POLITICAL VIOLENCE ERUPTS AT ANSE BOILEAU

POLITICAL VIOLENCE ERUPTS AT ANSE BOILEAU

Jean Labiche, a resident of Anse Boileau was badly wounded in a knife attack which took place at Anse La Mouche on Wednesday, 2nd May, 2007, outside the Indian shop close to the Ice Plant. The knife came within centimetres of his heart. At the time of going to press Mr. Labiche was still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Victoria Hospital. According to eye witnesses Labiche was attacked by Michel Hoareau, a well known SPPF activist. Hoareau was detained overnight at the Anse Royal police station, but released the next day, Thursday, on bail pending further investigation in the incident. All the indications are that the attack was politically motivated.

This is a very serious incident one which all political stakeholders from all sides must make an effort to eradicate and prevent from happening again at all costs. Apparently certain police officers at Anse Boileau are not handling such matters without ‘fear or favour’. They are taking the side of might and power over fairness and justice. If the police are to maintain whatever little credibility they had going into this elections – they must be seen to be fair and just to all the parties involved in an incident. They must not take sides irrespective of the political colours of those involved. This is the least that could be expected from the people responsible for enforcing law and order in the country.