AfriKa CRY BLOOD

To: All Media Houses

At their request, Opposition Leader Mia Mottley, Q.C., M.P., met with a delegation from the Rastafarian Community of Barbados at her Bridgetown Office earlier today to discuss a number of matters, including the inquest into the death of Ras I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney.

After discussions and after reviewing the preamble of the petition through which they are seeking justice, as regards the death of Ras I’Akobi and at the invitation of the delegation, Miss Mottley issues the following statement:

“While we know that there is the Coroner’s Inquest, we believe that the request for an “independent investigation” was a reasonable one that ought to have been entertained, especially since it will not prejudice the outcome one way or the other but merely seeks to ensure that there is fairness.

“The social fabric of our society will not benefit from an environment of doubt prevailing in this matter,” she added.

Miss Mia A. Mottley, Q.C., M.P.,
Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition

The Coroner’s Inquest into the death of I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney begins today in the Coroner’s Court, Roebuck Street, St Michael.

Maloney died June 17 at Landlock, St Lucy, where, police have stated, the former engineer jumped to his death. The police have denied they had any physical contact with him.

Since then there has been much concern from the public and Maloney’s family surrounding the circumstances of the former Barbados Exhibition winner’s death, with his family citing what they said were numerous inconsistencies in the police account of what happened on the day of the incident. (more…)

AT LEAST 25 witnesses will be called during the November 10 inquest into the death of I’Akobi Maloney.

Maloney’s death is one of two fatal incidents grabbing national attention that will be heard by the Coroner’s Court next month.

The other is the July 29, 2007 Joes River bus tragedy which will begin on November 17.

In Maloney’s case Coroner Faith Marshall-Harris is set to examine the deceased’s close relatives and his former co-workers at the Arawak Cement Plant and other witnesses deemed necessary by court as it probes the circumstances leading to the death. (more…)

A QUALITY BUILDING does not guarantee quality justice, says Independent Member of Parliament Hamilton Lashley.

Speaking yesterday during debate in the House of Assembly on a $10 million resolution to furnish the Halls of Justice building on Whitepark Road, The City, Lashley said this magnificent building should also reflect the quality of justice in this country.

He said in most cases, poor people got a bad deal in the justice system, with many accused and eventually convicted persons claiming to have been beaten by the police and forced to sign confession statements. (more…)

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Freundel Stuart says he will not do anything to undermine public confidence in the police force or the coroner.

He said he had “faith” in the Coroner’s Office which would begin its inquest into the death of I’Akobi Maloney on November 10.

Stuart, who was speaking during a $10 million resolution that would go towards some finishing touches for the Judicial Centre on Whitepark Road, made his position clear yesterday in the House of Assembly after the issue of the relationship between the police and the community was raised by the Member of Parliament for St Michael South-East, Hamilton Lashley. (more…)

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. (more…)

by Mr. Cummings (Secretary - Hamilton Lashley M.P.)

At an emancipation ceremony held on August 8, 2008, I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney was awarded posthumously as a positive role model for the youth and for his outstanding work in the country and community. Margaret Maloney, mother of I’Akobi, received the award on his behalf from Mr. Hamilton Lashley M.P.

Among those awarded for their emancipatory contributions to the Pan-Afrikan movement included David Comissiong, Buddy Larrier, Olutoye Walrond, Trevor Prescod and Elombe Mottley. Throughout the proceedings, high accolades were sent to the Justice Committee for the work it was pursuing.

Mr. Lashley said that he would further support the efforts of the Committee by soliciting signatures from his constituency for the petition. The ceremony at the Meadow Road Pavilion in Wildey, St. Michael was well attended and proved to be an impactful close of the 2008 Season of Emancipation.

by PCA (www.nationnews.com)

THE DEATH OF I’AKOBI TACUMA MALONEY was raised twice in the House of Parliament on Wednesday when the Budget Debate continued.

Concern came from both sides of the House, with Opposition MP Hamilton Lashley and Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Care, Patrick Todd, commenting on the death of the former Arawak Cement Plant engineer.

Lashley again wore a scarf with the Rastafari colours of red, gold and green in memory of Maloney and during his 30-minute address, said he was dedicating the three Budget days to the 23-year-old who he said “disappeared from life in mysterious circumstances”.

Police said Maloney jumped to his death (more…)

by Yvette Best (www.nationnews.com)

A SENIOR PARLIAMENTARIAN is calling for an inquiry into the death of 23-year-old I’Akobi Tacuma Maloney, who allegedly jumped off a cliff at Land Locks, near Cove Bay, St Lucy, two weeks ago.

Hamilton Lashley, Member of Parliament for St Michael South East, told the WEEKEND NATION he would be using all his powers as an MP to get to the bottom of the issue.

“I’m calling for an urgent investigation by the Commissioner of Police and I’m hoping the Attorney-General will use his office to investigate the death of this young man,” he stated. (more…)