St Lucia’s embattled housing minister quits

St. Lucia’s housing minister on Monday resigned from his Cabinet post shortly after disclosing that the U.S. State Department had revoked his diplomatic and visitor visas.

Housing and Physical Planning Minister Richard Frederick (pictured), announced in a late Sunday television address that he would be resigning from the Cabinet.

Prime Minister Stephenson King‘s personal assistant Egbert Andrew confirmed that Frederick formally stepped down on Monday.

Frederick, an attorney, said he was not informed why his U.S. visas were withdrawn, but he speculates the decision is tied to various allegations of money laundering and drug trafficking made against him by “political enemies.” He denies any wrongdoing.

U.S. officials declined all comment on the visa matter, citing privacy rules.

In leaked U.S. diplomatic cables, written by the U.S. Embassy in Barbados and recently released by Wikileaks, Frederick is portrayed as being “suspected of ties to money launderers and narcotraffickers.” He has never been charged with any such offenses on the island.

Three years ago, Frederick was arrested for alleged customs violations in connection with the importation of cars from the United States but he has never been prosecuted on the charges.

The controversy comes at a time when St. Lucia’s political parties are preparing for general elections which King says he will call before the end of the year. King is seeking his second consecutive five-year term as leader of the United Workers’ Party.

Frederick said that although he resigned from his Cabinet post to spare his colleagues and party “further distractions from the important work being done on behalf of the nation,” he intended to campaign for his seat in Parliament.