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Oct 28, 2010 at 01:10 AM
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Talk show host Claudius Francis may be fearful for his life but the government wants explanations. Through a government statement - Francis has been asked to produce information or evidence he has in relation to allegations he made in a BBC news programme. The government says Francis’ statements are potentially injurious to the island’s image. In an alternative stance - media colleague Jerry George says the public and media fraternity must rally around Francis.
Claudius Francis’s statements to the BBC caused frenzy when they reached the local media. Francis had indicated to the BBC that a senior police official in Saint Lucia had revealed details of an investigation to criminals. On Wednesday during Francis’ Straight Up talk show he revealed his statements had even solicited death threats. Now the government is calling on Francis to produce any evidence he may have to support his statement to the regional press. Government Press Secretary Darnley Lebourne says government is determined to ensure the significant gains made under this Administration in the promotion of the island as a tourism destination are not threatened or tarnished by what he terms, “loose and unfounded allegations.”
Meanwhile Jerry George says the public must open its eyes to how dangerous a journalist’s job can be.
George says there are some truths people will go to great lengths to ensure are never revealed. Francis said on Wednesday he was considering leaving the talk show business. But George says while he understands the seriousness of the threats to Francis’ life, he hopes that for the sake of truth, justice and democracy he will reconsider. George says St. Lucia is better served with Francis continuing the job he has done so admirably for years.
Francis says following the death threat he immediately contacted the local police and international law enforcement. Acting Police Commissioner Vernon Francois has confirmed he met with Francis to discuss the matter. The talk show host who has built a reputation on doing his homework says he is now satisfied his interest and life will be protected. Nevertheless – he is still considering bowing out of hosting his Straight Up talk show.
Claudius Francis’s statements to the BBC caused frenzy when they reached the local media. Francis had indicated to the BBC that a senior police official in Saint Lucia had revealed details of an investigation to criminals. On Wednesday during Francis’ Straight Up talk show he revealed his statements had even solicited death threats. Now the government is calling on Francis to produce any evidence he may have to support his statement to the regional press. Government Press Secretary Darnley Lebourne says government is determined to ensure the significant gains made under this Administration in the promotion of the island as a tourism destination are not threatened or tarnished by what he terms, “loose and unfounded allegations.”
Meanwhile Jerry George says the public must open its eyes to how dangerous a journalist’s job can be.
George says there are some truths people will go to great lengths to ensure are never revealed. Francis said on Wednesday he was considering leaving the talk show business. But George says while he understands the seriousness of the threats to Francis’ life, he hopes that for the sake of truth, justice and democracy he will reconsider. George says St. Lucia is better served with Francis continuing the job he has done so admirably for years.
Francis says following the death threat he immediately contacted the local police and international law enforcement. Acting Police Commissioner Vernon Francois has confirmed he met with Francis to discuss the matter. The talk show host who has built a reputation on doing his homework says he is now satisfied his interest and life will be protected. Nevertheless – he is still considering bowing out of hosting his Straight Up talk show.
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When two weeks ago the BBC’s Ken Richards interviewed Straight-Up host Claudius Francis about the crime situation in Saint Lucia, he may have gotten more than expected. Francis made several declarations, among them that criminals in Saint Lucia had “friends in high places” and that a “British source” had told him changes in the local police force, “especially in the intelligence unit,” had caused the British to lose confidence in the Royal St Lucia Police Force as a reliable partner in the fight against crime.
Francis had also told the BBC reporter: “We had a serious case recently, where the police intercepted certain telephone information and a senior police officer went to the criminal world and told them what they had intercepted.”
It was this same intelligence unit that Francis told the press this week had informed him of a threat on his life. On Monday he invited media personnel to a press conference at the studios of HTS.
Reading from a prepared statement, Francis began by thanking those who had called or sent him supportive text messages. But before he moved to the issue of the day he said he wanted to correct some “erroneous statements” attributed to him.
