Statement by the family of the late Sergeant Philbert Chambers

Since the death of Sgt Chambers on 26th April 2020, we have been in constant contact with Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and held meetings with COP (Commissioner of Police) and senior ranking officers in August 2020.

In addition, discussions were also held with the chief investigating officer, the last of which was on Thursday, May 26 2021, about the course of the investigation, including some information/ theories and speculations that have been voiced within the public domain regarding the death of Sgt Chambers. 

Despite this, we refer to the previous statement of reassurance made by the COP, including the Minister of National security, Hon Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, of a fair and transparent investigation.

With this assurance, we continue to have a keen eye on the process of the investigation. We are well equipped and resourceful enough to make professional assessments and evaluations based on the evidence surrounding the death, having had members of the family who have served in the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, two of whom also served in the British Army. In addition to this, we also have a wide range of experts who stand ready to evaluate the documents and evidence that led to the death of Sgt Chambers and provide a further statement if needed.  

We also refer to a statement made by former Narcotic officer Cpl Chambers’ the deceased brother: “Let the evidence speak,” and this will be the guide as to what actions we will take.

As a family, we believe in the “Rule of Law,” and like any country’s citizens, we are dependent on the judicial system to provide clarity and transparency in such matters.

Nevertheless, we are also aware that such systems are not always perfect and have their flaws.
 
With this in mind, we stand ready to robustly challenge the system or anyone to ensure that there is no miscarriage of justice and that the actions or inaction of others do not taint the legacy of  Sgt Chambers.

 However, I hope that the public can appreciate that having not seen the evidence, that it will be inappropriate for us to cast any judgement as the investigation remains active. We are also mindful that Sgt Chambers was a brother, son, uncle, and public servant who has performed his duty without any fear or favours. [We] remain assured that the taxpayers of St Vincent and the Grenadines also stand ready to ensure that justice is being served.

However, we do not want to politicize this matter and see this as a bipartisan effort.  We, therefore, call on all the respective agencies: The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the leader of the opposition party, and the COP and DPP (The Director of Public Prosecutions) to double their effort in ensuring that due process is done and that justice is conducting expeditiously, while at the same time maintain the highest standard of investigation.

Finally, we continue to be touched by the unvarying support that we have received from members of the judicial system regarding the level of professionalism and competency that Sgt Chambers has performed during his course of duty.

We also remember some of the many accolades that the COP and others made: “that Sgt “did the work of ten men.” The family will hope that this work ethic reciprocates in the investigation.

More importantly, we were touched by the support and words of comfort and compliments from the citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines. Such comments have had a long-lasting impact on the family and have been part of the healing process.