Over 5,000 for Maloney probe
by PHILLIPPE AIMEY
The Justice Committee announced yesterday that it has accumulated more than 5,000 signatures in support of its call for an independent investigation into the death of former I’Akobi Maloney.
Assisting the lobby group was Independent parliamentarian Hamilton Lashley who gathered more than 500 signatures from residents in The Pine and Wildey areas which he represents in the House of Assembly.
Lashley handed over the signatures following his arrival at Parliament yesterday to loud cheers from over 30 of the lobby group’s members who adorned him with ‘red, gold and green’ scarf, similar to the one he wore during the budget debate in July.
“I want people to know that this is not just names on paper,” Lashley said, “it has value that lends support to one of the most serious matters in the history of Barbados.
Profiling
“More signatures will be coming from my constituency as we know oh too well about the issue of profiling . . . and while we wait on the findings of the coroner, this is one case where justice must be served, and I will utilise every opportunity that Parliament grants me to raise awareness on this matter,” Lashley said.
Maloney’s family is questioning the circumstances of his death on June 17. Police have said that he jumped to his death over a cliff at Landlock, St Lucy, but family members are requesting an independent investigation.
Last week police handed over the file of their investigations to the coroner.
Head of the Justice Committee, KudosSage I, said the 5 000 signatures showed that “our concerns surrounding this case are shared with members of the wider public and it is greatly appreciated”.
“Our next step is to file the petition with the Attorney-General and the Prime Minister,” he said.
After receiving Lashley’s signatures, members of the Justice Committee filed into the Public Gallery of the House of Assembly following Lashley and were met by Leader of the Opposition, Mia Mottley.
Mottley spoke to Maloney’s mother Maggie Maloney who said afterwards, “Mr Lashley has also gone the extra mile and I appreciate it. Ms Mottley brought words of comfort to me this morning and I also give thanks.”
One member of the Justice Committee, who chose not to be identified, told the MIDWEEK NATION after Lashley’s presentation: “October 7, 1928, Haile Selassie was crowned King of Kings . . . October 7, 2008, we have broken that 5 000 mark to further push for justice.”
Tags: Haile Selassie, hamilton lashley, independent investigation, Justice Committee, Landlock, Leader of the Opposition, Maggie Maloney, Mia Mottley, parliament, petition, Ras KudosSage I, Rastafari profiling