“First, the press has consistently asked Commissioner of Police Francois to explain my statement that government has operational control of the police force. Clearly he is being asked to answer something that I never said. What I did say was that no government had so ingratiated itself into the operations of the force as has the current administration. That is far different from operational control. Second, there is the matter of a promotions list. I became aware that such a list had been prepared in much the same way that one had been prepared and sent to former commissioner Ausbert Regis. In the current scenario there is apparently a problem in relation to one promotion which is now standing in the way of all other promotions. I say only that it is that problem which has delayed the forwarding of the list to the commissioner. Thirdly, the statement relating to the passing of sensitive police information. It did happen when a well meaning police office divulged the information to a very prominent citizen who in turn compromised it.”
After taking a jab at NewsSpin host Timothy Poleon over how he handled Francis’ statements, the Straight-Up host, a former vice-chairman of the St Lucia Labour Party moved on to his main issue.
“Last Wednesday at the top of the Straight-Up show I read from a prepared text informing listeners that consequent upon certain events, including text messages I had received the Sunday before and earlier in the year in April, I was considering giving up the show altogether. Together they convinced me that freedom of expression in our dear country is under threat. The following morning I went out of town on assignment. While in one of the southern villages I received a call from the police. To cut a long story short, following that call I immediately drove to police headquarters where I met with Commissioner Francois and other senior members of the police force. What I was told by them was chilling. I was told that information reaching them indicated that a very prominent citizen had paid a sum of money to get me out of the way. As a result of the information reaching the police certain measures were immediately implemented. Subsequently my own sources confirmed what the police had said to me including names . . . That we have reached a stage where criticisms of individuals in high office warrant one’s execution is a frightening thought.”
Francis told the media that two international agencies had contacted him expressing interest in the matter and were conducting inquiries “to act if necessary.” He added that he was getting calls also from United States media but wanted to speak first with the local press. He said that since last week he had been living life “in a bubble.”
“This is not just about me,” he said, “this is about the right to free speech.”
“We must, therefore, ensure that all is done to bring those who wish to commit this act to justice no matter how high their station.”
Francis said that he was reliably informed that both the minister for home affairs and the prime minister had been briefed on the police investigations. After thanking those who he said have prayed for him, Francis took questions.
“There was nothing in that interview that was new,” he told one reporter, “that was suggesting anything remotely connected to the person, at least not that I know of. So I don’t know what that individual knows or may have extrapolated in his own mind that something related to him.”
I asked Mr Francis about his British source and whether he had made full disclosure to the police commissioner.
“I have given the information to the police,” he said. “There was a reason why a particular officer gave me the message so that the government could wake up on that situation,” he said.
Francis said he would not compromise the police investigation by exposing the name of the so-called prominent citizen. He would not say whether it was a politician.
“I think the police have acted extremely responsibly in this matter thus far and I am very much appreciative of the work done by Commissioner Vernon Francois and his team,” he said.
Returning to the identity of the “prominent citizen” he said: “Let’s put it this way, there are a lot influential people here and abroad who know the identity of the individual.”
As for him continuing his talk-show, Francis said: “I have spoken to the management and staff of HTS about my future on the talk-show circuit and a statement I imagine will be issued in due course as to what is the way forward.”
Francis’ advice to journalists: “Don’t be a hero simply to get a story!”
This reporter spoke to acting police commissioner Vernon Francois on Tuesday about the Francis matter. He did not want to go into the details of the case but he said: “We did receive intelligence. As to the direct origin of that intelligence I cannot say. I personally got to speak to Claudius Francis on Thursday at about 5pm. He had been texting me throughout the day because, I guess, he had his concerns. As for me calling him that was not the case.”
He went on: “We were given certain intelligence and we acted on that intelligence. We had not verified the information but we wanted to be proactive. We have not been able to verify who received the money. Our informant has not been able to tell us who was given any command in this transaction.”
Said Francois: “The police receive intelligence all the time on cases. People contact us and they say this person did this or that. It’s not everything you can take to the bank. As to who did the exchange or who paid who, our informant was not in a position to confirm. This intelligence has not yet developed into evidence where we can make an arrest or have proper evidence to bring someone in for questioning. We just did not want to sit by and do nothing. So we took a proactive approach in the Francis case.”
Francois said two sources gave police information “and Claudius had his own sources.”
As for Francis’ press conference Francois said that it was his choice whether he wanted to divulge the information police gave him but the force was not in the habit of making public such information.
