A Saint Lucian father’s disappearance has become the focus of regional concern, with CARICOM leaders facing questions over the case during the closing ceremony of the 51st Conference of Heads of Government on July 8.
The issue was raised by a reporter from Al Jazeera English, who questioned regional leaders about the disappearance of 35-year-old Ricky Joseph, who went missing during an incident reportedly linked to a United States counter-narcotics operation.
Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman Philip J. Pierre said his government remained concerned but had not received official information from United States authorities regarding Joseph’s disappearance.
“I’m very concerned about them, but all I can tell you, I can only tell you what I know,” Pierre said.
“And what I know is we have not got any information from the United States. That’s all I know. But I’m very concerned about them.”
The Prime Minister added that he shared the concerns of those seeking answers about the incident.
“I’m sure I’m more concerned about them than you,” he said.
The matter was raised in the wider context of regional concerns surrounding maritime operations, the use of force and the legal implications of actions taken during counter-narcotics missions.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said governments must act within the boundaries of the law when responding to such incidents.
“Whoever it is in these boats that are, the gunfire is going on, whatever is going, our legal advice has not been that they are murders,” Persad-Bissessar said. “And I can only act within the rule of law based on the legal advice that we have received.”
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley acknowledged the complexity of the issue, warning that disputes could emerge over how such operations are classified under international law.
“Let us also be clear that this is going to be a very acrimonious legal and geopolitical issue,” Mottley said.
“There will be disputes as to whether this is an act of war or this is within the normal confines of criminal law.”
Mottley said she had heard differing perspectives on the matter but stressed that military-style responses should not become the preferred approach.
“I’ve heard both sides of the story,” she said.
“Suffice it to say that we would rather not have this as a first option with respect to the containment of persons.”
Joseph’s disappearance has generated concern among family members and members of the public, while authorities continue to seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Regional leaders urged caution as investigations and diplomatic discussions continue, noting that conclusions should not be drawn before verified information becomes available.