On Friday, the opening of the Centralized Community Safety Center, previously known as the Custody Suites, marked a pivotal moment for the Saint Lucian community, especially for government authorities and law enforcement officers.
Speakers underscored the critical role of this newly built detention center in empowering police officers to perform their duties more effectively.
The facility is not merely a holding cell, it is purposefully designed for the correction and rehabilitation of offenders.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre expressed immense pride in this significant development, constructed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
“It is undoubtedly one of the most modern detention centers in the Caribbean,” he stated to the audience.
In 2023, a procurement plan was established for this structure.
The contract was awarded to the lowest bidder, IDC Caribbean Ltd., for a sum over EC$4 million.
Construction of the Community Safety Center commenced last September, showcasing timely project execution. The facility includes eight holding cells, prisoner intake rooms, an ID Parade area, an armory, detention areas, three interview rooms, four offices, two dormitories, a carport, and accessibility for differently-abled individuals.
PM Pierre emphasized that this detention center is a space for reflection, allowing offenders to reassess their actions and seek redemption.
The National Security Minister remarked that this facility is instrumental in addressing domestic violence and social disorders while reducing the economic burden on the nation resulting from criminal activities.
PM Pierre affirmed that the country has entered a new era of crime and national security, asserting that citizen safety is paramount to police operations. He announced the establishment of a new, fully staffed ministry to oversee police activities.
Commissioner of Police, Verne Garde surprised and entertained the audience with some ‘free-style’ reggae dance hall vibes at the start of his presentation.
Garde stressed the transformation in law enforcement from “penal servitude to correction” to effectively tackle the evolving landscape of crime and national security. This shift is crucial for mitigating criminal behaviors and illegal activities.
Highlighting government efforts to support the police, including the construction of a new Northern Police Headquarters, the refurbishment of police stations, and the provision of vehicles and equipment, the country’s top cop noted: “We embrace this modernized leadership and a scientific approach to managing a contemporary ministry.”
Richard Frederick, Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Castries, recalled the establishment of the Custody Suites in the early 2020s, addressing the significant challenges faced by police officers in detaining suspects. He affirmed that this new facility will greatly enhance police efficiency in combating rising criminal activity in the country.
Minister for Crime Prevention, Jeremiah Norbert, a dedicated former law enforcement officer with a decade of service, welcomed the reopening of the Custody Suites as a vital tool in the fight against crime.
He pointed out that he and Hon Frederick, both former police officers now serving in the cabinet, are committed to implementing major interventions to address the persistent crime issue plaguing the country. He identified the challenges police officers face in detaining suspects at large events, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting the holistic development of the Royal St Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Mashama Sealy declared that the new facility symbolizes a renewed commitment to justice, recognizing its critical importance in enabling effective police operations.