Despite the implementation of numerous measures to establish a Ranger’s Unit on the island, the recruitment phase has been a source of challenge, Luke Defraitas recently stated.
Defraites, who is the Acting Commissioner of Police reported that more than 70% of applicants in that process were female, and a significant number of males failed background checks.
The Acting Commissioner stated at the 3rd Quarterly Meeting of the Tourism Advisory Committee last week that the police recruitment process would have involved the majority of the males who completed the background check, along with the appropriate number of females. We desired a harmonious equilibrium between a male and female workforce, and the spill-off is nearly 90% female.
The initial proposal for the composition of the Unit was reviewed by the Commissioner of Police, and it contained only a request for vehicles. Defraitas stated that the Commissioner has requested that we include a complement of jet skis and possibly bicycles in the arrangement. He also mentioned that “a number of individuals have been contacted,” but he believes that in the future, a recruitment process should be advertised.
A spokesperson for the National Conservation Authority (NCA) clarified that “there are (three) separate functions, and I do not want us to become confused about that.” One is the recruitment process, as it is a special constable with arrest powers that is associated with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
“They will also provide assistance with deployment by examining the hotspots and the method of deploying the personnel to ensure that it is consistent with the situation on the ground.” The third component is the administrative aspect of management, which will be governed by NCA and may also be included in the deployment process, depending on the location at which they are required.
The Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) convened for its third quarterly meeting on Thursday, October 24th. Key governmental and non-governmental agencies were present at the meeting to provide the Ministry of Tourism with guidance on critical tourism-related issues.
Tourism Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire said that these TAC meetings are occurring at a critical juncture, as tourism is not only recovering but also exhibiting significant signs of success.