WITH increased focus on upgrading the national security services to better combat the escalating crime situation in the country, Prime Minister Philip J Pierre disclosed that from next year, the Halls of Justice as well as a new Police Headquarters will be under construction.
Another major development will involve the transformation of the Ministry of National Security into a separate department with an administrative head and complementary staff.
The prime minster disclosed that next January, government will begin construction works on the Halls of Justice “for the men and women of the judiciary.” And the following year, construction work will commence on the Police Headquarters, in Castries.
Repairs will also be carried out on “every police station in this country,” said the prime minister.
“I have full confidence in the ability of the men and women of the Royal St Lucia Police Force,” said Pierre, despite the opposing rumblings and political diatribe.
“And I can expect that they will do their work, and I will demand that they do their work,” he added.
He continued, “I expect them not be caught in the side shows, and not to allow petty political differences to disturb their work …and when they fall short, do expect that I will pull them up. Because we are giving them the tools, and the resources and we are doing all we can to improve conditions of work for them”.
Added Pierre: “This government has spent more money on the law and enforcement agencies in two years than any government before.”
He urged members of the police force to strive to leave “a legacy” after their term of duty has ended.
The prime minister further disclosed that in the next budget, “we are going to have a Ministry of National Security” as the security forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs come under the same department.
“The Ministry of National Security will be taken away from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and it’s going to have a separate head for the Ministry of National Security, so that there can be no issues as to who is in charge of what expenses are incurred where and so on,” the National Security Minister explained.
He noted that government has purchased two more vehicles for the police.
“I feel a sense of vindication, because I hear the talk, I read the posts and listen to the talk shows …I hear the lies and the mis-information but I see no action,” he added.
“But our government is a government of action,” said Pierre, “And that is why we are going to finish St Jude Hospital.”
While he acknowledged the input of NIPRO in the construction works, he urged the contractor hired for the construction of the Gros Islet Police Headquarters to “do a good job. Your responsibility is to construct a building within costs and on time …and I hope that you can fulfill that responsibility for the people of Saint Lucia.”
Noting that the Halls of Justice will set the stage for the progress of a democratic and productive country, Pierre asserted: “We solemnly believe in the separation of powers and our actions show that …and in spite of all the misinformation that you may hear about the judiciary, all the frustrations and lies …stay focused and let’s get the job done.”