The 9th Franco-Saint Lucia Joint Security Commission commenced on September 30 with an opening ceremony at the Financial Administrative Centre in Castries. The two-day event brought together high-ranking officials from Saint Lucia and France’s overseas territories to deliberate on enhancing border security and judicial collaboration. Key attendees included Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Martinique Prefect Etienne Desplanques, Attorney General of the Court of Appeal of Martinique Patrice Camberou, and Saint Lucia’s Attorney General Leslie Mondesir, alongside other security and ministry representatives from both nations. The first day’s agenda centered on security and trafficking, operational cooperation, and mutual support initiatives. Discussions reviewed radar surveillance systems, border protection measures, and challenges in deportation and immigration procedures. Authorities also addressed improving coordination between Saint Lucia and French border forces, particularly in preventing the re-entry of ‘undesirable Saint Lucians’ to Martinique and facilitating the handover of deportees sought by Saint Lucian police. The second day focused on judicial cooperation, led by French officials, covering letters rogatory, the handling of stolen goods, and criminal assets. A joint technical committee on security matters was also established. During the opening ceremony, Mondesir highlighted that this meeting builds on the 8th session held in Martinique in December 2022, which developed a strategic action plan including training, joint operational actions, and judicial cooperation. Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged progress since the last meeting but noted ongoing challenges in communications, deportations, and disaster response. He also referenced the death of K-9 Tyson, a police dog crucial in anti-narcotics missions, and expressed hope for additional K-9 donations from France. Pierre urged stronger resolve against organized criminal networks, emphasizing the need to use all legal methods to eliminate threats to security and peace.