Saint Lucia’s first female Commissioner of Police, Cruscita Descartes-Pelius, was appointed in 2022 (although in an ‘Acting’ capacity), nearly 200 years after the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) was formed, with the RSLPF being established in 1834.
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, in October of 2022, announced that Descartes-Pelius would take the fore, saying that her training and 34 years of service had readied her for the position, at a time when the region was facing a number of security threats, especially gun violence. (The latter continues to be a nagging issue).
Descartes-Pelius enlisted in the Force in 1988, attaining the rank of Sergeant in 2001 and Superintendent of Police in 2015.
Prior to her appointment as Police Commissioner, she served as the Assistant Commissioner of Police responsible for Corporate Services and Strategic Operations.
She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Studies from The University of the West Indies.
So yes, Descartes-Pelius was suitably qualified – at least on paper.
Her appointment ushered in all sorts of possibilities, and to be fair, the Police Commissioner who retires tomorrow, did try to effect change.
She’d taken on a number of initiatives and not only walked the walk, but talked the talk.
But despite Descartes-Pelius claiming she meant business, and that “we will take a stance against this lawlessness”, some individuals did not subscribe to this.
Descartes-Pelius, on the surface at least, might come across as timorous, after all.
Would this Police Commissioner actually convince criminals and law-abiding citizens that she was the woman for the job?
Social media sites like Facebook suggested this much and a number of local radio programmes captured this.
Individuals would express their hesitation and concern via talk shows and it would also be reflected in everyday conversations.
But despite facing severe criticism and her fair share of trials, Descartes-Pelius served fervently.
Reflecting on her accomplishments this week, the Commissioner who was reinstated in 2023, said when she returned to the helm of the RSLPF, part of her mandate was “to provide training for senior officers and to cultivate strong leadership for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.”
“I’ve always aimed to make leaders out of the men and women I’ve served with and I believe I’ve accomplished that,” she said.
Yes, Descartes-Pelius is standing tall.
As for whether she wants to extend her contract if given the opportunity, the Police Commissioner merely stated “I wish not to comment on this right now.”
But whether she returns or not, we wish this COP the very best. And like many, we await the news on who’s next and more importantly are curious to see whether this COP will perform efficiently or even surpass expectations.
One thing is sure, however, it is a “historic time for women,” like Prime Minister Pierre said.
Despite being undermined frequently, many women have gone on to excel in their fields.
But whether the Top COP is male or female, we’re all in!