Do police need ‘go ahead’ in priest rape case

THE EDITOR: I have had so many conversations both in person and on the telephone, that I know I am not the only person seriously concerned about recent developments in our system of justice. The newspapers reported that a Government Minister instructs a police officer in Tobago to withdraw a prosecution. Another report in a newspaper last Friday reports that a priest is alleged to have raped a woman.

The report goes on to state that a doctor had confirmed that the woman was raped and that the police have taken statements from her and from the priest and that a statement is awaited from the Roman Catholic Archbishop before the matter can “go ahead.” Do the police now need the Archbishop’s imprimatur before they can “go ahead”? Would somebody please enlighten the public?

JUSTICE P L U CROSS (Retired)