Acting Commissioner of Police Errol Alexander
Allegations that high-ranking police officers have plotted to overthrow Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony and his St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) administration have been brought to the attention of Acting Commissioner of Police Errol Alexander, who said the matter is now being discussed at the executive level.
Alexander told the media during a press conference held at the Police Headquarters on Thursday that he has spoken briefly with Dr. Anthony about the allegations, but said he is not aware that the matter is being investigated, explaining that a formal complaint would have to first be made, before action is taken in the matter.
While the acting top cop has deemed the allegation “serious”, he could not state whether in fact a formal complaint has been made or not. Alexander declined to answer the question when asked by reporters, stating that he would not be able to say either “yes or no” and he rather not comment on that aspect of the matter.
Asked whether the police force will launch an investigation, the police chief said: “Well it’s kind of difficult for the RSLPF because we have to be careful how we tread in these circumstances. Allegations are leveled at members of the RSLPF that you don’t know at what level it stops. It may stop at my level.”
He continued: “You have to understand that for the investigation to start, we need a complainant. From my standpoint I would prefer an external body investigating that against the police.”
President of the Senate Claudius Francis has alleged that several high-ranking police officials are conspiring with the United Workers Party (UWP) to overthrow Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony.
Francis who made this statement during one of his talk-shows also claim to have evidence to prove that his assumptions are true and said that the matter is of grave concern.
A few days after Francis made this statement, Dr. Anthony confirmed it, stating that a “small group” of police officers planned to use the Lambird’s and AIMU investigations, to try to embarrass him personally and three other ministers in his Cabinet.
He disclosed that a senior officer at the centre of the allegations is reported to have openly boasted of his intentions to his colleagues and civilians alike, to bring down him and the Labour government. Nevertheless, Dr. Anthony had told the media that he is not afraid of anyone.
Meanwhile, leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) Allen Chastanet has called on Francis to retract statements he made about an alleged plot between the police and the UWP.
Chastanet said he finds those claims absurd, stating that Francis has brought the office of President of the Senate into disrepute, and it is now necessary that the prime minister address the issue.
Observers have said that if this happens to be true, then Dr. Anthony, Francis and others who claim to have evidence of this alleged coup, should provide it to the police, so that an investigation can commence.
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