St. Kitts and Nevis' Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. Dennis Merchant standing in front Barbara Kassab's.  Photo by Erasmus Williams

Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. Dennis

Merchant has given an assurance that a Commission of Inquiry into the

failure of an unusual number of Police Officers to report for duty during a

six week period immediately before the 30th September, 2006  must not be

seen or viewed negatively.

"It is hoped to provide assistance and guidance particularly at a stage of

our development as a nation, when we are expected to meet international

standards as a venue  for persons from all over the world," said the

Attorney General.

Mr. Merchant said the Commission of Inquiry which started Friday 8th

December "is not an enquiry to vilify or denigrate any one or any

institution," and respectfully urged the general public to allow the

exercise "to take its professional and legal course."

He said a report and recommendations will be expected in the very early part

of next year, 2007.

Mr. Merchant said the assignment is taking place at the Sir Lee Llewellyn

Moore Judicial and Legal Services Complex Building and very short.

The Commissioner is a Mr. Charles Blades, a Retired Deputy Commissioner of

the Barbados Police Force, with some 40 years experience.  Counsel to the

Commission is a Mr. Arudranauth Gossai who will be assisted periodically by

Miss Simone Bullen of Counsel.~~Adz:Right~~

The Attorney General announced that the Commission of Enquiry will not be

conducted in Public "as this enquiry touches and concerns issues of

confidentiality and national security" and is in accordance with the Law.

The absence from duty of a number of police officers affected the opening of

the New Law Term and the Independence Parade in both Nevis and St. Kitts.