Thirty-one Saint Lucian police officers recently received advanced training from two Taiwanese instructors as the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) continues to bolster its crime-fighting capabilities.
Sixteen police officers participated in the Advanced Intelligence Course, while fifteen participated in the Advanced Crime Scene Course.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held on Friday afternoon, November 29, 2024, at Police Headquarters in Castries, H.E. Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, congratulated the outstanding officers from different units of the RSLPF on their successful completion of the courses. He also thanked Mr. Logan Kuo and Mr. Eric Huang from Taiwan’s National Police Agency for their impactful contribution, noting that they have made a good example in the history of Taiwan-Saint Lucia police cooperation that will lead to future training opportunities.
Ambassador Chen explained that during Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre’s visit to Taiwan in 2022, Hon. Pierre initiated the on-site training with higher effectiveness and efficiency. In line with Prime Minister Pierre’s initiative, Ambassador Chen said the on-site training workshops were carried out by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), in collaboration with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and Taiwan’s National Police Agency, aimed at empowering local police officers with modern techniques and ideas in crime investigation and intelligence management.
“Taiwan continues to support the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force in capacity building and providing equipment that will enhance the profession and bolster police presence,” said Ambassador Chen. “Therefore, today I am very happy to hand over an electric-powered bike, three body cameras and three water filter bottles to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. The donation not only demonstrates Taiwan’s commitment to assisting the law enforcement sector but also highlights the enduring partnership between Taiwan and Saint Lucia.”
Ambassador Chen commended Mr. Verne Garde, Acting Commissioner of Police, for his continued support and collaboration. He said he looked forward to working closely with Hon. Jeremiah Norbert, Minister for Crime Prevention, Commissioner Garde and his team.
“I am confident that the partnership we share will navigate us to a safer and happier livelihood in Saint Lucia,” Ambassador Chen stated.
Mr. Luke Defreitas, Assistant Commissioner of Police, praised the course participants for enduring weeks of training that demanded a deep understanding of advanced methodologies, critical thinking, adapting to new challenges, and collaborating effectively.
“These are the hallmarks of exceptional law enforcement professionals,” ACP Defreitas told the participants. “You have demonstrated your capacity to not just absorb knowledge, but to apply that knowledge in ways that will undoubtedly strengthen the safety and security of our community.”
ACP Defreitas urged the police officers to use the cutting-edge skills they would have learned in intelligence gathering and analysis and crime scene investigations to aid in restoring trust, delivering justice, respecting human rights, and upholding the values that bind society together.
ACP Defreitas thanked the Taiwan Embassy for its continued support of the RSLPF, adding that the training workshops will enable law enforcement to conduct their duties more efficiently and effectively.
“To His Excellency Peter Chen and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), we extend our deepest gratitude for your invaluable support in providing comprehensive training in these areas,” said ACP Defreitas. “This initiative has significantly enhanced our skills and ability to address critical challenges in law enforcement and public safety. The expertise, and resources, along with other tools and equipment shared during this journey, have certainly been instrumental in bolstering our team with advanced techniques and best practice.”
Ms. Diana Fanis, Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police, also expressed gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their unwavering commitment to supporting Saint Lucia’s security landscape. Last Friday’s ceremony, she noted, was symbolic of the enduring friendship and collaboration shared by Saint Lucia and Taiwan.
“Your dedication to enhancing the capabilities and capacity of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is both recognized and deeply appreciated. A special acknowledgement must be extended to the two facilitators who travelled from Taiwan to share their expertise. The knowledge and skills imparted to our officers during these courses will undoubtedly strengthen their ability to address challenges with precision and confidence.”
During the closing ceremony, course participants received certificates of completion, and tokens of appreciation were presented.