[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has sought to clarify some of the confusion associated with Thursday’s protest march, organised by Raise Your Voice. At a press conference yesterday morning, Police Commissioner Severin Moncherry addressed complaints by some of the marchers that they were denied permission to carry placards.
He said: “There was a request from Raise Your Voice for a permit for a march on March 5 in commemoration of International Women’s Day. Based on my investigations I uncovered certain information pertaining to other persons involved in the march. I summoned Ms Catherine Sealy, who had made the application on behalf of Raise Your Voice, and it was she who indicated to me that there would be no placards carried during the march, that only a banner would be featured.
“She actually gave me a copy of what would be on the banner. She further indicated that she expected no more than 25 marchers, based on past experience. I did indicate to her what I had learned. She categorically denied that. The police never denied permission to use placards.”
In any case, Thursday’s marchers carried several placards, most of them featuring anti-Chastanet declarations—in full view of the police!
The commissioner revealed that just one permit was issued and that the police had been informed that there would be only five speakers, all women. The commissioner added that, based on information received, he actually considered not issuing the permit. But, following discussions with his minister, he decided to grant it, on the basis that to do otherwise might have given the impression that the government did not want the march to go on.
Yesterday’s press conference was convened by the Minister of Justice, Mr. Hermangild Francis, who was first to address the media. He acknowledged the police commissioner’s presence, but assured reporters that it was customary for them to meet every Friday morning.
The minister’s main concern on the occasion sounded personal. He played a recording of the voice of a talk-show that suggested the minister and his Cabinet colleagues had directed the police commissioner to promote certain police personnel, one of them being the wife of the minister. Mr. Francis adamantly denied the allegation, pointing out that police promotions were handled by the police commissioner and the Public Service Commission, depending on ranks involved—without government involvement. The minister’s statement was vigorously supported by Commissioner Moncherry. He said historically his officers were promoted without any input from government and that continued to be the case.
Returning to the broadcast allegations, Mr. Francis told the press he was left no other choice but to take legal action. “All I have is my name,” he said. “My reputation is everything to me.”
