Laviest will not resign,
holding talks with DP
~ Declares his innocence, cautions against rush to judgement ~
COLE BAY--Commissioner Louie Laveist is not planning to resign as a member of the Island Council. He also says he is still a fully fledged member of the Executive Council and he plans to discuss this and his future support for the Democratic Party (DP) with party leader Sarah Wescot-Williams.
In a press conference at his lawyer’s office Tuesday morning, Laveist read a prepared statement which he said was based on the premise that “every man, woman and child is innocent until proven otherwise.”
It was the first time he had spoken to the press since he was released from pre-trial detention last week Thursday. Laveist was arrested on October 22 on suspicion of forgery and probably will face trial on forgery charges early next year.
Regarding his position as Commissioner, Laveist said that in principle he had no problem with the fact that his portfolios had already been re-distributed. “At this stage of the investigation, my position would have been the same.”
However, he said he had no intention of making a premature decision, as this would be a rush to judgement. He said he was still a “fully fledged member” of the Executive Council and had no intention of resigning as a Commissioner. “As a Commissioner I have made my position clear and the discussions (with the DP party) will continue in days to come.”
Regarding his position as an Island Council member, Laveist said: “I have been duly elected by the people. For anyone to ask me to resign that position as a member of the Island Council in particular at this stage of the investigation is not only a rush to judgement, but also taking the position of prosecutor, judge and jury.
“To be clear: I will not resign as a member of the Island Council. To do so, again, at this stage would mean self-condemnation.”
Wescot-Williams said last week it was DP policy that any member under investigation must resign as Commissioner and Island Council member. Laveist said in reaction that while that was the party’s position, his independent position as an Island Council member was somewhat different to that of the party.
Laveist could not give a definite answer on the question of whether he was still supporting the DP party. He said he was still discussing the situation with the party and it would be too premature at this stage to make an announcement about his support for the party. In addition, he would not comment on whether he had contacted National Alliance (NA).
Asked about his feelings concerning support received from his colleagues, he said: “They could have their reasons why they were lacking in getting through to my family to express concern or at least support. Today is for me, tomorrow is for you.” He said the most important support a person needed was from God.
“I want to thank all the people out there praying for me, the godly people. I want to thank my family and supporters. And to those who raised their red flag in joy at my detention, I say to you, ‘I forgive you. I hold no malice against you. I leave that to the Almighty God.’ ‘Vengeance is mine,’ said the Lord.”
Regarding his communication with Wescot-Williams last week Tuesday, Laveist said that at that time, based on his situation, he hadn’t been able to evaluate anything because he had had no access to anyone except his lawyer and had not known the situation and what motivated the investigation.
He believed the DP leader had been “very forthcoming” and “clear.” After being released, which Laveist said he had been confident would happen soon, “I was able to evaluate so much more and put more meat on the bone, and now it all is becoming clear to me, finding out how it all came about. I have a totally different perspective now. I just want the process to take its course.”
Finally, he said he was not bitter, upset or angry with the Justice system. “I just ask that I be treated fairly, that’s all.”
He intends to remain fully cooperative with the Prosecutor’s Office investigation. “I respect the job of the Prosecutor’s Office, but I also declare my innocence. I’m determined to fight and defend myself against this investigation and with God on the throne, I will be vindicated and I declare through Him that no weapon formed against me shall prosper.”
