowly the police are regarded by the people of our nation.”
Despite the corrections, the photos are still being circulated with the false accusation.
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