The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has been strengthened with the addition of 96 newly trained officers following a passing-out parade and graduation ceremony for Course 39 at the Police Training Academy on January 29.
The recruits, who enlisted about eight months ago, completed rigorous physical conditioning and technical law enforcement training aimed at preparing them for operational duties across the Force. Their deployment is expected to enhance public safety services and boost Saint Lucia’s national security response.
Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, said the graduation aligns with the Government’s continued focus on reinforcing the country’s primary security institution through sustained resourcing and strategic investment.
“You are extremely important,” Prime Minister Pierre told the graduates. “I want every day in your life for you to understand how important you are to Saint Lucia and how important the police force is to Saint Lucia.” He added that the Government would continue to invest in the Force, while also expecting measurable results from those investments.
Commissioner of Police Verne Garde described the current security environment as a critical moment for the organisation, urging the new officers to rise to the challenge. While noting that the Force is not “declaring a war on criminals,” he stressed that “the amnesty is over,” and called on the recruits to help restore Saint Lucia to “the place that it should be.”
Minister for Crime Prevention and Conflict Resolution, Hon. Jeremiah Norbert, encouraged the graduates to serve with pride and professionalism, balancing firmness with a strong commitment to customer service. He reminded them that police officers operate under constant public scrutiny and are expected to uphold the highest standards.
The keynote address was delivered by Dylan Norbert-Inglis, Chief Executive Officer of the Regulated Substances Authority, who emphasized unity and responsibility among the graduates. “You are not just guardians of the legacy of the Royal Police Force,” he said. “You are literally guardians of Saint Lucia.”
The ceremony was attended by Governor General H.E. Sir Cyril Charles, senior RSLPF leadership, permanent secretaries, and other government officials. The newly graduated officers will now be deployed to communities across the island to serve and protect citizens and visitors alike.
 has been strengthened with the addition of 96 newly trained officers on January 29.){kind=link}