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- RSLPF should not investigate itself
- Security missteps point to a breach of national security
- Government of St Lucia (GOSL) agencies/institutions should be called to account
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By Caribbean News Global contributor
CASTRIES, St Lucia – Responded to an off-duty officer from the Royal St Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), seen on stage with an open-carry firearm, in what is presumable close protection and/or creative optics for Jamaican dancehall artiste Skillibeng last Saturday in Saint Lucia, has raised multiple questions of national security and who is responsible.
Terms of ‘pretence’ – ‘false claims’ – ‘embedded’ – ‘contractual terms of reference’ – ‘potential conflict of interest’ and ‘breach of national security’ are being peddled to account for seemingly multiple violations. The results of which have international repercussions for an already besieged police force.
During the RSLPF press conference Wednesday, previously unknown detrimental revelations were announced:
“That particular officer was not part of the approved list signed by the commissioner of police,” said George Nicholas, assistant commissioner of police. “The commissioner has advised that an investigation be launched into this matter and all the circumstances surrounding the officer being on stage with the firearm will be looked at.”
With today’s revelation, an independent / perhaps external investigation is now needed. The RSLPF should not be permitted to investigate itself if global standards are applicable and of use.
Furthermore, the article – Organizers say ‘inappropriate optics’ were quickly addressed at Onyx staging, reads in part:
“We take all public concerns seriously and wish to highlight that all safety precautions to protect performers and patrons were in full effect.
All our security personnel were members of the Royal St Lucia Police Force. Their officers are licensed and authorized to provide armed services.
While we made no demands for specialized security services, we trusted that our contractors would exercise the best judgment based on their assessment of the concert’s requirements and their professional experience.
“It must however be noted that the armed officer’s appearance on stage was only for a brief moment and that he did not trail the artiste throughout his performance, as organizers and security officials quickly moved to rectify the situation.”
The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) via its respective institution, agency and reporting ministry, should be called to account for this fiasco in the interest of transparency. There is also the matter of policy application and remedial measures.
This would perhaps avert, “in one week, two government ministers in (St Lucia) made regrettable and unforgettable faux pas. One minister claimed that he was unaware of a show which was extensively advertised. And the other, declaring that the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium will only be used exclusively for sports and no other activity.
“In case of the former, assuming that he might be telling the truth, however as minister for tourism, investment, creative industries, culture and information, Dr Ernest Hilaire, one would have great difficulty believing him,” Arthur Neptune .
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In this current crisis, multiple matters are unfolding and regrettable, its messy, considering how “an officer [that] was not part of the approved list signed by the commissioner of police” seemingly penetrated the exterior and interior perimeter of the grounds and appeared on stage in close proximity to the said artist, that members of the RSLPF were providing security services.
Question: Is the RSLPF a hired commodity providing private and specialized security services? What are the terms of reference and at what cost?
It is even more intriguing, how the office obtained an open-carry firearm; the origin of the firearm and the legal or prohibited owner.
Has anyone been detained for questioning? The mystery continues!
