Prime Minister and Archbishop to Address the Nation on Tuesday

Contact: Roger Joseph

Monday, January 01, 2001 – Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, along with three members of his Cabinet of Ministers, met with officials of the Roman Catholic Church and top police officials today to discuss Sunday’s attack at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. 

The meeting was to advise the Church on the status of the investigation into the attack and to guarantee the assistance of the Government of Saint Lucia.  It was held at the Mount of Prayer in Coubaril.

The Prime Minister’s delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports, Honourable Mario Michel, Minister for Commerce, International Financial Services and Consumer Affairs, Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Minister for Legal Affairs, Home Affairs and Labour, Honourable Velon John, Commissioner of Police, Francis Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Albert Fregis and the Head of the Special Branch Unit of the Police Force Inspector Gabriel Harrow. 

His Grace, Archbishop Kelvin Felix and Monsignor Patrick Anthony represented the Catholic Church. 

In brief remarks after the meeting, the Prime Minister said the meeting was to determine how the church was dealing with the events of the day before, to apprise the Archbishop of the progress the police had been making in investigating the matter and to reassure the Catholic Church of the government’s commitment to assist in dealing with the aftermath of the attack.

Monsignor Patrick Anthony said he was happy to learn from the police that a second person had been apprehended in relation to the attack and was assisting police with the investigation.  Monsignor Anthony also called for more prayer, particularly for Father Charles Gaillard who is in a seriously critical condition as a result of the attack.   Father Gaillard is currently receiving medical attention in Martinique.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Search for 2001 Press Releases ] [Site Help]

© 2001 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.