In an exposé on Radio Station Klass FM on Tuesday 1st August, 2023, Attorney at Law Devin Hodge, presented an overview on the matter pertaining to the May 23rd incident between the Honourable Quincia Gumbs Marie and civilian, Mr. Leon Lake.
Ever since the incident took place, people in the community have been eager to know what action, if any, would be taken and what decision would be made, particularly as it pertains to the conduct of the Minister.
The incident took place at a local restaurant on May 23rd when an altercation between the Minister and Mr. Lake ensued, with the Minister being recorded on video uttering threats to Mr. Lake.
Attorney Hodge, who represents Mr. Lake in the matter, said he had appeared on the radio to apprise the public of his position on the matter, of which no substantial decision was taken, though the incident occurred some two months ago.
Referring to the law, Mr. Hodge said he was refuting the stance taken by the Commissioner of Police who stated that he has turned over the files to the Office of the Attorney General.
“There has been some speculation within the public domain as to the current status of Leon’s matter, Attorney Hodge said. “Leon as the client has instructed that he wishes for there to be some clarity with regard to the process that has been undertaken so far. He thought it is important that information should be shared so that those persons who have expressed concerns as to the state of affairs are not kept in the dark.”
Hodge noted that when Mr. Lake was arrested on the day of the incident, when he appeared at the police station and saw him in the presence of police officers, it occurred to him that there was a lack of impartiality because there was not a corresponding arrest on the other perpetrator of a wrong.
“Upon Mr. Lake’s discharge,” he said, “there was no charge made against him. It was indicated to me as his council that he would be discharged pending further investigation.”
“What stands out to me,” the Attorney said, “is that we are now two months removed from the incident, and Mister Lake, who happens to be a complainant in the matter, having made a complaint to the Royal Anguilla Police Force relative to the matter, has not received any meaningful update given to him by any person representing the Royal Anguilla Police Force…”
“What I can tell you,” Mr. Hodge said, “is that as his Council, I have written to the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Robert Clark, and the indications from Mr. Clark are unconvincing as it relates to the conduct of this matter. The first indication was that the investigation is on-going. That was followed by an email where Mr. Clark indicated to me that the file had been presented to the Attorney General for consideration.”
He said that after he received that email he had sent Mr. Clark another email, imploring him not to allow his discretion as the Commissioner of Police to be fettered in any way, meaning that he must not allow anyone to cause him to delay or obstruct his decision, if that at all is taking place.
Mr. Hodge said that the current Law in Anguilla sets out the powers of the Police with regard to charging decisions. The law also specifies any obligation that the Commissioner of Police has to obtain the consent of the Attorney General of Anguilla. He said that all this can be found in the Criminal Code of Anguilla.
