Housing Minister and Castries Central MP Richard Frederick has sought to clear the air following widespread public speculation surrounding his brief interaction with police on Thursday, insisting he has “nothing to fear” and denying any wrongdoing.
Speaking on his Can I Help You programme on Thursday night, Frederick confirmed that police officers arrived at his residence earlier in the day and requested that he accompany them to the police station for questioning in connection with an ongoing police matter.
“I was greeted, sadly, by a barrage of police officers at my house this morning,” Frederick said. “I asked why. They told me. I cooperated with them. They did what they had to do and told me they needed to see me at the station. I accompanied them to the police station.”
The minister said that after learning of the allegations being investigated, he remained confident because he knew he had done nothing wrong.
“When I heard of the allegations, I knew in my heart of hearts… Richard has nothing to fear,” he stated.
Frederick declined to discuss the details of the matter, saying he did not want to compromise the ongoing police investigation.
“I don’t want to go into everything because obviously the police are conducting their investigations, and I don’t want in any way, shape or form to compromise the integrity of the investigations,” he said.
However, he strongly rejected any suggestion that he had crossed certain personal boundaries.
“What I do know is this man you see there, call me what you want, call me this, call me that, but there are certain things I don’t cross boundaries on – never and never will…. I have five daughters,” the minister said.
During the interview, host Albert Daniels noted that police had been investigating reports involving the minister. Frederick acknowledged this before reiterating his confidence in the investigative process.
“I feel good because one of the things you never want to do is interfere. Let the police do the investigations and let them be satisfied that they have conducted their investigation,” he said.
Frederick’s comments came after reports circulated on Thursday alleging that a senior government official had been taken into police custody. Earlier that day, Police Commissioner Verne Garde declined to confirm or deny whether a senior government official had been arrested, saying only that justice applies equally to every individual and that no one is above the law.
