by BARRY ALLEYNE
and KIRBY JACKSON

LAWYERS and the mother of the woman who accused St Vincent's Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of rape want to see the matter
in court.

"It is vital for the rule of law that the matter be tried in the court," attorney-at-law Kay Bacchus Browne said at a Press conference in Kingstown yesterday.

Also at that Press conference, June Andrews, the mother of the 36-year-old police woman who accused the Prime Minister of raping her on January 3 at the Prime Minister's official residence, revealed that she is in fact a staunch supporter of Dr Gonsalves' Unity Labour Party (ULP).

The woman said that she was in Canada when her daughter called her and related what allegedly happened. She said
that upon her return to St Vincent she met with the Commissioner of Police dealt with them.

"He told me I should get my daughter to calm down," she said, adding that the commissioner advised that her daughter take vacation leave, and even offered to send her on study leave.

Another attorney for the alleged victim, Nicole Sylvester, who is also the president of the country's Human Rights Association, said the director of public prosecutions had made a finding and brought it in the court of public opinion, rather than allowing justice to have its full course.

"This is the darkest day for rule of law in our country," Sylvester said.

The lawyers said that while the DPP had decided to discontinue the action against Gonsalves they intend to challenge his ruling.

The prime minister also held a news conference yesterday, his second in five days, again denying all accusations. He said
Director of Public Prosecutions Colin Williams had acted with fairness and judicial discretion.

"I am fully satisfied that all right-thinking persons at home and abroad are supportive of the DPP's fair and reasonable exercise of his constitutional authority and discretion."

Gonsalves said he had not been served with any statements or supporting evidential material.

St Vincent's Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace said while the prime minister was innocent until proven guilty, he should step aside until the matter was settled.

* Kirby Jackson is a reporter of The Searchlight newspaper of St Vincent.