Fate of police officer charged for murder up in the air as Severin Moncherry back at the helm of the RSLPF

Following about eight months on vacation leave, Severin Moncherry resumes his duties as Saint Lucia’s Commissioner of Police today, September 8. In his absence, Milton Desir served as acting commissioner, and the two are scheduled to participate in a handing over exercise later today. A veteran police officer, Desir now proceeds on pre-retirement leave.

One of the major tasks awaiting Moncherry is determining the way forward for police officer Mitchell Vitalis, who was charged for murder in August, following investigations into the 2018 shooting death of Ronnie Samuel in Gros Islet. Vitalis has since been granted bail in the sum of $120,000 or suitable surety.

President of the Police Welfare Association (PWA), Travis Chicot, says that the officer appears to be in good spirits and the association is not in favor of suspension. “The PWA does not support suspension, rather what we support is to proceed with administrative duties,” he told the STAR today. He pointed out that the officer can be given an administrative position which would be less demanding, and confrontation with the public would be kept at a minimal. “…keep the person on duty to allow him to do less policing duties. For example we have the Control Room and we have so many other places that he can work, rather than sending him on suspension.”

“He seems to be in good spirits,” Chicot went on, “he’s been working with the counselor, the psychologist, and we expect to get a report from her and we will take it from there as to the best ways in dealing with his situation.”

Commenting on the murder charge during a press briefing on August 19, Desir stated that it was a “very sad day for the RSLPF.” He acknowledged that some officers may be affected by the situation but encouraged them to continue performing their duties diligently.

Speaking on police morale, the PWA president added: “Whilst the morale continues to dwindle, we’ve seen police officers continue to uphold the oath of office. We understand sometimes the challenges will come, but as a Force, as a disciplinary organisation, we believe in serving the public notwithstanding our various challenges.”