The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) marked a significant enhancement to its operational capabilities with the introduction of a new Canine (K-9) unit.
The Handing Over Ceremony, held at Police Headquarters in Castries, celebrated the addition of a highly trained dog donated by the Gendarmerie.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Honourable Jeremiah Norbert, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Home Affairs, Crime Prevention, and Persons with Disabilities; His Excellency Francis Etienne, Ambassador of France to the OECS; and Mrs. Sarah Dupre-Cotter, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of National Security.
Senior law enforcement officials, including Commissioner of Police Crusita Descartes-Pelius, and other notable figures from various security and governmental agencies were also in attendance.
During the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Yannick Gache of Martinique, Commissioner Crusita Descartes-Pelius, Honourable Jeremiah Norbert, and His Excellency Francis Etienne addressed the attendees.
They emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation in the fight against crime, highlighting the receipt of the K-9 unit as a testament to the effectiveness of such collaborations.
Honourable Jeremiah Norbert and the senior command of the RSLPF were formally introduced to the new Canine (K-9), who demonstrated readiness and alertness.
This K-9 unit, trained extensively in interdiction, is expected to play a crucial role in recovering and seizing contraband, significantly boosting the RSLPF’s operational efficiency.
The RSLPF expressed profound gratitude to the “Commandements de la Gendarmerie” (COMGEND) and the Embassy of France to the OECS for their support. The addition of this highly skilled K-9 unit is anticipated to enhance the safety and security of communities across Saint Lucia.
Key Attendees
- Honourable Jeremiah Norbert, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Home Affairs, Crime Prevention, and Persons with Disabilities
- His Excellency Francis Etienne, Ambassador of France to the OECS
- Mrs. Sarah Dupre-Cotter, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of National Security
- Mr. Daasreane Greene, Director of Public Prosecutions
- Commissioner of Police Crusita Descartes-Pelius
- Miss Allison Joseph, Consul General of Saint Lucia to the French Antilles
- Mr. Daren Cenac, Director of Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA)
- Chief Fire Officer Mr. Ditney Downes
- Mr. Kosygin Fredrick, Assistant Controller-Enforcement, Customs and Excise Department
Remarks and Themes
- Lieutenant Colonel Yannick Gache: Emphasized the importance of regional cooperation.
- Commissioner Crusita Descartes-Pelius: Highlighted the operational benefits of the K-9 unit.
- Honourable Jeremiah Norbert: Stressed the significance of international collaboration in crime prevention.
- His Excellency Francis Etienne: Acknowledged the mutual understanding and support between the RSLPF and the Gendarmerie.
The ceremony underscored the critical role of collaborative efforts in enhancing law enforcement capabilities and ensuring public safety.
The RSLPF looks forward to integrating the new K-9 unit into its operations, confident in the positive impact this addition will have on their mission to protect and serve the communities of Saint Lucia.