“This country is run by regulations,” Pierre said.

He urged consideration of the legal definition and purpose of a Commission of Inquiry, saying this was central to the Government’s decision-making process.
“You look at the definition of a commission of inquiry. Look at the definition of commission of inquiry and you'll find out why the Cabinet has to be very careful in taking that decision,” the Prime Minister said.

Pierre said Cabinet had sought a formal legal opinion specifically on whether establishing a Commission of Inquiry at this stage could affect the criminal matter.

“What we've sought, we've sought a legal opinion as to when someone has been charged for a crime, whether commission of inquiry will not compromise that situation,” he said.  The Prime Minister did not indicate when the advice would be received, explaining that the lawyers involved must conduct the necessary research before providing their opinion.

“You can't tell the lawyers time,” Pierre said. “The lawyers, they have to research.”

Pierre said the Government had not imposed a specific deadline on the lawyers but had asked them to complete the work as quickly as possible.
“You must have heard Kenny Anthony make a point about how laws go into, you must have heard that news, something to do with the British Parliament,” he said.
“So we haven't given them no time, but we ask them to be as quick as possible because you know it's a bullying issue.”

The St. Omer family has been calling for greater scrutiny of aspects of Saint Lucia’s justice system following Joy St. Omer’s death, with the proposed Commission of Inquiry intended to examine broader issues surrounding the administration of justice.