The following is a press release from the United Workers Party:
UNITED WORKERS PARTY
UNIT #10 COLONY HOUSE
JOHN COMPTON HIGHWAY
CASTRIES
The United Workers Party is calling on Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre to address the nation without delay following the public confirmation that Cabinet Minister Richard Frederick is the subject of an active police investigation.
On 2 July 2026, officers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force executed a search of Minister Frederick’s residence. Minister Frederick subsequently confirmed that his home was searched, that he was detained and questioned for several hours, and that investigators seized his cellular phone as part of the investigation. He further stated that he could not discuss the matter because the investigation is ongoing.
These are extraordinary developments involving one of the most senior members of the Government of Saint Lucia. They cannot be met with silence from the country’s political leadership.
The investigation must be allowed to proceed independently, professionally and without interference. Like every citizen, Minister Frederick is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process under the law. The United Workers Party will not speculate on matters that are properly the responsibility of the investigators
.
What is not a matter of speculation is that a sitting Cabinet Minister has publicly acknowledged that his home was searched, that he was detained and questioned by police, and that his cellular phone was seized as part of an active investigation. Those facts alone require a response from the Prime Minister.
The existence of an ongoing police investigation does not relieve the Prime Minister of his responsibility to account to the people of Saint Lucia. While the police determine the facts, the Prime Minister must determine whether the circumstances require political action.
The people of Saint Lucia deserve clear and unequivocal answers.
- Has the Prime Minister been formally briefed on this investigation?
- Does Richard Frederick continue to enjoy the Prime Minister’s full confidence?
- Will Minister Frederick continue to discharge the responsibilities of ministerial office while he is the subject of an active police investigation?
These are not questions for the Commissioner of Police. They are questions that only the Prime Minister can answer. The Office of the Prime Minister carries the ultimate responsibility for the conduct, credibility and accountability of the Cabinet. That responsibility cannot be deferred simply because a police investigation is underway.
The Prime Minister has a responsibility to lead. That responsibility requires more than silence. It requires a clear statement to the people of Saint Lucia on how his Government intends to respond to these extraordinary developments.
The United Workers Party therefore calls on the Prime Minister to address the nation without further delay. // END