In his New Year’s Address, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, announced that he would address the nation sometime in early February on the outcome of the investigation of the so-called extra judicial killings by certain officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
The Office of the Prime Minister wishes to advise that a new date has been set for the delivery of this address.
According to the Prime Minister, “I am aware that some of our citizens as well as members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force are anxiously awaiting the address. I regret that I have not been able to deliver the address as planned. There are still outstanding issues to resolve prior to my address to our citizens. The address will now be delivered on Sunday, March 08, 2015.”
Members of the Force were accused of the extra-judicial killings between 2009 and 2011, during Operation Restore Confidence. The United States had used the incident to cut back on aid to St. Lucia.
In August 2013, the United States officially informed the St. Lucia government that Washington had suspended assistance to the RSLPF, citing human rights violations.
A ban was also placed on all St. Lucian police officers, including its chief Vernon François, who was, about a year ago, prevented from travelling to the United States to represent regional police commanders at a Conference of Black Police Officers in the United States.
A team of police officials from Jamaica was appointed to investigate the alleged police killings.