By Caribbean News Global 
CASTRIES, St Lucia – Minister for Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy and Minister for Justice and National Security, Philip J. Pierre, continues to litigate his administration’s policy to equip the Royal St Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) with the necessary equipment, financial and human capital to carry out full functions of law and order, defend against human trafficking in persons, illegal drugs, money laundering and the criminal underworld.
To complement this, 16 percent drop in crime was reported between January 1 and September 24, 2025. Seven of eight categories record downward trends: Burglaries: ↓ 40%; Robberies: ↓ 29%; Narcotics Offences: ↓ 14%; Motor Vehicle Thefts: ↓ 36%; Stealing from the Person: ↓ 1%; Sexual Offences: ↓ 26%; Murders: ↓ from 58 to 57.
Citizen security remains a top priority
“Citizen security has always been a top priority for this government, especially as we confront the regional challenges impacting the illegal trade in firearms and narcotics trafficking,” prime minister Pierre continued. “From the construction and renovation of police headquarters to the purchase of new vehicles and ambulances, the restoration of the police training vote, intelligence training, the use of technology in crime fighting and the recruitment of new officers, we continue to strengthen our protective services and safeguard our communities.”
Other initiatives that form part of the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Saint Lucians include the construction of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) Northern Divisional Headquarters, now in its final stages.
“Once completed,” said the prime minister, “ this modern facility will stand among the most secure and technologically advanced police complexes in the Caribbean, built to the highest standards of safety, functionality, and climate resilience.”
Beyond this flagship project, the government of Saint Lucia continues to make significant investments in strengthening citizen security and improving law enforcement infrastructure across the island:
- $35 million construction of the Northern Divisional Police Headquarters;
- $4.5 million renovation of the Southern Divisional Police Headquarters;
- $4.5 million rebuilding of the Custody Suites;
- $3.7 million construction of the new Drug Squad Headquarters at La Toc;
- Relocation of the Immigration Department to a modern, fully functional facility;
- Deployment of a Mobile Police Station in Castries City to enhance visibility and response time;
- Relocation and upgrade of the Anse La Raye Police Station;
- Construction of the West Coast Fire Sub-Station.
9th France – St Lucia joint security commission strengthens bilateral security ties
The recently concluded 9th Franco–Saint Lucia Joint Security Commission held in Saint Lucia, the prime minister said, “reaffirmed the strong partnership between Saint Lucia and France, particularly through enhanced collaboration with Martinique to combat drug and arms trafficking, improve maritime security, and strengthen judicial and customs cooperation.”
Among the major outcomes:
Deepening cooperation between security forces in the fight against drug trafficking through intelligence sharing and joint training initiatives. To support this, a Saint Lucian police officer will be assigned to the Consulate General of Saint Lucia in Fort-de-France in early 2026:
- Combat cross-border crime more effectively by enhancing exchanges between judicial authorities, particularly in matters of extradition and the seizure of criminal assets;
- Strengthen maritime security by coordinating the radar detection systems of both countries;
- Enhance cooperation between the customs departments, particularly in the inspection of suspect vessels;
- Fully implement the 2006 bilateral agreement on the readmission of persons in irregular situations, while taking humanitarian considerations into account, particularly for hospitalised patients.
Despite unresolved issues, in particular, immigration and the inconclusive cause of death of K9 Officer 642, Tyson, the French government has a duty to protect and defend its border with Saint Lucia. A marine distance of approximately 20 miles / 33km.
“Under this framework, enforcement ships and aircraft, with the authorisation of the other party, will be permitted to enter territorial seas, internal waters, and airspace to conduct surveillance or pursuit operations against suspect vessels and aircraft. This agreement underscores the mutual trust and shared determination of both countries to confront drug and arms trafficking, threats that pose serious risks to the security and stability of their territories.”
The Global Magnitsky Act
Prime Minister Pierre has had his fair share of detractors while pounding the issue of citizens’ security and supporting the RSLPF with the necessary tools. In Murphy’s Law: What can go wrong, will go wrong. The magnitude of the challenge facing Saint Lucia is not only that of legality, law and order, but also fiscal and moral imperatives.
While a re-read of CNG’s article – The Global Magnitsky Act: Working on the next wave, is desirable for review, the United Workers Party (UWP) and the RSLPF, by their own making, owe it to themselves in the making of a reputation of lesser integrity, respect, and (policy) governance.
Aspects of ORC / IMPACS, the non-resolution of the Leahy Law, and the lack of modern policing operational capabilities render the RSLPF a dinosaur.
The assurance framework
With an eye on this, prime minister Pierre has asserted that, “We can restore the safety and stability of our country,” and by extension, the RSLPF. Commissioner of Police, Verne Garde, has already disclosed a crime strategy, he announced. And, following the signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement in September 2025 with the Police Welfare Association, the government of Saint Lucia committed to delivering ballistic vests within six months.
The task of crime prevention is the aim of strengthening situational awareness, developing a safety approach, a better informed policy-making and policing, based on regulation.
“To date, we have invested $3.1 million in the purchase of ballistic vests and begun the distribution and proper fitting of vests for officers across the island. While global supply chain delays have affected the final shipment, the remaining vests are now en route to Saint Lucia. Our officers deserve protection as they serve and protect our citizens, and under this government, that promise is being fulfilled,” said prime minister Pierre.
Maintaining an understanding of developments in modern policing, security, and criminology is critical to mitigating the growing threats to citizen security. In the coming months, a significant impact on operational efficiency and effectiveness is expected to be realised. These include technology investments for which formal funding decisions are progressing.
A range of products, concepts and tools designed to be better used in time, along with communication, is finding opportunities to monitor and potentially disrupt criminal networks.
An increased understanding of AI products, especially Generative AI (GenAI), and an up-to-date understanding of AI products are already accelerating to assist in identifying various types of criminal activities.
Recruitment, understanding relationships and knowledge of the landscape help inform the underlying principles of a strategic engagement model.
“This will help to engage governance structures, operational efficiency, and methods to address citizen security,” said a security expert attached to the government of Saint Lucia.
Assuring the delivery of innovative, affordable and capable solutions in law enforcement and citizen security must satisfy operational needs.
As part of this, an effective and efficient law enforcement unit needs to up its game over time. And on major subject matters and investigations, delivering key points, trends, gaps and resources, including detailed evidence gathered, is necessary to assist experts across national security departments.
The value proposition is intended for a modern delivery of policing services, focused on core areas, as well as to complement vertical necessities of law enforcement.
Prime Minister Pierre has an assurance framework with partners and expertise to de-risk the criminal trend and to safeguard citizen security in Saint Lucia.
“ Many anticipate these reinforcements will reset Saint Lucia’s citizen security.”
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