“The intelligence we received should not have been a public issue but I guess because of the season it is, and Claudius Francis’ own political stance, it became that way. We cannot prevent Mr Francis from making this information public. But it is amusing that last week he was questioning our intelligence unit and this week he is depending on that same intelligence. But I guess it comes with the territory.”
Francois emphasized that the information the police received in the Francis case has not been validated.
“We are not in the business of publicizing intelligence because in the end it could turn out not to be factual. He may have done himself a disservice by publicizing the information or it could be that the person who was minded to do something to him will now back off. If you are a target, it is not usual to go out there and say you are a target.”
Francois said the police will continue to investigate the issue.
“As Mr Francis knows, the problem is not in getting the intelligence it is in getting people to stand behind what they tell the police.”
Francois also touched on the issue of police promotions. He said Francis’ comments to the BBC “did damage to the image of the force. I don’t mind people throwing stones but make sure it’s the truth.”
Meanwhile, we are reliably informed that the British High Commissioner has assured the government that the British source mentioned by Mr Claudius Francis in his recent BBC Caribbean interview “is not a member of this, or any British High Commission, and that the views expressed in this interview do not reflect those of Her Majesty’s Government.”
Moreover, “the UK continues to enjoy a positive working relationship with the Government of St Lucia, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security and the Royal St Lucia Police Force.”
The BHC added that “any UK concerns will be addressed directly to the relevant authorities and not through members of the media.”
Francis had also told the BBC reporter: “We had a serious case recently, where the police intercepted certain telephone information and a senior police officer went to the criminal world and told them what they had intercepted.”
It was this same intelligence unit that Francis told the press this week had informed him of a threat on his life. On Monday he invited media personnel to a press conference at the studios of HTS.
Reading from a prepared statement, Francis began by thanking those who had called or sent him supportive text messages. But before he moved to the issue of the day he said he wanted to correct some “erroneous statements” attributed to him.
“First, the press has consistently asked Commissioner of Police Francois to explain my statement that government has operational control of the police force. Clearly he is being asked to answer something that I never said. What I did say was that no government had so ingratiated itself into the operations of the force as has the current administration. That is far different from operational control. Second, there is the matter of a promotions list. I became aware that such a list had been prepared in much the same way that one had been prepared and sent to former commissioner Ausbert Regis. In the current scenario there is apparently a problem in relation to one promotion which is now standing in the way of all other promotions. I say only that it is that problem which has delayed the forwarding of the list to the commissioner. Thirdly, the statement relating to the passing of sensitive police information. It did happen when a well meaning police office divulged the information to a very prominent citizen who in turn compromised it.”
After taking a jab at NewsSpin host Timothy Poleon over how he handled Francis’ statements, the Straight-Up host, a former vice-chairman of the St Lucia Labour Party moved on to his main issue.
“Last Wednesday at the top of the Straight-Up show I read from a prepared text informing listeners that consequent upon certain events, including text messages I had received the Sunday before and earlier in the year in April, I was considering giving up the show altogether. Together they convinced me that freedom of expression in our dear country is under threat. The following morning I went out of town on assignment. While in one of the southern villages I received a call from the police. To cut a long story short, following that call I immediately drove to police headquarters where I met with Commissioner Francois and other senior members of the police force. What I was told by them was chilling. I was told that information reaching them indicated that a very prominent citizen had paid a sum of money to get me out of the way. As a result of the information reaching the police certain measures were immediately implemented. Subsequently my own sources confirmed what the police had said to me including names . . . That we have reached a stage where criticisms of individuals in high office warrant one’s execution is a frightening thought.”
Francis told the media that two international agencies had contacted him expressing interest in the matter and were conducting inquiries “to act if necessary.” He added that he was getting calls also from United States media but wanted to speak first with the local press. He said that since last week he had been living life “in a bubble.”
“This is not just about me,” he said, “this is about the right to free speech.”
“We must, therefore, ensure that all is done to bring those who wish to commit this act to justice no matter how high their station.”
Francis said that he was reliably informed that both the minister for home affairs and the prime minister had been briefed on the police investigations. After thanking those who he said have prayed for him, Francis took questions.
“There was nothing in that interview that was new,” he told one reporter, “that was suggesting anything remotely connected to the person, at least not that I know of. So I don’t know what that individual knows or may have extrapolated in his own mind that something related to him.”
