PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Raphael Boasman confirmed on Wednesday that Regina Labega was appointed the policy advisor for the Ministry of TEATT mainly the department of Economic Affairs. The Minister also made clear that Labega is a civil servant that has the right to re-enter the civil service.
Minister Boasman called on the media and the general public to remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. He said the investigation against Labega has been going on for the past six years and the damage that has done her might be worse than the verdict whenever it’s delivered. He also mentioned another case where the suspect was sentenced to one day in jail but the damage done to that person over the years can never be corrected. He said these persons (suspects) also have rights that have to be respected.
Minister Boasman also made clear that he has no intention to meddle or interfere with the judicial system but one must know exactly how long Labega has been waiting for the prosecution to complete its investigation.
He also stated that he expects the same type of question regarding the prison director who is also under investigation. The Minister of Justice said the law is clear when it comes to when civil servants can be suspended or not. He said if a civil servant was arrested and that also depends on the nature of the crime whether it is a criminal offense or misdemeanor. Boasman said so far he is still busy gathering the facts of the case and the nature of the investigation regarding the prison director. The Minister of Justice also said that the prison has his full attention and he is working towards addressing the issues at the Pointe Blanche prison.
Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and people should be treated as such --- Minister Boasman, Regina Labega policy advisor for TEATT.
