FULL SUSPENSION pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

That is what the newly-formed Justice Committee is requesting for those police officers who were present at the scene of I'Akobi Maloney's death.

Maloney met his death at Cove Bay, Landloc, St Lucy on June 17.

In a statement released yesterday, the committee highlighted various demands regarding the investigation being carried out by the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF).

One demand was that the police (peace) officers "who were present at the scene at the time of the death of the late Ras Tacuma [Maloney] be immediately relieved of their duties [paid suspension] . . . since this is reasonable, procedurally fair and proactively preventing the obstruction of justice".

Another demand was "an independent and transparent investigation be conducted by an unbiased team of regional or private investigators".

Last week, police public relations officer, Station Sergeant Anthony Depeiza confirmed that investigations had already begun and were being conducted by a senior police officer.

Yesterday, president of the People's Empowerment Party (PEP), David Comissiong, also called for an independent investigation into the death of Maloney.

"The PEP is calling upon Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin and Attorney-General Freundel Stuart to carry out an independent investigation . . . by bringing in police investigators from a jurisdiction outside of Barbados to take charge of the investigation," the PEP said.

In a separate interview with the MIDWEEK NATION Comissiong suggested that Government bring in the investigators from either Trinidad or Jamaica which would best match the competence of our own force.

Up to press time, efforts to reach the Attorney-General or the Commissioner of Police for comment were unsuccessful. (PCA)