I asked Mr Francis about his British source and whether he had made full disclosure to the police commissioner.
“I have given the information to the police,” he said. “There was a reason why a particular officer gave me the message so that the government could wake up on that situation,” he said.
Francis said he would not compromise the police investigation by exposing the name of the so-called prominent citizen. He would not say whether it was a politician.
“I think the police have acted extremely responsibly in this matter thus far and I am very much appreciative of the work done by Commissioner Vernon Francois and his team,” he said.
Returning to the identity of the “prominent citizen” he said: “Let’s put it this way, there are a lot influential people here and abroad who know the identity of the individual.”
As for him continuing his talk-show, Francis said: “I have spoken to the management and staff of HTS about my future on the talk-show circuit and a statement I imagine will be issued in due course as to what is the way forward.”
Francis’ advice to journalists: “Don’t be a hero simply to get a story!”
This reporter spoke to acting police commissioner Vernon Francois on Tuesday about the Francis matter. He did not want to go into the details of the case but he said: “We did receive intelligence. As to the direct origin of that intelligence I cannot say. I personally got to speak to Claudius Francis on Thursday at about 5pm. He had been texting me throughout the day because, I guess, he had his concerns. As for me calling him that was not the case.”
He went on: “We were given certain intelligence and we acted on that intelligence. We had not verified the information but we wanted to be proactive. We have not been able to verify who received the money. Our informant has not been able to tell us who was given any command in this transaction.”
Said Francois: “The police receive intelligence all the time on cases. People contact us and they say this person did this or that. It’s not everything you can take to the bank. As to who did the exchange or who paid who, our informant was not in a position to confirm. This intelligence has not yet developed into evidence where we can make an arrest or have proper evidence to bring someone in for questioning. We just did not want to sit by and do nothing. So we took a proactive approach in the Francis case.”
Francois said two sources gave police information “and Claudius had his own sources.”
As for Francis’ press conference Francois said that it was his choice whether he wanted to divulge the information police gave him but the force was not in the habit of making public such information.
“The intelligence we received should not have been a public issue but I guess because of the season it is, and Claudius Francis’ own political stance, it became that way. We cannot prevent Mr Francis from making this information public. But it is amusing that last week he was questioning our intelligence unit and this week he is depending on that same intelligence. But I guess it comes with the territory.”
Francois emphasized that the information the police received in the Francis case has not been validated.
“We are not in the business of publicizing intelligence because in the end it could turn out not to be factual. He may have done himself a disservice by publicizing the information or it could be that the person who was minded to do something to him will now back off. If you are a target, it is not usual to go out there and say you are a target.”
Francois said the police will continue to investigate the issue.
“As Mr Francis knows, the problem is not in getting the intelligence it is in getting people to stand behind what they tell the police.”
Francois also touched on the issue of police promotions. He said Francis’ comments to the BBC “did damage to the image of the force. I don’t mind people throwing stones but make sure it’s the truth.”
Meanwhile, we are reliably informed that the British High Commissioner has assured the government that the British source mentioned by Mr Claudius Francis in his recent BBC Caribbean interview “is not a member of this, or any British High Commission, and that the views expressed in this interview do not reflect those of Her Majesty’s Government.”
Moreover, “the UK continues to enjoy a positive working relationship with the Government of St Lucia, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security and the Royal St Lucia Police Force.”
The BHC added that “any UK concerns will be addressed directly to the relevant authorities and not through members of the media.”
The news of the incident sent shockwaves through the nation. It was something out of a crime drama. Two individuals were found burnt beyond recognition in a car trunk on a secluded beach.
Vieux Fort police responded to an emergency call. On arrival at Bois-Chardon Beach around 7:45am on Monday October 25, police found a gold Nissan Almera completely burnt.
Reports indicate that the car in question was rented to 19-year-old Jason Edward of Pierrot along with 17-year-old Terissa Maximin of Belle-Vue. Both communities are located in Vieux Fort. The rental agreement began on Friday October 22. Further reports say the couple were seen ‘liming’ around in the vehicle all weekend. Edward was last seen at his home by his brother about 9pm on Sunday October 24.
Police are investigating this latest homicide and no one has been arrested in connection with the incident as yet. The police have to rely heavily on forensic evidence to re-create the events of the night in question and also to confirm that the bodies are in fact that of Edward and Maximin. Further, forensics will have to determine their cause of death.
