Antigua (CMC):

Opposition Leader Lester Bird and six other members of the opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) have been charged, while a senior police officer has been suspended in the wake of an unauthorised Labour Day rally, National Security Minister Errol Cort has confirmed.

"I have been advised by acting Commis-sioner (Thomas) Bennett that charges have been laid against seven individuals who are alleged to have contravened the Public Order Act at the AT&LU's (Antigua Trades & Labour Union) planned rally on Labour Day. One of the seven individuals charged is the leader of the Antigua Labour Party, Lester Bird," Cort said late Wednesday.

No names given

The minister did not disclose the names of the others charged or the specific charges. However, offences under the Public Order Act, which governs public meetings and rallies, carry fines as high as EC$3,000 (US$1,112) and prison sentences as long as 12 months.

The assistant commissioner, whose name has not been disclosed, was sent home pending further investigations.

Cort said preliminary investigations suggest that the police who were on duty at the rally and who were acting under the directions of the assistant commissioner failed to take appropriate action in accordance with agreed plans and procedures.

"In addition, preliminary investigations also suggest that the said assistant commissioner of police disobeyed lawful instructions that had been given to him by his superiors," the minister said.