Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says he will wait for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to finish its investigation into allegations of misconduct against Housing Minister Richard Frederick before making any decisions about his future.
Frederick is currently on leave while police investigate allegations of misconduct related to unverified photos shared on social media. So far, police have not announced any charges, and the investigation is ongoing.
At Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, Pierre made it clear that he would not be pressured into commenting on the matter before investigators complete their work.
“I’m making no statement on the Richard Frederick issue because the police are continuing their investigations, and I’m making absolutely no statement on it at this point in time,” he said.
“I am awaiting the police investigation. When the police have investigated, when the police have come to a conclusion, the Prime Minister will take a decision on the future of Minister Richard Frederick in the Cabinet of Saint Lucia.”
The Prime Minister said that public comments and speculation will not affect how he handles the situation.
“No amount of slander, no amount of talk shows, no amount of memes, no amount of Facebook posting will make me make any statement in public on Richard Frederick until the police have completed their investigation.”
Pierre also reiterated his personal stance against violence or abuse directed at women.
“I do not condone any abuse against women, no abuse! My history will tell you that… I have nothing to hide as far as my respect for women is concerned.”
While not making any decisions about Frederick yet, Pierre said steps have been taken to make sure government work continues as usual during the minister’s absence.
“The action I’ve taken is that the minister has asked to be on leave. I’ve given his portfolios to other people so the business of government continues… The people of the country will not suffer because the minister is on leave.”
He said other ministers had been assigned responsibility for the affected portfolios to ensure there is no disruption to services provided by Frederick’s ministry, which includes local government and urban renewal.
“I am awaiting the conclusion of the police investigation,” Pierre said. “This is the first order of business. When I get the police investigation, whatever happens will have to happen, but I’m not rushing to judgment.
“I’m not interfering in the police investigation. I’m not a Prime Minister who tells the police what to do as far as investigations are concerned.”
When asked about similar cases with other public officials, Pierre mentioned the dismissal of former senator Ubaldus Raymond, saying action was only taken after formal charges were made.
“When he was charged, I would take action… As soon as he was charged, I dismissed him.”
The Prime Minister ended by saying this situation has become a major issue, so investigators should finish their work before any political decisions are made.
“Right now, this one has been turned into a major situation. So I will allow the police investigation to continue.”
