Pointing to events in Trinidad and the USA, Senator Francis asks: “Is that what we want for Saint Lucia?”

Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security, Senator Hermangild Francis has warned that should “reckless and lawless” behavior continue in the country, all citizens will pay for it. During his contribution at today’s Senate sitting, Francis said that lately he has noticed a very “strange and dangerous” change in Saint Lucians.

“Persons in our community are openly breaking the law; having public gatherings [and] motorcades in a time of a state of emergency. Persons are clearly flouting the law and testing the resolve of the police,” said Francis. “I must say that the police officers, so far, have operated very well and above board, and I congratulate them for that. But if it continues, there will come a time when the police will have to stand firm and I really do not want us to degenerate into a situation like this.”

The minister said that he understands politics and knows that the general election is due next year. He noted that both the incumbent United Workers Party and opposition Saint Lucia Labour Party cannot hold public meetings. He says it is unfortunate that individuals who should know better are “flouting the law just because of politics and it really reeks of desperation.”

Francis warned: “If we continue this reckless and lawless behavior, we are going to pay for it. We are seeing what’s happening in the United States of America, we are seeing what’s happening in our back yard in Trinidad and Tobago. Is that what we want for Saint Lucia? For the sake of politics?”

He continued: “Wait your time, take your time. The people will have a choice, they will decide at the end of the five years that we were voted in for, whether they are satisfied with the work that we have done and whether they want us to continue.” The minister urged Saint Lucians to “be very careful what we ask for… some of us will not be able to stay in that fire.”

(On June 15 the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force issued a statement regarding the “Anti-Chastanet” round the island motorcade which was held the day prior. Talk show host Christopher Hunte was detained during the event and was subsequently charged by police “for the offence of inviting persons to take part in a public march which contravenes Section 14 (c)of the Public Order Act.” Released on $500 bail, he is scheduled to make a court appearance on July 23).