And when the PM whipped off from that quick press skirmish to another pressing engagement, it was in the trusty care of long time driver, Edwin Hill.
58 year old Hill's name has been in the news because he knocked down and killed cyclist Sherwin Leslie in an accident 10 days ago near Biscayne Village.
But, he hasn't been charged - which from our many years of experience reporting on such accidents - is unusual. We asked the Commissioner about it today and he flatly denied allegation of any kind of special treatment:
Jules Vasquez
"Sir, Edwin Hill, the Prime minister's driver. More than a week has elapsed. We're at nine days now. It seems unusually long, it's a straightforward case, why have no charges been announced?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"Based on the statements we have recorded from witnesses, it was not his fault, but, rather the cyclist swerving in his lane and he could not have avoided the accident due to oncoming traffic. And you should know Mr. Vasquez that in cases like these where it is revealed that the driver is not at fault, then the driver is not charged, the matter goes to the coroner's inquest."
Jules Vasquez
"Sir that is untrue, sir, that is untrue, I have to stop you. We know sir, everybody says the driver, the bicyclist swerved into the lane the man was walking on the road. Everybody says that and you proceed with charges and make them determine it at court, That's standard sir. This is special treatment."
Chester Williams
"I can give you several cases where people who have been involved in accidents of this nature were not charged. So it's not surprising to me that you would come with that. At the end of the day you may have your agenda as to what you're trying to push and trying to make it seem as if there is some degree of special treatment. but that is not the case."
"It is not something the police are going to make a determination on. We are putting the files together, the file will go to the DPP office and we'll be guided by the instructions coming out of the office where that matter is concerned."
We'll keep following the story.
