PRESS RELEASE – After several recent strides in improving the justice system, including the appointment of a Director of Public Prosecution, the appointment of a new Attorney General and new Director of the Forensic Lab, the Government of Saint Lucia continues to work to bring about incremental improvements and changes in the overall performance of the Justice System.
Speaking at Tuesday’s session of the Upper House, Minister for Home Affairs Justice and National Security Senator Honourable Hermangild Francis elaborated on several arms of the justice system whose concerns are earmarked to receive attention.
The Minister pointed to the needs of the Police noting that they will receive a new fleet of vehicles. In addition, the law enforcers will receive a brand new Police Headquarters which will represent an upgrade from their present unacceptable working conditions.
“Promotions have been a sore point in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and as such we will be reviewing the process before any further promotions are made. Equipment will be sourced for the Police Force. Their fleet of vehicles is now over ten years old, the majority are not road worthy. I have had discussions with friendly countries to see how they can assist in this regard. We intend to commence a new police station at Gros Islet and a new Police Headquarters at the old Golden Hope Hospital Site at La Toc.”
Minister Francis went on to speak on the status of the Saint Lucia Fire Service. He disclosed that several recommendations stemming from a report by British consultants will be implemented with a view to modernizing the Fire Service and making its internal operations more efficient. The Minister also encouraged the Fire Service hierarchy to work towards reflecting greater gender balance as there are no females holding top management positions.
In concluding his statement Mr. Francis noted that mindful of the challenges and limitations encountered in maintaining law and order in the country, persons who work in the justice system must be thanked for their hard work including the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, the Bordelais Correctional Facility, Saint Lucia Fire Service and government ministries.
When Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Honourable Allen Chastanet spoke in the meeting of Parliament of last week Tuesday, August 8, 2016 he reiterated that Saint Lucia has a good Police Force who have been neglected and demoralised.
“We have a plan to work with the Police Force and the various arms of the Justice System to help ensure that they have the tools they need to do their job. Our police have been neglected for too long. I believe we have a good Police Force, hardworking cops who leave their families at home and come out to work, to make sure we are safe. There is no greater evidence of this loyalty than in the number of policemen and women that go to work every day in the absence of any insurance,” the island’s leader said.
Prime Minister Chastanet reiterated that Government is working with the various arms of the justice system to address the welfare of workers as well as to rid the country of crime and restore a safe and secure way of life for all citizens.