Police continue probe into death threats against PM

The investigations into recent death threats allegedly made against Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves are going well, and police believe that if the investigations continue on the path they are going, they (the police) may soon get to the bottom of the situation.{{more}}

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT, Commissioner of Police Keith Miller said that he is not daunted by those who question the legitimacy of the investigation, saying that he will not be baited into conducting the investigation through public opinion. “We have a job to do and we know what we are dealing with,” COP Miller said.

Meanwhile Dr Gonsalves, in a recent press conference, restated his government’s commitment to the fight against drugs and money laundering.

“This government remains, and I personally remain unequivocally committed to the fight against drug trafficking and money laundering… no drug trafficker or money launderer will be permitted to use any threats against state officials.”

“No drug trafficker, no money launderer is more powerful than the state,” he also said.

He referred to the passing of the Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering Prevention Act in November of 2001, and the setting up of the Financial Intelligence Unit the following year, as evidence of this fight against drugs and its bed-fellow, money laundering.

He said that the state has “the legitimate monopoly on physical cohesion.”

Last week businessman Antonio “Que Pasa” Gellizeau, of Penniston, complained that he was detained, beaten, and threatened by police and accused of being part of an assassination plot against Dr Gonsalves.

During a press conference, Gellizeau and his Lawyer, Kay Bacchus Browne denied involvement in this alleged plot, saying that the accusation against him and the threats against his life were part of a general campaign to make his life a misery.

Several of Gellizeau’s assets, including land, vehicles, local and overseas bank accounts, were recently frozen following a court order acquired by the FIU.

Gellizeau claims that this FIU action, along with the police abuse he alleges to have suffered, had to do with his refusal to cooperate with police by giving evidence in an upcoming court matter involving radio host Elwardo Lynch.