The Marine Unit marked a successful Tiller day on Friday, July 29, 2022.
This year again saw the hosting of a special ceremony which was attended by the Commissioner of Police Mr. Milton Desir and Minister for Home Affairs Honourable Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte. The exercise took place under the auspices of Commander of the Marine Unit Superintendent Kentry Fredrick. Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary in the Department of Home Affairs Dr. Elizabeth Bailey among other senior officials, and members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
The minister noted that she appreciated the opportunity to visit the officers in the environment in which they worked as this is closely related to their motivation levels and productivity on the job.
Police Commissioner Milton Desir commended their officers for their consistently high work ethics and reliability while Hon. Albert-Poyotte noted that improvements to working conditions as well as the return of training and along with the support of Minister for National Security the Prime Minister Honourable Philip J. Pierre, all of which augur well for a bright future where the Marine Unit is concerned.
Tiller Day is celebrated every last Friday of the month of July since 1994. This day is significant on the calendar for the marine officers because it was on 17th of July, 1994 that full command of the Marine Unit was handed over to Saint Lucian commanders by the Royal Navy Officers.
Since then this period is reserved for the recognition of the contribution and hard work of the Marine Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
After words of encouragement from the officials came the awards segment which saw several officers being recognized in categories such as long service and acts of courage and bravery.