The United Workers Party (UWP) is calling on Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre to address the nation following Cabinet Minister Richard Frederick’s public confirmation that he is the subject of an active police investigation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Opposition said the Prime Minister has a responsibility to account to the people after Frederick disclosed that officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force searched his residence on July 2, detained and questioned him for several hours, and seized his cellular phone as part of an ongoing investigation.
The UWP emphasized that the investigation must be allowed to proceed independently, professionally and without interference, while noting that Frederick, like every citizen, is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process under the law.
However, the Opposition argued that the circumstances extend beyond the criminal investigation and now raise questions of political accountability. It contends that the Prime Minister should indicate whether he has been formally briefed on the investigation, whether Richard Frederick continues to enjoy his confidence, and whether the minister will continue to discharge his Cabinet responsibilities while the investigation remains active.
According to the UWP, these are matters that fall within the responsibility of the Office of the Prime Minister rather than the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, arguing that the country’s political leadership has a duty to reassure the public during developments involving a sitting Cabinet minister.
The party further stated that while investigators are responsible for determining the facts of the case, it is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to determine whether any political action is warranted while the investigation is underway.
The UWP concluded by urging Prime Minister Pierre to address the nation without further delay, maintaining that transparency and accountability are necessary to preserve public confidence in the Government.
At the time of publication, the Office of the Prime Minister had not publicly responded to the UWP’s statement. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has not announced any criminal charges against Richard Frederick.
