As we reflect on the difficult events of the last year for a person and/or organisation deserving of the prestigious title of 2024 ‘Person of the Year,’ one individual and one organisation made our list: Olympian Julien Alfred and The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).
Alfred’s world-renowned sporting achievements are well-known and do not need to be repeated here. The huge impact on Saint Lucia and its global stature speaks for themselves.
The title of ‘Person of the Year’, however, goes to one institution that has stood out as a symbol of resilience, loyalty, and unflinching service: The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF). As a result, with great admiration and respect, we confer this distinction on the RSLPF, recognising their remarkable achievements in upholding law and order, building community relations, and ensuring our island nation’s well-being in 2024.
The men and women wearing the distinctive white and black uniforms have been steadfast guardians of public safety. Some of us may disagree, but things in the country could have turned out far worse if members of the force had not been vigilant. In the face of tremendous obstacles, such as public health crises and rising crime rates, the majority of the force’s members have demonstrated extraordinary bravery and professionalism. Their prompt and coordinated responses in creating checkpoints and conducting joint expeditions throughout the island to capture firearms, narcotics, and criminals have averted potential disasters and restored a sense of peace and stability to our communities.
Beyond its duty in executing the law, the RSLPF has worked to bridge gaps through community policing and has made tremendous strides in building the relationship between law enforcement and the population. For example, during a news conference in January 2024, the RSLPF announced that it had developed strategic agreements with several community groups on the island. Members of the police force continue to foster trust, mutual respect, and collaboration between officers and residents through these and other innovative community policing initiatives, such as the introduction of the 555 police hotline – a direct line to the police that allows the public to report acts of criminality. On some occasions, officers attempted to empower residents to play an active role in crime prevention and community building. They have targeted youth through the Prince Trust Project, which is one of other youth-based programmes aimed at increasing youth participation in crime prevention.
The force demonstrated the real spirit of public service by distributing vital supplies and assisting in the reconstruction of vulnerable people’s houses, as well as providing emotional support to those afflicted by crime. Their acts have reinforced the idea that policing is more than just enforcing laws; it is also about caring for the community and preserving human dignity.
The RSLPF’s leadership has been invaluable in managing the challenges of modern policing. The leadership has embraced technology, data-driven tactics, and best practices around the world.
The RSLPF just launched a new data management system to ensure that data is accessible throughout the force. The system will be able to collect crime-related information, traffic data, and human resource information.
“From your device, from your desktop, you can access all criminal data on the island of Saint Lucia, whether it happens at a police station, or it’s at the Bordelais Facility, or wherever else it may be. Once it’s crime-related, it’s going to be accessible from your desk. And so, by concentrating all police activities, all law enforcement, and all criminal activities in one area, we can now collaborate, we can share, we can all work against the same concepts, so we can realise a better law enforcement environment within the country,” said Paul Ernest, the data system management developer.
The force has changed throughout time to satisfy our society’s changing needs. The force takes a proactive approach to countering new threats including cybercrime and human trafficking. It has established Saint Lucia as a model for competent and progressive law enforcement in the Caribbean.
Some RSLPF members participated in programmes aimed at combating human trafficking. The United States Embassy and the Florida National Guard collaborated with them on a programme titled “Human and Drug Trafficking Interdiction Subject Matter Expert Exchange.”
Law enforcement officers learnt the skills and procedures needed to quickly identify human trafficking victims, provide support to survivors, and put an end to traffickers’ impunity.
Last year 30 members of the RSLPF completed a four-day Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency training programme sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia to:
– Provide a foundational understanding of cryptocurrencies and their operational mechanisms.
– Explore the legal and regulatory frameworks governing cryptocurrencies.
– Delve into the nuances of the dark web and how it interfaces with cryptocurrency transactions.
– Equip participants with practical investigative skills to trace and analyze cryptocurrency transactions involved in criminal activities.
– Stimulate critical thinking through group discussions, scenario-based exercises, and hands-on investigation sessions.
Perhaps most importantly, the RSLPF has motivated a new generation of Saint Lucians to serve their country with dignity and honesty. The force has instilled a sense of civic duty and public service in the island’s schools through educational outreach, cadet programmes, and partnerships.
The RSLPF’s commitment to mentorship and professional growth has ensured its legacy of excellence in policing will last for years.
In 2024, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force demonstrated courage, compassion, and commitment. Its members’ efforts to safeguard and serve our island nation over the last year have earned them the title of ‘Person of the Year’. As we celebrate their accomplishments, let us also express our gratitude to each force member for their steadfast commitment to the people of Saint Lucia and for continuing to protect and serve throughout 2025.