In recent weeks, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security Philip J. Pierre has come under fire for what some critics see as a lack of toughness on crime – both in his rhetoric and his response to unfolding events.
He has also faced criticism for failing to clearly state his position or demand accountability in cases bungled by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, including the recent disappearance of critical evidence under police watch.
In response, Mr Pierre has pointed to the constitutional separation of powers, noting that governance in Saint Lucia is divided among the executive, legislative and judicial branches. He has repeatedly stated that his role is to equip the police with resources and allow them to carry out their duties independently.
While this may be a candid and constitutionally sound position, it cannot be ignored that the Prime Minister is also the Commander-in-Chief. He can, and should, demand reports from relevant agencies to keep the public informed with facts on matters of national concern.
Days after Acting Police Commissioner Verne Garde announced that files had gone missing, the Prime Minister admitted he had yet to receive a report from the police. That admission raised eyebrows.
Equally troubling is the Prime Minister’s apparent detachment from the work of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), especially on matters of national interest such as IMPACS and other high-profile cases. When asked about the missing files, Mr Pierre suggested that these were matters for the DPP to investigate.
But where is DPP Daasrean Greene – and to whom does he answer?
Back in 2016, the then United Workers Party (UWP) administration moved to strengthen the DPP’s office with additional staff, equipment and a new appointee.
At one time, the DPP was a visible figure in the media, answering questions, making headlines and responding to public scrutiny. In Mr Greene’s case, after nearly nine years in office, only two press conferences come to mind.
Attempts by this newspaper to reach the DPP through his secretary have gone unanswered.
Then there’s the matter of the Special Prosecutor.
Two years ago, Prime Minister Pierre, backed by a parliamentary majority, secured passage of the Special Prosecutor Act – a first for Saint Lucia and a fulfilment of a campaign promise made by the Saint Lucia Labour Party ahead of the 2021 general elections.
The 2022 legislation empowered an attorney, appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, to serve as Special Prosecutor. The office was authorised to receive complaints and investigate credible reports of corruption involving current and former public officials.
At the time, Mr Pierre expressed confidence that the act would help restore public trust in government.
The opposition UWP questioned the need for a Special Prosecutor, arguing that the DPP could fulfil that role. Still, UWP Senator Dominic Fedee welcomed the appointment, provided the process remained transparent. “I hope the investigation will also be looking at members of the current cabinet,” Fedee said.
SLP’s Lisa Jawahir defended the move, saying the Special Prosecutor was meant “to pursue the agenda of the people – giving the Saint Lucian public an account of the funds spent by the previous administration for the five years that they were in government.”
In 2023, the Government appointed Robert Innocent as Special Prosecutor. Yet to date, there has been no public update on his investigations into the spending of public funds or any other alleged acts of corruption.
Asked recently about the Special Prosecutor’s progress, Mr Pierre said he had never spoken to Innocent. When asked who the Special Prosecutor reports to, Mr Pierre replied: “The Attorney General.”
While we continue to respect the principle of non-political interference, the Prime Minister, as Head of Government, has a duty to ensure that these offices are responsive to the public they serve. These officials are funded by taxpayers and entrusted with upholding the rule of law. The public deserves transparency, timely communication and visible accountability.
The silence from those entrusted with justice isn’t just disappointing; it’s a disservice to every citizen who believes in fair and accountable governance.
