Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire has broken his silence following assault charges filed against him in connection with an alleged altercation involving journalist Eldrise Charles inside the Parliament building in August.
Hilaire, who addressed members of the Press on Wednesday, October 22, described the charge as “a political matter with a political purpose,” accusing elements within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) of orchestrating what he called a “baseless and politically motivated” case.
The incident allegedly stems from events on August 19, when the UWP held a protest outside Parliament, criticising what it called the “treatment of women” by government ministers. Eldrise Charles, wearing a seemingly protest-themed t-shirt, reportedly entered the Parliament compound attempting to interview government ministers.
In a video later circulated online, Charles denied that she was part of the protest but was allegedly seen interacting with Hilaire, who reportedly told her that protesters were not allowed inside the parliamentary building. Charles later alleged that Hilaire “placed his hand on her back and pushed her out of Parliament.”
On October 20, the RSLPF officially charged Hilaire with assault in relation to the incident. At his press conference, Hilaire dismissed the charge as unfounded and politically charged.
“We have another false allegation, another waste of precious time and resources in our judicial system, another attempt to damage our nation for selfish goals,” he said. “Video evidence shows nothing — nothing like what has been alleged. I did not push anyone out of the Parliament building.”
He revealed that the investigation was led by Inspector George Clarke, whom he accused of political bias, claiming that Clarke was “a known UWP operative.”
“My first encounter with him was in the 2021 elections, when he tried to stop an SLP [Saint Lucia Labour Party] meeting in Anse La Raye,” Hilaire alleged. “I accused him then of being a UWP operative. I’m reliably informed that he once took bets that I would lose my seat in the last general elections.”
Hilaire further suggested that the timing and handling of the case were politically motivated.
“In this case, in less than two months, Inspector Clarke has completed all his investigations, charged, and even gotten a court date,” he said. “It is sad when the public expects the police to focus on serious matters affecting Saint Lucians and not waste time and resources on unfounded and politically motivated allegations.”
Hilaire said he had previously enjoyed “a cordial rapport” with Charles and was surprised by the complaint.
“If she had indicated that she felt offended by my words or actions, whatever they were, I would have easily apologised,” he stated. “She never once complained to me of any hurt in any form.”
At this same press conference, he questioned Charles’ motives, pointing to her public discussions of the case before it reached court, saying, “How many people do you know call Newspin to first engage in political commentary, then announce they had received a summons?” he asked. “If my actions were so wrong, why not pursue a civil case? Why pursue a criminal case?”
Pressed by journalists on whether he believed there was political interference in the police force, Hilaire said he remained deeply concerned but maintained faith in Saint Lucia’s institutions.
“Officers will have their political persuasions, but they should act with professionalism,” he said. “We have faith in the institutions of this country. The government I’m part of would never interfere with an official process. That’s not who we are.”
He added that he would not personally contact the Commissioner of Police about the case, and would leave his lawyers to handle the issue.
Hilaire confirmed that he is scheduled to appear in court on December 4, 2025, for case management. He said his lawyers are handling the legal process, while he remains focused on his duties as a government minister.
“I know what I know. My lawyers have seen the tape. Even the public has seen the tape,” he said. “Let the lawyers deal with the legal matters. I will deal with the politics of it.”
Despite the controversy, the Castries South MP insisted he would not be distracted.
“Every hour spent chasing this baseless political drama is an hour not spent serving Saint Lucians,” Hilaire declared. “This government remains focused on delivering for the people, lowering costs, improving services, and creating opportunities. We will not be dragged into theatrics.”
The Deputy Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming his commitment to fighting the charge and what he calls a campaign to “embarrass and distract” the government.
“I will fight this latest saga with all the legal might that I have,” he said. “It is politically motivated, timed to embarrass and distract. I will fight on — and I will win.”
