Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has weighed in on the recent brawl on the streets of Kingstown between a police officer and a civilian.
The incident occurred between officer Delroy Willaims and 25-year Ashieka Lyttle, not more than a minute walk from the Central Police Station in Kingstown.
Gonsalves speaking on radio, Tuesday 14th, August said he can’t comment on the case at hand since he does not know what steps would be taken by the police high command, but he can speak generally about the matter of policing.
He said police officers have to ensure in their interactions with the public that they don’t lose their temper or lose it too quickly, and by extension having restraint in the exercise of their duty.
“You have to be measured, you have to be prudent, and yet firm, this is why an officer goes through a period of training, and further training on the job, as well as ongoing training”.
Gonsalves said the government has made it part of their policy to send officers for training overseas.
The national security minister further stated that the police surely can’t go about in manner taking the law into their own hands.
“I am not commenting on the particular matter Gonsalves said, I am speaking in general terms”.
However, Gonsalves said at the same time when officers meet with harden criminals they are under no obligation to recite the Beatitudes.
The Beatitudes are eight blessings recounted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. Each is a proverb-like proclamation, without narrative.
The 25-year-old woman has accused a police officer of repeatedly slapping her on Saturday 11th August in capital city Kingstown; she was slapped with three charges.
8th October, 2018 is the date set for trial.