A Vincentian police officer is among four people who have been arrested in St. Lucia on board a boat on which police in that neighbouring country allegedly found drugs and seafood.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday but did not disclose the identity of the police officer.
The RSVGPF said the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) made the arrest at the Vieux Fort Seaport on Thursday.
“The matter is currently under investigation by the RSLPF, and the RSVGPF is cooperating fully with the authorities in St. Lucia,” the RSVGPF said in a press statement.
“Given the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation, no further details can be provided at this time. The RSVGPF upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism and will take appropriate action based on the investigation’s findings,” the local constabulary said.
‘We encourage the public to refrain from speculation and to await official statements from the relevant authorities.”
iWitness News was able to ascertain the identity of the police officer but is withholding it in the absence of any charges against him.
The officer has over 20 years of service in the RSVGPF.
iWitness News has also confirmed that the four occupants of the vessel are all from the same community in eastern St. Vincent and that one of them had served time in another Caribbean country for drug possession.
I wonder what the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has to say about this other than: “refrain from speculation”.
Could that Officer be an undercover one? I believe so….just saying
The RSPF is an organization that had its flaws just like the broader Vincentians society. Should a reasonable prudent person expects better of the RSPF,? the answer is in the affirmative . The RSPF take an oath to serve and protect and when this trust is broken, it a betrayal in its general sense.
We as a society is governed by the rule of law and we expect a member of the RSPF be given due process at all time that the judicial system affords. A couple years ago a Junior Constable was charged in an alleged rape case. The investigation may yet be pending or in a state of subjudice. What does it do for society? The lost of trust is one of the immediate casualty.
Tt is well known that the some Vincentians are reluctant to trust the RSPF with confidential information for fear of the revelation of such information could possibly jeopardize the life of the informant knowing that use of illegal is already a menace. Recently a high ranking RSPF officer claims that there are gangs in St Vincent which was vehemently rejected by the Minister of Security.
How do we address the concerns of society? It starts with the implementation of best hiring practices. The days of hiring RSPF recruits based on who you know has a detrimental effect on morality and effectiveness.
This plague is forever with us and should end forthwith. It is believed up to 30% of the entire RSPF come from a particular constituency and this does no good recruiting the best of the best.