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Prime Minister King gives thumbs up to police during budget address

Contact:  Rose Marie Harris

Wednesday 20 April 2011 –  Saint Lucia’s law enforcement officers have come in for high praise and gratitude from the island’s prime minister during his budget presentation last week.

The prime minister said that there are  several challenges in attempts to restore law and order to the island’s communities.

Mr. King explained that police officers put themselves and their families at risk  when executing their duties.  Many have received threats on their lives and the lives of their families, but they persist in the conviction that what they are doing is the right thing and is in the interest of fair Helen.  The nation owes them a huge debt of gratitude, he said.

In addition to the operational activities of the police, government’s social programmes are an integral part of the strategy to reduce criminal activity and build safer communities. Amongst the programmes aimed at strengthening security, the prime minister announced   the following:

 

Ø     An increase the number of police Constables by thirty (30), taking thetotal to six hundred and ninety-six (696). Sixteen of those Constables will be assigned to the operationalization of the Coastal Surveillance System soon to be completed, while fourteen will be used to strengthen the complement of officers at the Rodney Bay police station.

Ø     Re-establishing the dedicated Special Police Reserve Unit comprising 50

Ø     persons at an annual cost of EC$582,489.

Ø     Procure Police Vehicles in the amount of EC$300,000.

Ø     Procure Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to satisfy phases 1

Ø     and 2 of that project, at a cost of EC$1.4 million.

Ø     Install a CCTV System at a cost of EC$3 million.

Ø     Replace and procure vessels for which EC$540,000 has been allocated.

Ø     Purchase mobile Police Units at a cost of $255,000.

During this new session of Parliament, government’s strategy is to continue, and to accelerate the implementation a six-point plan that is expected to continue to show positive results.

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