Minister for Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities, Jeremiah Norbert, has dismissed allegations that he pressured the Commissioner of Police to transfer an officer after the individual performed at a United Workers Party (UWP) meeting.
The UWP, in a statement dated March 4, alleged political persecution against calypsonian “Kakal,” who performed at a UWP National Public Meeting. The party stated, “Kakal never endorsed the UWP, he never wore yellow, he simply exercised his right to perform, yet he is now facing the wrath of an administration that thrives on fear and intimidation.”
Norbert, however, denied any involvement in police transfers. “I, Honorable Jeremiah Norbert, have never and will never call the commissioner to give any directive. The commissioner is his own man,” he asserted.
The minister reiterated the stance of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who has maintained that the government does not interfere in the operations of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).
“The Police Force is an independent organization,” Norbert stated, emphasizing the administration’s contributions to law enforcement.
He cited government investments in policing, including the provision of bulletproof vests, an increased fleet of police vehicles, the reinstatement of training programs, and ongoing construction of a new Northern Divisional Police Headquarters.
Norbert, who is also the Member of Parliament for Micoud North, made the remarks on Sunday during the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s National Public Meeting at the Anse La Raye Waterfront.
