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

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…)