Will someone call out Dr. Kenny Anthony’s Hypocrisy and Deceit Regarding the Politicization of IMPACS

In a recent media interview, Dr. Kenny Anthony has come under intense scrutiny for his deceptive and misleading statements regarding the IMPACS issue, attempting to absolve himself of any wrongdoing in the management of this highly controversial matter.

Dr. Anthony conveniently seems to have forgotten that during his tenure as Opposition leader in 2010/2011, he made several accusations about then Prime Minister Stephenson King and alleged extrajudicial killings, thus initiating the politicization of “Operation Restore Confidence” (ORC).

It was Dr. Anthony’s allegations against Stephenson King, Richard Frederick, and the police officers involved in “ORC” that prompted the introduction of police officers from the Jamaican Constabulary Force to investigate the alleged extrajudicial killings, ultimately leading to what is now widely recognized as the IMPACS report.

Upon receiving the IMPACS report, Dr. Anthony, while serving as Prime Minister, continued to politicize the issue by selectively reading excerpts of the report that he deemed politically advantageous for his Saint Lucia Labour Party.

Contrary to Dr. Anthony’s claims that the former Allen Chastanet-led Administration did little to address the IMPACS fallout, the UWP Administration took decisive steps to support the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force in continuing investigations related to alleged extrajudicial killings that occurred between 2010 and 2011.

This support was substantial enough that the United States of America, which had suspended support to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force in 2013, resumed providing assistance in June 2021.

In a July 2021 update to the nation, the Director of Prosecutions provided a comprehensive overview of these allegations. He revealed that he had advised the Commissioner of Police that there was insufficient evidence for charges against the concerned officers in 5 of those shootings.

The DPP also disclosed that, regarding the deaths of REGINALD JEAN, DWIGHT HENRY, KEVIN FERDINAND, ROSARIUS MARQUIS, JOHN BAPTISTE MACFARLANE, MITCHELL CADETTE, and ALLEN LOUISY, he had advised the Commissioner of Police to explore further lines of inquiry. Consequently, the investigations into these cases remain active, and the DPP pledged to provide updates in due course.

Dr. Anthony’s attempt to mislead the public and his continued politicization of this highly controversial issue, which has brought pain and embarrassment to Saint Lucia, will not be ignored. He must also acknowledge the allegations he made against Stephenson King and Richard Frederick, who are now both members of a Labour Government and referenced in the IMPACS report. Saint Lucians deserved the accountability and transparency that they were promised.