Bernard is New Police Commissioner

Contact: Office of the Prime Minister

Thursday, March 01, 2001 - The selection of an appropriate candidate to replace outgoing Police Commissioner, Francis Nelson, has generated tremendous interest and anticipation. This reflects the deep concern among St. Lucians about the general welfare of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and in particular, the issue of its leadership.

Five candidates applied for the position of Commissioner:

Assistant Commissioner — Hermangild Francis

Assistant Commissioner — Peter Cherry

Former Assistant Commissioner — Brian Bernard

Former Superintendent of Police — Martin Carasco

Superintendent of Police — Moses Charles.

All candidates were invited to attend an interview on 15^th February 2001, (Superintendent Charles did not attend the interview as he was out of State).

The candidates were assessed on the following criteria:

 

Knowledge of the job

Required skills

Work experience

Physical characteristics

Personality Characteristics

Academic Qualifications

The interview Panel unanimously concluded that given the need of the police force during this reform stage and the prerequisites of the post, former Assistant Commissioner of Police Brian Bernard was best suited for the post, at this time.

Mr. Bernard’s appointment will initially be on an acting basis and for a fixed period of two years. During that time he will be expected to provide firm leadership and enthusiastic support for the reform process, which is designed to produce a new police service based on fairness, accountability and efficiency.

The reform activities to date have revealed that for a successful transition from a demoralized and ill disciplined force to an efficient and professional service to take place, the quality of leadership in the Police Force must undergo a radical change. The Government of Saint Lucia has, therefore, secured the assistance of the British and Canadian Governments to provide in-depth and long-term training in senior management and modem leadership skills for the most talented senior officers of the force.

Over the next two years these officers will travel overseas for such training so that a pool of well qualified officers, familiar with the principles of modern police management will be available from which a successor to Mr. Bernard can be identified.

The Government of Saint Lucia takes this opportunity to place on record its profound thanks and appreciation to retired Commissioner Francis Nelson for his dedication to the job and commitment to the reform process. Government remains hopeful that a person of Mr. Nelson’s caliber and achievement will remain available to enrich the life of our Saint Lucian community, in other fields of endeavour.

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