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Prime Minsiter Ralph Gonsalves. (iWN photo)
Prime Minsiter Ralph Gonsalves. (iWN photo)
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Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves says he sees no need to make a statement about the police officers who were recently charged with criminal offences.

Gonsalves, who is also minister of national security, said that the matters will be dealt with “in the normal way”.

Speaking in what has become an annual Christmas Eve interview with Hot 97 FM, Gonsalves said he tries to avoid commenting on individual cases for fear of prejudicing them.

Police, sanitation worker, whoever, farmer, whoever it is, they are entitled to the presumption of innocence and I don’t want to say anything where anybody may feel that I’m tilting here or tilting there,” said Gonsalves, who is also a lawyer.

The prime minister said he uses “some set piece” occasions, such as Parliament or the recent launch of Police Records Management Information System at the Questelles Police Station, to make general statements about crime.

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“But I don’t want to have a kneejerk reaction to something,” he said.

Gonsalves, however, said his government has put a lot in place to address the infractions and breaches.

“And I believe that, by and large, the management of the force is handling these matters professionally and the overwhelming majority of police officers are good people putting their lives in danger to help to protect us.”

Gonsalves noted that at 19 in 2019, the murder rate was less than in 2018, when it was 34, compared to 40 in 2018.

“Clearly, one murder is one murder too many. Instances of rapes reported, sexual assault, burglaries, robberies, according to the numbers provided by the police, those are down also,” Gonsalves said.

“But, for any incident which takes place, we must always keep it in context and in proportion. The media, because we have more media outlets now, you have more talk about incidents which happen than during the past…” the prime minister said.

Two police officers, Corporal Derek Humphrey, of Chauncey, and Corporal Michael Lynch, of Peter’s Hope, originally of Layou, have been charged, separately, with sex crimes and are awaiting court hearings in connection with their separate matters.

A fourth officer, Keith Lewis, who is charged with burglary and indecent assault, is also waiting his day in court.

Also awaiting his day in court is Coast Guard officer Able Seaman Andre Samuel, who is charged with sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. 

4 replies on “Charged cops to be dealt with ‘in the normal way’ — PM”

  1. Who Hot FM and the prime minister think they fooling With there interview.One thing about this PM if he sees you as a political treat he stays away from you. Did Hot FM send and invitation to the opposition? Or is this about family? Hot FM manager have to call the PM father great uncle.And Hot FM is not the most popular radio station in the country 705 is the number One.. They are number one in the minivans.But not in Civilized people homes.Can any one tell me when is the last time you heard a song about Jesus on Hot FM.Why didn’t the PM gave that interview to I witness because it is the number One online news.And true the week they behave like they critical them and they two fools.

    1. Again I agree with you Jolly Green. After I was roughed-up, abused, cell phone taken from me, locked in a box for over 5 hours, threatened repeatedly and called a racist, the officer got a promotion and “Officer of the Year” award. I really hope things have changed in the Police Force in SVG, because in my days as a Law Enforcement Officer such anomalies and disrespect for the public would not happen.
      The Prime Minister is right, most officers are good people. I think the training is very poor. Whee I come from the training is far better than what I have seen here!
      In training we were actually video-taped when dealing with the “public” and critiqued until we get it right, or possibly released if we did not!
      If you have the right family name or other connections in SVG, you can get promoted for bad behavior.

      The two officers that did that to me would have been suspended, not promoted!

  2. He says that he wants consistency in the sentencing now he also saying that he is involved in the business. So I hope they get heavy sentences and be dishonorably discharged anything else would be a redshirt hit job. One thing I must say in Gonsalves’ favor is that *he should resign and don’t contest the next elections. let the son run in your place. That would be much better for SVG. Retire honorably and stop trying to change the constitution so that you can become President en declare martial law. If you got any back bone left you should step back and let the younger man do the job. Go live out your days on one of those idilic grenadine islands. (*=Good Free Advise) People can’t take your sneaky poison no more.

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