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PM Says The PUP Should Launch Private Prosecution For Penner
posted (February 17, 2014)
One week - that's how long the opposition gave the Commissioner of Police Allen Whylie to respond to an appeal that he commence an investigation of criminal wrongdoing against area representative for Cayo Northeast Elvin Penner. Well, that one week expired today and the PUP's Legal Advisor Anthony Sylvestre confirmed to us today that the Commissioner has not replied.

Sylvestre says that on Wednesday the PUP will go ahead and apply to the Supreme Court for a writ of mandamus which would compel the commissioner to act.

Speaking with the Prime Minister today he said the decision on what to do is solely for the Commissioner:...

Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"That's a matter for the commissioner of police."

Marion Ali, reporter
"Sir, people have been saying in some sectors that the commissioner has been intimidated."

Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"Then you talk to the commissioner about that. I don't know that the commissioner is a man to be intimidated and if he is I don't know by who. But speak to him."

Jules Vasquez
"The case has been made out by senior counsel Edwin Flowers - is it at all in your opinion compelling? Does it have merits?"

Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister
"I don't think so and I think furthermore that proof positive that this is political grandstanding is had when you refer to the fact that the PUP, the Opposition is able to mount a private persecution you know. If they feel so strongly if there is evidence to justify a persecution, lodge a private persecution. That's perfectly in order. It's their entitlement. The DPP could if that is done intervene is she thinks that it is without merits. But that's most unlikely, given the comments that I hear attributed to the DPP. So why don't they just proceed with a private persecution."

The Commissioner did not return our requests for comment.

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