Opposition leader Allen Chastanet has responded to the appointment of Mr. Robert Innocent as Special Prosecutor.
Saint Lucia’s Special Prosecutor Act empowers an attorney-at-law appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to serve as Special Prosecutor.
The legislation authorises the Office holder to receive complaints and investigate credible reports of corrupt conduct by incumbent public officials and public officials who have demitted office.
“I think that at any point we can strengthen our processes to hold everyone accountable in public office, I think it is a very good thing,” Chastanet told reporters Tuesday on the margins of a sitting of parliament.
Nevertheless, the former Prime Minister questioned the Special Prosecutor’s work.
The United Workers Party (UWP) leader noted that Saint Lucia already has a process under the constitution.
Regarding investigations and prosecution, he observed that the only individuals who could initiate prosecutions were the Attorney General for civil matters and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for criminal matters.
Chastanet hoped for an announcement soon that the Special Prosecutor would have staff to conduct investigations and gather evidence.
Asked whether he believed the Special Prosecutor appointment was the beginning of a witch hunt, the UWP leader responded that he could not say that.
“I have no idea. I don’t know if you could enlighten me as to what this job description – the agenda is. If, in fact, the agenda is for justice, then there should be no agenda, Chastanet declared.
He questioned whether the Special Prosecutor would oversee current investigations, including ‘Rovergate’ and the account opened by now-deceased Saudi billionaire Walid Juffali.
“The Auditor General asked a very important question in her letter. Why did Dr. Juffali put the money into the account?” Chastanet recalled.
He observed that the matter has been investigated and there’s evidence regarding what transpired.
But he said he did not know whether the Special Prosecutor would continue the probe and prepare the matter for the court.
Chastanet said the Special Prosecutor would have to do so in conjunction with the DPP, the only person who can approve prosecution.
Well Chas…you should not be worried then…cause anything that makes public office holders do their job with integrity is welcomed….too much halé-casé in our politics…now I acknowledge that politics will cause some contention, after all, it’s human nature we first have to contend with..but if you politicians keep your heads down and do the people’s business and develop the country then everyone can see for themselves who has the nation’s interest at heart…
My, my, my, already trying to deflect. He mentioned 2 or 3 things, but he never mentioned anything which took place and were highly suspicious, while he was PM? Hmm
It seems to me that heads are beginning to roll. Keep in mind that laba is working on all the promises made in their last campaign manifesto. Let’s wait and see how many will still be employable when it’s all said and done. Those who did nothing wrong need not be worried.
What’s good for the Goose is good for the Gander so in that case let’s investigate both parties.
Just saying…
Chas, you are in hot water today because of Guy. You will have to say why you gave CHTTI so much money. Explain the Gros Islet road and the St. Jude hospital to Fresh Start. You had and still have too much confidence in Guy. This will have you to pay.