New Barracks for the Marine Police

Contact: Dana Augustin

Thursday, March 15, 2001 – The United States Military and police officers here are celebrating the completion of a major project on the island. The project, which started in January, involved the renovation of the Babonneau Community Centre and the construction of a two–storey Marine Police Barracks at the Vigie Cove. A ceremony was held early Thursday to mark the completion of the project.

Foreign Minister Honourable George Odlum described the project as timely, saying that the new barracks, which includes a kitchen, dining area and several sleeping areas, will improve conditions at the Coast Guard base.

"This project will undoubtedly relieve the cramped conditions which the men have endured and by extension improve morale and efficiency, which will in turn enhance their ability to perform at optimum potential," said Odlum.

Roland Bullen, US diplomatic representative to the OECS, was pleased with the work done on the two facilities. Bullen says that the United States has been a proud partner with the Government of Saint Lucia in this and many other programmes. Ties between the Caribbean and the United States, he says are the closest that they have been in years, particularly in drug interdiction.

He said: "Though there is still much work to be done in the months and years ahead to counter the scourge of narcotics trafficking we can justifiably point with pride to the shared role the US and the Government of Saint Lucia have played in addressing the drug flow through the Eastern Caribbean. In particular this new barrack facility will help the St. Lucia marine police continue to be an effective partner staffed and supported by proud Caribbean public servants."

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Search for 2001 Press Releases ] [Site Help]

© 2001 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.