St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia coast guard interceptors pass each other near Castries, St. Lucia, during training as part of Tradewinds 2013 May 28, 2013. Tradewinds is a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed, U.S. Southern Command-sponsored joint/combined annual exercise designed to improve cooperation and interoperability of partner nations in responding to regional security threats. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Seeber/Released)
Although Saint Lucia has been excluded from various United States (US) military training, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is making an effort to get its members trained by several other means.
Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Milton Desir has said that while the US training meant a lot for the Force, they are trying to get as much as possible done to ensure that officers remain up to date with new information.
“The training and assistance we receive from the United States went a long way especially as it relates to the Marine Unit, since the cost of maintenance at that unit is extremely high,” he explained.
However, Desir said the RSLPF has had some assistance from the French government and has been conducting their own training through the local police academy.
“We have certified instructors who also provide training to officers. Some of these instructors train persons in other Caribbean islands who put together training programmes.”
Meanwhile, Police Chief Severin Moncherry admits that the Force will not be able replace the training they received in the past from the US, especially for the Marine Unit.
“Notwithstanding that, we are trying our best to ensure that we keep up to the times in terms of training… we are still missing the training of the US,” he stated.
Nevertheless, Moncherry who has been on the job for five months, said he is satisfied with the performance of the organisation under his leadership and looks forward to greater success.
He said, “I hoping that we can continue to do a lot more than what we are doing to recover more fire arms…drugs are being taken off the streets and most of the major crimes have been decreased with the exception of homicides.”
The police chief also noted that there has been a huge reduction in violent rapes.
“I still think there is a lot to be done and there is room for improvement,” he added.
Saint Lucia was excluded from the 2016 “Tradewinds” military exercise which was held in Grenada.
In 2013, the United States suspended assistance to the RSLPF as a result of allegations of serious human rights violations which occurred between 2010 and 2011.
The allegations included claims of extra-judicial police slayings which was investigated. The matter is still pending advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.
(1)
(0)