The Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) hosted a ceremony yesterday, September 4 to re-commission its Central Police Station on Bridge Street, Castries which was closed about three years ago due to mould infestation and other problems.
Speaking at the ceremony, Police Commissioner Vernon Francois said the rehabilitation was made possible through collaborative efforts of the RSLPF and corporate St. Lucia.
“We are celebrating the determination of officers and the tremendous support of corporate St. Lucia,” Francois said. “I am extremely proud of the officers’ move on this project. They could have simply said it is the responsibility of the government, but with considerable cooperate support they decided that we are the government and we should make our contribution.”
Acting Superintendent Emmanuel Joseph said officers formed a committee called the Central Development Committee to oversee the refurbishment of the abandoned building, which was used decades ago by the Traffic Department and most recently by Central Station.
“Our emphasis on this particular undertaking stems from our understanding of its historical significance both to law enforcement and to the general public,” Joseph said.
Deputy Commissioner Errol Alexander told the gathering that the restoration of the building represents a major step towards fulfilling the policing needs in Castries.
“This marks the RSLPF’s commitment towards providing a professional policing service and also marks a chapter in the Force’s history, which will serve as a model as to what can be achieved when goals and objectives are persistently pursued in spite of criticism, opinions and discouragement,” Alexander said.
Minister of Home Affairs and National Security Victor Phillip La Corbiniere also lauded the initiative.
“I am especially heartened and I feel gratified that the police are working in this direction, it sends a very positive spirit for the RSLPF. It also sends a very positive spirit to the community at large, so they can see that the police really have the interest of the country and crime-fighting and security at the top of their list,” La Corbiniere.
Sponsors for the reconstruction of the police station included: RG Group of Companies, M&C Home Depot, Precision Surveillance, among several others.
Plaques of appreciation were presented to the sponsors for their contribution followed by the official ribbon-cutting to commission the building.