During the annual Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) conference of delegates, held in Belle Vue, Vieux Fort, on Sunday, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre delivered a forceful address, responding to criticism from the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) regarding his government’s handling of crime and national security.
In his speech, Pierre asserted that the SLP has provided more resources to tackle these issues than other governments. “I cannot recall any administration apart from a Labour Party administration that has provided the level of resources to address the issues of crime and security,” he stated.
Pierre outlined measures undertaken by his government to improve the country’s security infrastructure. “The construction of the Northern Divisional Police Headquarters is well underway, is to be completed on time, and at a cost of $35 million,” he noted adding, “Renovations to the Southern Divisional Police Headquarters, at $4.5 million, has been completed. [And] today, I signed for the furniture for the policemen in the Southern Police Headquarters.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted the investments made in police equipment. “We have increased the [police] fleet by 40 vehicles, along with 15 motorcycles, five ATVs, and four jet skis.”
On Tuesday, the government handed over three new vehicles to the police.
In addition, Pierre also recalled equipping the police with drones, dashboard cameras, and ballistic vests.
He emphasised that police officers are also receiving enhanced training, with some attending Monroe College to earn degrees.
He reassured citizens that national security remains a top priority for his government, declaring that the government is currently working in collaboration with civil society groups and providing financial support for crime suppression initiatives. “Rest assured, national security is at the forefront of government priorities,” he affirmed.
The Prime Minister also addressed the issue of overcrowding at the Owen King European Union (OKEU) Hospital, revealing that an expansion project is set to begin. “I want you to listen carefully, so that you can tell the world that your government, your government, will also commence the expansion of the OKEU hospital! We are going to build the fifth finger on the OKEU hospital, and we are going to build it with what? CIP (Citizenship by Investment Program) funds!” He announced.
In addition to hospital expansion, Pierre emphasised the administration’s investment in emergency services. “Last week we gave four brand new ambulances to the emergency services and very soon from now, we are going to give them another four so that they can do their work. We are investing over $10 million in the emergency services, and I want to thank them for their work, particularly the work that they did during COVID,” he said.
