Police Public Relations Officer Zachary Hippolyte. Credit: Voice St. Lucia Newspaper.
The Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has responded to comments made by Political Leader of the Lucian Peoples Movement (LPM), Therold Prudent, regarding the party’s planned protest march.
The force has debunked claims made by Prudent, which suggests that the RSLPF, and by extension the acting Police Commissioner Errol Alexander, is attempting to thwart plans by the party for its planned protest march.
Public Relations Officer of the RSLPF Zachary Hippolyte told St. Lucia News Online (SNO) today (September 15) that there were several errors in the LPM’s request.
Despite this, the force decided to acknowledge the letter and responded shortly after, by requesting greater details so that the application can be processed.
Hippolyte said contrary to what Prudent said, the letter did not bear the LPM’s symbol nor did it bear the signature of the party chairman, explaining that anyone could have written the letter.
The police PRO also claims that the application was reviewed by the Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Severin Moncherry and not Alexander, as suggested by Prudent.
The acting police chief is said to have been off island, when the letter was received by the force.
To make matters worse, Hippolyte said the LPM said they are organising a public protest, something which the Public Order Act of Saint Lucia 2008 does not make provisions for.
“Section 10/1 provides for public marches and mandates that permission be sought from the Commissioner of Police,” he asserted.
He went on to state that the law also requires that several conditions be met, including a statement of the purpose of the activity, the route, the hours within which the march will be held and estimate.
Hippolyte stated that the police never questioned the legitimacy of the LPM as suggested by Prudent.
The force has since invited the LPM to re-submit its letter.
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