Articles - Claudius Francis says Ministry has no power to investigate rape! Written By: Alisha Ally

“I used to come here and talk about Mr Mayers being my schoolmate.  I’m not sure I can do that again with any degree of pride. Why doesn’t the Ministry of Home Affairs investigate why the government tried to cover up perhaps criminal activity or the possibility of criminal sanctions against one of the ministers, Keith Mondesir.? Why don’t they investigate that instead?  The courts said so!” That was Claudius  Francis on his regular Friday morning program Straight Up.
The HTS talk-show host was fuming over a release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the recent dark cloud hovering over the police force.  Francis began by reading the release: “In the last week, five members of the Royal St Lucia Police Force have been accused in two incidents of rape, one of the most violent criminal acts that could be perpetrated against a human being.  The Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security is very concerned about the impact of these allegations on the Royal St Lucia Police Force, the institution responsible for law and order and by extension the security of our nation. In light of this, the Ministry has commissioned an independent investigation into the alleged gang rape and would like to assure the public that no stone will be left unturned in addressing the issues related to the allegations. The image and integrity of the Royal St Lucia Police Force is too important to our national psyche and well being as Saint Lucians to allow our citizens to even contemplate that these matters will go unheeded.   The Ministry wishes to reiterate its confidence in the Royal St Lucia Police Force and remind the general public that any attempt by members (detractors within) the Police Force or members of the public to bring the organization into disrepute will be dealt with the full extent of the law.”
Francis was barely able to finish reading “independent investigation into the alleged gang rape” before he exploded: “Where does the ministry get that power to investigate a rape? Where?  Where does it have that authority? Under what law? The only investigating authority we have in respect of criminal activity is the Royal St Lucia Police Force.  The only authority we have under the constitution in the prosecution of criminal activity is the Director of Public Prosecutions.  So where do Guy Mayers and Thecla and all the others in the Ministry of National Security get that authority to investigate allegations of rape?”
Francis lamented the current state of affairs in the country which is illustrated by acts such as this release.
“They may wish, if they want, to put forward a commission to investigate the conduct and operations of the police force but they cannot and do not have the authority to investigate individual criminal or alleged criminal activity.  They cannot! Where do they get that power?  And you want to tell me you don’t know why things in this country are cockeyed!  A Prime Minister who is told about a breach at the prison three hours after it happens and hasn’t spoken about it yet; a Minister of Home Affairs who has an address to the nation and tells the nation that all is well because nobody broke into the prison never mind three broke out of the prison.”
The ministry’s release follows the volatile criticisms aimed at the police force after a woman this week reported that her rape was facilitated by police officers.  This report comes after a police constable was arrested and charged for the assault of a woman one week prior.  Many have called for an independent investigation into both matters because it is feared that the cases would be tampered with by cops to vindicate their fellow colleagues.  However,  Acting Commissioner of Police, Vernon Francois, says he has firmly placed his confidence in the investigating officers and assured that bias or favouritism has no place in carrying out their duties.