By Caribbean News Global contributor
CASTRIES, St Lucia – In an abrupt turn of events by the command of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) to which Joachim Henry, the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) Castries South East Candidate, and his wife were previously summoned to report to the RSLPF major crimes department at 10:00 am Wednesday on “account of and/or to be charged for disturbing a church service on April 24,” pertains to the Henry’s and the minister for economic development, Guy Joseph.
Henry is vying for the second time to unseat minister Joseph in the Castries South East constituency. They are both members of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Saint Lucia.
However, notwithstanding infractions to the Constitution of Saint Lucia by the government of Saint Lucia, which goes by unabated in comparison to the said incident, forms part of the lunacy of the police state in an election year, that amounts to the deprivation of equality and justice in the country.
‘The Henry’s are not required to make an appearance’
At a press briefing, Wednesday morning, attorneys Lorne Theophilus and Leslie Mondesir told members of the media that police had not formally charged the couple.
“At 09.30 am, attorney Theophilus received a call asking them to attend at the major crimes department in advance of the scheduled 10.00 am meeting with the Henry’s. We attended and we had discussions with the police, the Henry’s were not required to make an appearance at the major crimes unit. We were informed that this matter would be handled differently,” Mondesir explained.
The SLP will not be derailed
Leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party, Philip J Pierre, in a statement said, “today is a sad day in our country. Today is indeed a very sad day in Saint Lucia,” he reiterated to explained “at the time of the incident at the Forestiere SDA Church Joachim and his wife and family were mourning the death of their son, Dr Joshimar Henry who had suddenly passed away. “
In a statement, political leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party and leader of the opposition, Pierre said:
“Today, I will not spend time addressing the unkind and disrespectful nature in which the United Workers Party (UWP) handled the matter. However, I will inform you that Joachim and his wife Claudia issued two apologies via the president of the SDA mission which was accepted by the pastors, elders, and congregation of the Forestiere Seventh Day Adventist Church and the Seventh Day Adventist Church throughout Saint Lucia.
It is unfortunate that today, more than six weeks since this incident and on the eve of a general election that Joachim and Claudia would be still dealing with that matter.
Like many of you, I have acknowledged that this is a politically motivated effort, an attempt to derail Joachim’s campaign in Castries South East and sabotage the reputation of a man who is known to many as a peaceful, loving, family-oriented and upstanding citizen of Saint Lucia. Joachim Henry and his family are God-fearing people with whom I have the utmost respect and admiration for.
That is why we must not be consumed by the United Workers Party and their ploy to deceive and detract the people of Saint Lucia from the real issues, the promises that remain unfulfilled. The United Workers Party is desperate and will try anything to win this election.
However, as the political leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party and leader of the opposition, it is my responsibility, my duty to ask you to remain peaceful. I repeat I ask you to remain peaceful.
We all stand in support of Joachim and his family during this extended time of grief, trial, and tribulation, and to do so we must continue to protest without any form of unrest. On the day of the election, our form of protest will be at the ballot where we shall vote against the corrupt and nefarious United Workers Party.
To the people of Castries South East, I particularly say to you, The Saint Lucia Labour Party remains committed to the campaign of Joachim Henry and we ask you for your continued support for the Henry Family at this time.
“My fellow Saint Lucians, the word of God reminds us not to be troubled during these times of trials and tribulations. I say to you Saint Lucia, this too shall pass. This too shall pass,” Pierre emphasized.
