21st August 2010
Allow Due Process

For the entire week the incident concerning an alleged rape by the police of a young woman has been literally the “talk of the town”. It seems that the case has already been tried and settled in the court of public opinion. Speculations by the majority of people commenting have already overridden the facts.
This incident has the potential to inflict serious damage not only on the reputation of the Royal St.Lucia Police Force but it may also prove to be another deterrent to young women victimized by abuse but who historically, because of the publicity connected with similar incidents, may be ashamed to come forward.
Due process of law should be emphasized by law makers. It is the only way to go forward in order to arrive to a just conclusion. Allow the individuals involved to have their day in court free from the influence of public interference.
It is true that in St.Lucia, freedom of speech is one of the rights enjoyed by citizens but with this right comes a certain level of responsibility.