Commissions of inquiry have long been the black sheep of our local social and political spheres. For many of them the costs have often proved to be exorbitant, and the recommendations either without teeth or lacking any follow through by the powers that be. In fact, they are often seen as tools to beat down political opponents into subjugation. Commissions of inquiries have had benefits which include the pursuit of justice and uncovering the truth, they are often led by separate and impartial figures. These figures are highly esteemed in their own right and have no clear affiliation to either the accused or the state or authority directing the investigation. Quite a few are public hearings, removing the veil of secrecy which often surrounds government machinations and building up public trust.
Recently, the special prosecutor appointment of Robert Innocent some nearly three years ago to investigate and prosecute crimes of misconduct by persons in public office has had many questioning the effectiveness and efficiency of such apparatus. The focus of his investigation, though widespread, was expected by many of the SLP faithful and hackalacks to be laser focused on alleged UWP grift and corruption. With no open cases announced so far is it too early to call it an exhibition in farce?
The hope remains that guilty parties will be ensnared by the special prosecutor to appease both those baying for blood and for those who seek justice and the erasure of corruption.
But should there be hope?
Inquiries into police shootings such as Shakadan Daniel and the police shootings of men in Vieux Fort during Operation Restore Confidence, ORC, which affirmed suspicious conduct on behalf of the law operators have continued to be proven to be less than fruitful. The case of the former continues to beat the family of the deceased down with each step illustrating how fleeting justice is even when it has been deemed that a wrong was done. Meanwhile the latter may be something few continue to remember as being adjudicated as a governmental failure as successive governments and police commissioners and Directors of public prosecution have failed to bring the matter to a head.
The two most recent commissions, one still just a call, delve into different issues. The first, the lack of adherence to maritime safety issues and security, came after the devastating news of an accident along the west coast sometime in July. Its horrific nature was encapsulated by the loss of many young and promising lives. The second, which has gathered steam and is supported by a plurality of the society, is focused on the limitations and inadequacies of a society to provide support for victims of domestic violence. Too often those matters are left to the discretion of the victim when psychology and the wider society are slowly becoming aware of the mental health (gaslighting, threats and manipulation) tactics often used. The parents, family and friends of Joy St. Omer have deigned to petition the Cabinet to ensure that the failures that fell upon them will escape another family.
With rumor, gossip and innuendo the norm in our society, with news and actual information a far second, what is our expected goal from these commissions? For the boating accident to ascertain the exact chain of events, responsibility, to determine whether safety precautions were followed in conjunction with examining the response times and sufficiency of police and marine units to the event. Additionally, preventative measures and recommendations to lessen the likelihood of similar events occurring is indeed a key aspect of what should unfold. In the case of Joy, the question lies as to whether there are systems in place that facilitate the failures and deficiencies of the police effort. Have many of these defects become ingrained within the fabric of policing that they will reoccur no matter how horrified we all were when we first heard the news. There needs to be substantial examination of the threat levels, protection given must go beyond mere restraining orders that lack teeth. There must also be a sense of urgency among cases that include DV {domestic violence} in order to ensure they are kept alive even if the case officer is on leave or otherwise.
And we must take a look within. Our attitudes to ascribe things as man and woman issues and not our concern may continue to fuel the lax attitudes of officers and other mandatory reporters.