PM Anthony and police officers during the recent Independence Day Parade * Photos by Marius Modeste
As the report into alleged extra-judicial killings rocks the St. Lucia police force, the prime minister has reminded the public that police officers are human beings and that most members of the force are “decent, dedicated and committed police officers”.
Dr. Anthony said the “wounds arising out of this investigation will be deep”.
He continued: “For nearly five years our police officers have been the subject of intense scrutiny, locally, regionally and internationally. Our police officers are human beings and they will feel deeply hurt and distressed by the findings of this investigation. They would wish for this to come to an end at the earliest. So, too, will the relatives of the victims want closure and if the results warrant this, justice for their loved ones.
“The investigators have advised and we concur that, ‘There is a strong need for victims to speak about their experiences. A credible national process in the form of transformative justice is required. Justice for victims, accountability and punishment of the perpetrators are essential elements of such a process’.”
“In all of this, we must remember that the vast majority of the men and women in our Police Force are decent, dedicated and committed police officers. Now more than ever, we need to rally around them as we all manage the outcome of this investigation.”
The prime minister’s addresses was delivered on Sunday, March 8 via radio and television stations.