Investigation around Laveist
reaching large proportion
PHILIPSBURG--The scope of the investigation that for now seems to concentrate around foundations with which Commissioner Louie Laveist has been involved is reaching large proportions.
Matters pertaining to issuance of licences and permits such as work permits that fall under Laveist’s political responsibility have been put under a magnifying glass by investigators.
The number of people questioned is considerable and information reaching The Daily Herald indicates that detectives have already questioned at least 15 people in the case. Businessman W.I. was detained for a day in the Pointe Blanche prison and questioned by Federal Detectives assisted by Marechaussees two weeks ago. The Commissioner’s assistant L.A. and former assistant S.C. were also questioned.
Three Immigration officials working at Princess Juliana International Airport and at least 10 other businessmen, most of them originating from India, also have been questioned.
Prosecutor Dikran Sarian stated that the investigation had not focused on any particular commissioner and had been going on since the arrests of police officers Marcel Loor, Derrick Holiday and Alfred Marsdin. The investigation also involves the civil apparatus and anyone can be called at any moment to answer questions investigators may have, Sarian said.
In an invited comment published in the Saturday edition of this newspaper, Laveist said he hoped the investigators would call on him to give explanations for any question they might have. He was disgusted with the fact that, due to the number of people being questioned in the investigation, cultural projects to the benefit of the people of St. Maarten were running the risk of being stalled or even never being completed, for lack of funding.
