Just when most of us were convinced that Vernon Francois had decided to bite the bullet and suffer whatever the resultant consequences, not least of which that he had been paid off to lose his memory and his voice while going about like a superfluous nobody, the once beloved former police commissioner has popped up as if out of nowhere—like a magician’s rabbit. It turns out that far from idling his time in seclusion he was hard at work doing, well, who better to tell his own story. Following are the opening pages of Francois’ Restored Confidence, a book title obviously chosen with only the best intentions.
—–Rick Wayne
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Restored Confidence
During my service in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force I had this idea to write my complete autobiography upon my normal course of retirement. As fate would have it, I did not survive my natural course in the public service. I cannot claim to have been surprised as, based on the experiences of my predecessor and some of my colleagues from the Caribbean region, I always felt the job of Commissioner of Police was transient. Notwithstanding the transient nature of being Commissioner in a small island state like Saint Lucia, my departure was sudden and indeed controversial.
Following former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony’s inflammatory address to the nation concerning the Jamaican investigation into police operations in 2011, I had some decisions to make. My instinct was to stick around and fight to protect my character and integrity. I formed the view that some of the then prime minister’s pronouncements were defamatory and I should exercise an option to ventilate the matter in the courts. I had no doubt the truth was on my side. Through my career, I operated above board and was comfortable I acted in a professional manner. I knew that I spent my life fighting oppressive and nefarious behaviour with respect for human rights and human dignity at the forefront of my every interaction. I could have also taken to the media in defence of my character. I did not envisage any difficulty defending my actions before, during and after Operation Restore Confidence.
I decided on none of the above courses of action. I did not take anyone to court; I did not jump up in defence of my character; I did not grant any interview to the media. I peacefully resorted to life as a private citizen and, whereas I wished my former colleagues all the best, I had no desire to get involved. The best way I could relate my story was not in the form of an autobiography, as I had envisaged, but to encapsulate my journey in the police force in a book aptly entitled Restored Confidence.
Whereas Restored Confidence may very well be of interest consequent to the events surrounding Operation Restore Confidence, I am extremely proud of my entire journey in the police department which, for all intents and purposes, commenced with my initial training in Barbados. My involvement in policing activities, such as playing cricket for the police force plus my service to the Police Credit Union, Police Welfare Association and the Police Sports Club, were all significant to the journey. I also engaged in discourse on the dangers of policing and the unfortunate deaths on duty of three of my colleagues. An excellent opportunity was provided to commend my former colleague police officers for their tremendous efforts at restoring confidence in policing in Saint Lucia during my tenure as Commissioner of Police.
Another motivation for writing Restored Confidence was to challenge the irresponsible and altogether bogus address which was delivered by then Prime Minister Kenny Anthony on March 8, 2015. My response to various aspects of the address is intended to lay out the truth of the events of 2011. I have also utilized the occasion to advance the political reasons behind the United States government’s imposition of Leahy Sanctions on Saint Lucia and the fact that the police department was sacrificed in the process.
At various stages in Restored Confidence I have made negative comments about some people whom I encountered during the course of the journey. I make no apologies for the interactions which I relate about those people. The statements I have made were more a function of particular episodes involving them, as opposed to blanket generalizations. In many cases I entertained a generally cordial relationship with those persons and I bear no ill feelings towards them. I have also steered clear of partisan politics during my discourse on various political issues.
Restored Confidence is also a tribute to many of my former police colleagues who played a significant part in my journey and who continue to believe in me and what we were trying to achieve. It was an interesting and largely successful mission. I wish them all the best as they continue on their own journey. It is not going to be an easy road but satisfaction can be derived through professionalism and respect for the rights of others. Their journey must, of necessity, be based on justice for all; not justice based on subjective criteria but an objective sense of right and wrong.
— Vernon Francois
For information about availability and price of Restored Confidence, please see ad (top left) or contact the author through his Facebook page: Vernon Francois.