It is left to the newly established Forensic Laboratory to prove its mettle
Vieux Fort police responded to an emergency call. On arrival at Bois-Chardon Beach around 7:45am on Monday October 25, police found a gold Nissan Almera completely burnt.
Reports indicate that the car in question was rented to 19-year-old Jason Edward of Pierrot along with 17-year-old Terissa Maximin of Belle-Vue. Both communities are located in Vieux Fort. The rental agreement began on Friday October 22. Further reports say the couple were seen ‘liming’ around in the vehicle all weekend. Edward was last seen at his home by his brother about 9pm on Sunday October 24.
Police are investigating this latest homicide and no one has been arrested in connection with the incident as yet. The police have to rely heavily on forensic evidence to re-create the events of the night in question and also to confirm that the bodies are in fact that of Edward and Maximin. Further, forensics will have to determine their cause of death.
It is left to the newly established Forensic Laboratory to prove its mettle
Vernon Francois says under his leadership the police force will plan and strategize ways to achieve crime reduction. To that end the Acting Police Commissioner recently held a retreat for the top brass of the police. Francois says his team is busy putting together its new one year plan.
The Acting Police Commissioner whose appointment expires next month says he appreciates the importance of planning the force’s crime fighting strategy and is confident he and his team are putting everything in place to arrest crime.
The Royal St. Lucia Police Force is finalizing its 2011 – 2012 plan. Acting Police Commissioner, Vernon Francois, says the plan focuses special attention on crime reduction strategies, measures to stamp out corruption within the force and social crime prevention. A big thrust for the force Francois says is seeking to form partnerships with communities to improve its public image and relationship with the people it serves. Planning he adds has become an increasingly important part of law enforcement since the criminals are now becoming more organized.
When it comes to word of Israeli soldiers coming to Saint Lucia to help tackle the growing crime situation - as reported by other media outlets - Francois says he has no such information. Nonetheless - he says he would support any attempts to solicit the expertise of international agencies in dealing with St. Lucia’s crime situation. But as to if and when help will be sought - he says he has no clue.
Francois says importantly the force needs the help of the public at large in keeping crime at bay. He says the crime hotline is one way people can provide the police with information while protecting their identity.
The Acting Police Commissioner whose appointment expires next month says he appreciates the importance of planning the force’s crime fighting strategy and is confident he and his team are putting everything in place to arrest crime.
The Royal St. Lucia Police Force is finalizing its 2011 – 2012 plan. Acting Police Commissioner, Vernon Francois, says the plan focuses special attention on crime reduction strategies, measures to stamp out corruption within the force and social crime prevention. A big thrust for the force Francois says is seeking to form partnerships with communities to improve its public image and relationship with the people it serves. Planning he adds has become an increasingly important part of law enforcement since the criminals are now becoming more organized.
When it comes to word of Israeli soldiers coming to Saint Lucia to help tackle the growing crime situation - as reported by other media outlets - Francois says he has no such information. Nonetheless - he says he would support any attempts to solicit the expertise of international agencies in dealing with St. Lucia’s crime situation. But as to if and when help will be sought - he says he has no clue.
Francois says importantly the force needs the help of the public at large in keeping crime at bay. He says the crime hotline is one way people can provide the police with information while protecting their identity.
Saint Lucia’s representative for the Miss World Pageant scheduled for October 30 is making waves in China. The website Caribbean Media Vision is reporting that the 17-year-old, the youngest in the pageant, is a finalist in a competition leading up to the big pageant. The website reports that Aiasha is in the top twenty of the Miss World Top Model contest. She was also among the 40 semi-finalists vying for the Miss World Beach Beauty title earlier this week. This is a great step for Aiasha on her way to competing against 119 contestants in the final competition!
Keep voting for Aiasha as The People’s Choice: Every last vote counts so log onto http://www.missosology.org/ and cast your vote today! Log onto missosology.org, scroll to the bottom of the page to vote for St Lucia representative!
Keep voting for Aiasha as The People’s Choice: Every last vote counts so log onto http://www.missosology.org/ and cast your vote today! Log onto missosology.org, scroll to the bottom of the page to vote for St Lucia representative!
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