Cpl Aniel Innocent, press officer with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. * Photo: Voice newspaper
An appreciative group of residents from the community of Micoud gathered on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 to participate in the first ‘Meet the Commissioner’ activity of the year.
The event, hosted by the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) as part of efforts to strengthen community relations, kicked off in Micoud to very positive reviews.
The RSLPF has noted publicly that given such positive feedback and demand for such forums in 2013, it was decided that the initiative would remain a fixture on the commissioner’s calendar of activities.
Police Press Officer Corporal Aniel Innocent explained that the initiative which was developed in 2013, has been well received from its inception.
“Meet the Commissioner” town hall meetings were supposed to be held on a quarterly basis but because of the many requests, five meetings were held last year and they were all successful,” Innocent said.
During the activity, the Micoud police added a special gesture of philanthropy by presenting 12 families with hampers, hence elevating the event from a discussion forum, to one which includes demonstrations of concern for the well-being of the community particularly, the disadvantaged.
In underscoring their concerns to the police commissioner, residents of Micoud highlighted slow police response times, among other concerns. The commissioner in his response assured residents that the relevant heads within the force are seeking to address this existing challenge. He noted however, that the amount of resources needed to adequately serve a community the size of Micoud is substantial albeit in an environment of limited resources.
Present at the event which took place at the Micoud Secondary School were Parliamentary Representative for Micoud North Dr.Gale Rigobert; Parliamentary Representative for Micoud South Arsene James, Officer in Charge of the Southern Division ASP George Nicholas and Inspector in Charge of the Micoud Police Station Gibson Chitolie.
The town hall meeting was organised by WPC Sylvina Augustin and officers from the Micoud Police Station. The event came to a close with a praise and worship ceremony.
Also in attendance was the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band which played several musical renditions.
The next “Meet the Commissioner” town hall meeting will take place in March at Laborie. A date will be announced later.