Suspend Officers, says Justice Body
by PCA (www.nationnews.com)
FULL SUSPENSION pending the outcome of an independent investigation.
That is what the newly-formed Justice Committee is requesting for those police officers who were present at the scene of I’Akobi Maloney’s death.
Maloney met his death at Cove Bay, Landlock, St Lucy on June 17.
In a statement released yesterday, the committee highlighted various demands regarding the investigation being carried out by the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF).
One demand was that the police (peace) officers “who were present at the scene at the time of the death of the late Ras Tacuma [Maloney] be immediately relieved of their duties [paid suspension] . . . since this is reasonable, procedurally fair and proactively preventing the obstruction of justice”.
Another demand was “an independent and transparent investigation be conducted by an unbiased team of regional or private investigators”.
Last week, police public relations officer, Station Sergeant Anthony Depeiza confirmed that investigations had already begun and were being conducted by a senior police officer.
Yesterday, president of the People’s Empowerment Party (PEP), David Comissiong, also called for an independent investigation into the death of Maloney.
“The PEP is calling upon Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin and Attorney-General Freundel Stuart to carry out an independent investigation… by bringing in police investigators from a jurisdiction outside of Barbados to take charge of the investigation,” the PEP said.
In a separate interview with the MIDWEEK NATION Comissiong suggested that Government bring in the investigators from either Trinidad or Jamaica which would best match the competence of our own force.
Up to press time, efforts to reach the Attorney-General or the Commissioner of Police for comment were unsuccessful.
Tags: Anthony Depeiza, Attorney-General, Commissioner of Police, David Comissiong, independent, investigation, investigator, Justice Committee, obstruction of justice, PEP, suspension, transparent
July 16th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I knew Tacuma personally and I hope that no one believes the lies that are told about him (like his depression). It really pains me because I think we have lost one of Barbados’ brightest stars. My heart goes out to the family and other loved ones. I will certainly miss him and I hope that justice is served in this discriminating crime.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
There are too many unanswered questions in the “official” account of what transpired at Cove Bay.
It is a stain, a bloodstain on the fabric of this country that an intelligent, progressive youth’s life could be snuffed out with scarcely a ripple in mainstream society.
Where are the outraged editorials? Whre are the calls from Government, apart from Hammie-La and Todd?
This must not and will not quietly drift into the dusty annals of yesterday’s news.
A shining Rasta prince has been taken.
Africans cry blood!
July 17th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I did not know Maloney and all I know of this case is what I read. But this incident disturbs me because it’s yet another case of a citizen dying in an interaction with the Police. Maloney has now joined a long list of such unfortunate persons. And as Adonijah said, there will be no editorial outcries nor questions from the political and religious elite in our country.
The customary inquiry will be held and I have no doubt we will get the usual exoneration of those accountable. Indeed I’d be happy if anyone can cite for me one instance in which an officer of the state has been convicted in any of these cases. It is sad, but ours is a society in which the rights of the poor and underprivileged can be trampled, while the elite gets away with murder.
July 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I fear that this case will be forgotten too soon. I surely hope that those persons with the means to keep it alive do so until the truth is finally told!