Allen Chastanet
In an effort to combat crime, the Allen Chastanet-led government said it is mulling the creation of a National Defense Force and the restructuring of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).
Chastanet made this disclosure in a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, stating that his government’s goal is to create a safe, peaceful environment, where the rule of law prevails.
“We will explore the removal of the Special Services Unit (SSU) from the structure of the Police Force and transform it into a National Defence Force,” the prime minister said.
While admitting that such a Force is usually associated with addressing insurrection, Chastanet believes that there is a much wider mandate which it can fulfill, including response to natural and man-made disasters.
“It can also be a vehicle through which a programme of National Service can be instituted and contribute to introducing a culture of discipline in our society, promote community service and generate employment.”
At the same time, government also plans to re-invigorate and introduce the Cadet Corps to all secondary schools. This initiative will provide initial opportunities for screening potential Police and Defence Force recruits.
“Reforms to the prison system will include the construction of half-way houses which may also be utilied to explore the establishment of a farm labour programme,” he added.
Chastanet said his government wants to create an environment where persons can proceed with their daily lives confident in the ability and capacity of the state to protect them.
“…have confidence in the justice system to adjudicate fairly and consistently; where the causes and manifestations of crime are vigorously challenged; and where there is a total commitment to safeguarding the rights of the citizen.”
Following several murders on Sunday, Chastanet met with the police and the ministry responsible for social and family development, to discuss the issue and look at way of tackling crime from its root.
The prime minister said he was brought to tears as a result of the homicides over the weekend.
(10)
(3)