‘Zero Political Interference Under My Watch’, Says Police Commissioner

Commissioner of Police Verne Garde is adamant that there is no political interference in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and has assured that the much-talked-about transfer of a police officer-entertainer had nothing to do with him performing at a meeting of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP).

At a press conference on Tuesday, Garde addressed allegations that he had been instructed to transfer Sergeant Calixte Xavier following his performance as calypsonian Kakal. Xavier received his transfer letter the day after his March 2 appearance on the UWP stage.

Minister for Crime Prevention Jeremiah Nobert refuted claims of political interference on Monday. Garde also denied receiving any directive that led to Xavier’s transfer. He clarified that the transfer was not politically motivated but rather a strategic decision to manage the RSLPF’s operational needs.

“There is absolutely zero political interference in the work of the police, especially under my charge. I have not been faced with any politician or someone involved in politics giving me any kind of interference whatsoever throughout my tenure in the organisation,” the police chief told reporters.

He went on to explain that in an attempt to address the “chronic” issue of accumulated vacation leave within the RSLPF, two sergeants from the Vieux Fort Police Station had to proceed on leave. Xavier was chosen as the most suitable officer to fill the gap created by their absence.

“This shift of Mr Xavier has absolutely nothing to do with Mr Xavier’s performance on a stage. Mr Xavier has performed in the past on many stages. The content of his lyrics is academic; we’ve heard it before. I’m not too sure what the hue and cry is in regards to this current position,” the police commissioner said.

“I find it very bizarre that a move that may have culminated in persons being given more responsibility would be looked at in the negative…. Transfer is a part of the job in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.”

Commissioner Garde also responded to claims that the action taken against two other officers in January may have been politically motivated. The two, Yann Gustave and Harvey Taliam, had become embroiled in heated exchanges on social media with Housing Minister Richard Frederick.

However, according to Garde, there was an “internal” report made against both officers, and there was a need for an investigation. As a result and “for good administration and management,” Gustave was advised to proceed on vacation, he said. Taliam was transferred from his substantive position at the Special Branch Unit to the Babonneau Police Station.

Garde did not disclose who made the reports against the policemen.

Asked whether he reported to Frederick, the police commissioner responded, “Absolutely not!”

He told reporters that he reports solely to the Minister of National Security, who is Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre.