After brutal Wednesday attack

THE RIGHT Reverend Kelvin Felix, the Archbishop of Castries, shrugged aside the assassination attempt on his life on Wednesday night to lead his parishioners through the streets of the capital of St Lucia yesterday as the world celebrated Good Friday.

“Everything went well today,” assured Monsignor Patrick Anthony who has the responsibility of dealing with the media.

According to Monsignor Anthony, “the Archbishop was not physically harmed so he was able to move about. He was there at the start of the procession at four o’clock this morning and was there at the end to pray up at Calvary.”

Monsignor Anthony told Newsday, “the Archbishop thanked all those who prayed for him and wished him well after the attack. The outpouring came from both international and local. During his sermon, he called for everyone to unite against this evil. He was there again at mass at three o’clock.”

Monsignor Anthony said the Archbishop will attend to all Easter services. The police escorted the parishioners along the journey. Asked about the suspect who is in police custody, Monsignor Anthony was unable to say more. All he knew was that the 26-year-old suspect was detained, but this being a long holiday weekend, nothing would happen until work resumes on Tuesday.

The attack on the Archbishop took place around 7.45 pm on Wednesday. He was speaking with a parishioner outside the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Castries when someone approached him from behind and locked his neck.

Using a knife, the assailant slashed the Archbishop’s throat and ran away. However, Archbishop Felix’s throat was spared. The assailant sliced off the Roman Collar which Felix was wearing. Traumatised but not hurt, the Archbishop was taken to the main hospital in the capital to ensure that he was not injured. He was later released and he returned to the presbytery.

The police responded and after investigations, arrested a 26-year-old suspect who lives in a depressed area outside the capital.

Monsignor Anthony issued a press statement yesterday in which he said the attack on the Archbishop sent shock waves throughout the community, as this was not the first time members of the Catholic faith have been a target of violence.

He reminded many of the December 31, 2000 attack when two men stormed the Cathedral in Castries during a service and committed a barbaric act which resulted in the deaths of Sister Teresa Egan, 72, and Father Charles Gaillard.

“The time has come for all of us nationals to join forces to end the state of lawlessness and criminal activity on our once peaceful “Helen of the West.” This is the time for zero tolerance. It is with this objective in mind that a group of concerned citizens have met with the Catholic Church to initiate and plan a series of national dialogues to address lawlessness and crime,” he added.