Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire has forcefully denied allegations that he pushed Eldrise Charles outside the Parliament building, an accusation that has resulted in a summons requiring him to appear in court. In a hard-hitting statement delivered today, Dr. Hilaire called the episode “a politically motivated distraction” and demanded answers about how the case was handled by police.
“Let’s be clear: I did not push anyone out of the Parliament building,” Dr. Hilaire said. “Video evidence shows nothing like what has been alleged. This is another false allegation, another waste of precious time and resources in our judicial system, and another attempt to damage our nation for selfish political goals.”
Dr. Hilaire, who says he voluntarily attended an interview with Inspector George Clarke at the Criminal Investigations Department, accused the investigating officer of approaching the matter with a closed mind.
“Before our conversation had properly begun, Inspector Clarke told me he had reason to believe I had committed an assault and that he had arranged an identification procedure with Miss Charles,” Dr. Hilaire said. “That was before any meaningful interview, notwithstanding my objections. It suggested to me that the outcome had already been decided.”
According to Dr. Hilaire, the complainant did identify him during the interview, but he insists the footage and the context do not support the criminal allegation. He also reiterated longstanding cordial relations with Eldrise Charles and said she had never previously complained to him about any mistreatment.
“If she had told me she felt offended by my words or actions, I would have apologized, without hesitation,” he said. “So why rush to criminalize this? Why go to the media first and then to court?”
Rather than make new allegations as fact, Dr. Hilaire framed a series of procedural questions he says should be answered in court, all aimed at clarifying who authorised the charge and the path the file followed.
“Who did Inspector Clarke send the file to, the Commissioner, the Director of Public Prosecutions? If he sought senior advice, what was the response?” Dr. Hilaire asked. “Or was this a frolic of his own?”
He also told the public that he has been “reliably informed” about past incidents in which Inspector Clarke acted in ways Hilaire views as politically partisan, claims the Deputy Prime Minister framed as his personal observations and reasons for concern.
Dr. Hilaire accused the opposition United Workers Party of manufacturing the incident for political gain.
“Only days before I was charged, the same investigating officer was seen embroiled in a heated argument about me in public,” he said. “This comes at a time when the UWP is desperate to distract from its humiliating losses and to try and convince Saint Lucians that they are a viable alternative. They’re wrong. Voters can tell the difference between leadership and theatre.”
He described the rapidity with which the case was investigated and a court date secured, less than two months, he said, as inconsistent with how other, more serious cases are handled.
“There are so many serious matters the police should be investigating,” Dr. Hilaire said. “Every hour spent chasing this baseless political drama is an hour not spent protecting St. Lucians.”
While forceful in his defence, Dr. Hilaire repeatedly affirmed his respect for law enforcement and judicial processes, and insisted he has not attempted to interfere.
“I am satisfied that, from the beginning of this matter, there has been no political interference or intimidation from my side,” he said. “We are proud of our government’s relationship with law enforcement, and we believe no one is above the law.”
Yet he left no doubt he intends to contest the proceedings vigorously.
“I will defend myself with all legal might,” Dr. Hilaire said. “I am fully conscious that this is politically motivated. It is an attempt to embarrass and distract this government and the Saint Lucia Labour Party. I will fight on, and I will win.”
Dr. Hilaire has been summoned to appear in court; the matter will proceed through the judicial system and be decided there. In the meantime, the Deputy Prime Minister urged the public and the police hierarchy to focus on serious crime, economic recovery and the delivery of public services, not political theatre.
“This government will not be dragged into theatrics,” he said. “We remain focused on delivering for the people: lowering the cost of living, improving services, creating jobs, and protecting our communities. That is the work St. Lucians expect of us, and it is the work we will continue to do.”
