Acting Customs Comptroller Sherman Emmanuel has disclosed a groundswell of support from staff for a colleague wounded in a drive-by shooting on Tuesday in Monchy.
Emmanuel, speaking Thursday on the margins of an emergency staff meeting that saw the early closure of Customs services at several locations, told reporters that the victim was recuperating.
“He is doing well, the Acting Customs Comptroller said.
“Our staff have come together, supported each other, encouraged each other and our fellow colleague as well. So they have really showed a lot of love and support to him during this time,” Emmanuel explained.
He said Tuesday’s shooting was a reminder of the challenging nature of a Customs Officer’s job.
Emmanuel told reporters that every day the officers are on the frontline.
“Often times we face risks that others are not even aware of, so these are challenges that remind of how risky the job is, how important security is,” he said.
Emmanuel revealed that the Customs Department summoned the emergency meeting to discuss security concerns and the way forward.
In addition, he explained that Customs & Excise staff, having been impacted by the attack on their colleague, needed time to de-brief and reassurance that their security was paramount.
Thursday’s emergency meeting followed one the previous day.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Acting Police Commissioner Ronald Philip joined the Customs & Excise staff at that gathering to show solidarity and give reassurances regarding their safety and security.
There must be a groundswell of support for the customers officer because many of the other customs officers, do not always operate within the confines of the law, so when they see an officer is gun-downed for observing the law, that disturbs them and creates fear.
Some customs – officers are lenient with their assessment of barrel contents for their friends and relatives, but offer exorbitant assessments to people whom they do not know, as well as people whom they know but are not on friendly terms with. Discriminatory practices are creating anger in people who have to deal with the customs department, and may lead to unfortunate conclusions.. That meeting is therefore timely and welcomed
well said amani
St. Lucians have issues in every area (both public, healthcare and private sector) with the unfair treatment which were stated by @ Amani in her post. In addition – St. Lucians need to learn to respect each other’s political affiliation without prejudice and malice. Could you imagine family members not speaking to each other based on political party affiliation – if that is not the heights of IGNORANCE I don’t know what is??????
Let me share my experience – I had graduated from school and had also obtained credentials during my teenage years while in St. Lucia. I was not OLD ENOUGH to vote at that time and have NEVER EVER VOTED in St. Lucia. I remember putting my resume together and taking a test for a secretarial job in the government sector not a cabinet job – I passed the test with flying colors. My grandma always voted labor – in fact what a lot of people don’t know is that the former Prime Minister John Compton was initially Labor prior to UWP and he was also my grandma’s friend.
Long story short, when I presented after the interview – I was sitting in a corridor waiting and I overheard the supervisor/manager say – “SHE CANNOT GET THE JOB HER GRANDMA IS A LABOR”
As a young girl who had never voted — I could not understand that analogy – I also realize even now in 2023 St. Lucia has not made any advancement/progress in that area and this was many many years ago.
I subsequently left St. Lucia that same year (a short time after that experience) and traveled abroad and I have lived abroad ever since that time When I look back – what the supervisor/manager meant for evil turned out for my good and I am thankful – because I went on to further my education and I am currently making significant contribution within my community and in the healthcare industry where I live.
we all do wrong in the workplace..this is no reason for a criminal yehditoo to put people’s lives at risk so……u cannot judge one situation on a general level..there are people in workplaces who mean well…..lets focus on speaking our voices in the streets…..its time we take a stand for ourselves and others it could be anyone of us…u just cant please lucians……some are lenient some are not……yet still all ah we still have the money to clear the barrel jump carnival and sadly leave the children school things behind……lets focus on taking a stand against this killing and murdering madness in this crazy place
Where I work there are several policies and procedures in place which are provided to every employee during their orientation period. Each employee has to sign to confirm that they have read and understood all the policies and procedures which govern the business establishment. The policies also lets you know the steps for violation of anyone of them without prejudice-
Offense # 1 —verbal warning — if you continue step #2
Offense #2 —written warning —if you still continue then it is the third and final step #3
Offense #3 —termination
Violence on any level is wrong and no one has the right to deliberately hurt another individual.
@Jay Always appreciate and thank you for your sensible and well thought out comments about the people and politics of St Lucia. Obviously still very connected to the island, but objective in your response to various news items. I wish Lucians, on island, at all levels of society could be more even handed in their approach, and share your balanced, informed and always very respectful comments.
My fear is that the shooter’s informant could have been sitting at these meetings disguised in his/her Custom Officer’s uniform … the related implications are mind-boggling 🤔
Hmmm I am not pushing my hands for nobody……very rare and obscure
Where is the evidence that the shooting had anything to do with his job?
Jay, sad but true !!