The police have turned down a request for a “Black Lives Matter” rally to be held in St. Lucia today.

St. Lucia’s Acting Police Commissioner, Milton Desir on Wednesday said no to the request by the Goodwill Ambassador, Taj Weekes – who was helping to facilitate the rally.

The Acting Police Commissioner, pointed to the Emergency Powers Disasters COVID-19 Order, which places restrictions on social activities.

But Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is supporting the planned rally.

In a Facebook post yesterday the Prime Minister said he had discussions with all sides, which have clearly articulated their respective positions.

The Prime Minister said while he fully appreciates the concerns about security, health and safety, especially while the country remains under a State of Emergency, it is his view that St. Lucia must show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Prime Minister Chastanet said he has requested that all parties concerned pursue every possibility, which would permit the Black Lives Matter activity to go on without contravening the established protocols.

However, he said the final decision is the responsibility of the relevant authorities.

Before the rejection by the Commissioner, BLM St. Lucia organiser, Aaron Alexander said the planned event was hoping to welcome everyone.

Opposition leader Phillip J. Pierre supports the demonstration.

The advocacy group Black Lives Matter, St. Lucia, says the peaceful protest was planned as a show of solidarity with those against police violence and racial injustice,

Demonstrations triggered by the police killing of African American, George Floyd have spread throughout the US and parts of the world.

A St. Lucian national, Botham Jean was shot and killed at his Texas home in 2018.