Minister for National Security, Hermangild Francis, has laid to rest any fears that there is strife or unease between the Ministry of Home Affairs, the current political directorate and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Severin Monchery.
It was reported by local television stations and social media that the Police Commissioner was on the brink of proceeding on extended leave ranging between 80 to 200 days.
Francis remarked that ironically the Commissioner is earmarked to accompany him on work- related meetings overseas.
He explained: “The Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary and myself are due to travel to Trinidad from October 12-13 to attend the Defense Ministers of the Americas Conference so that puts spade to the allegation that the Commissioner is to proceed on leave. I have never asked the Commissioner to take leave; it is not within my jurisdiction to give the Commissioner any leave. If something like that were to happen, I am sure the Public Service Commission through my Permanent Secretary would have informed me.”
The Minister underscored that only two weeks ago the Commissioner had accompanied him to Haiti, again on professional engagements. Nevertheless, he says, like any other public servant, the Commissioner of Police is entitled to vacation leave.
The Commissioner of Police is a veteran of over thirty years’ service of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).