In a significant enhancement of national security capabilities, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has formally integrated 96 newly graduated officers into its ranks. The ceremonial passing out parade for Course 39 recruits took place on Thursday, January 29, marking the culmination of an intensive 29-week training program.
The cohort, comprising 82 police officers and 14 port police specialists, underwent rigorous preparation at the Royal Police Academy. Their comprehensive curriculum included physical conditioning, academic coursework, discipline reinforcement, and multiple competency examinations designed to ensure operational readiness.
The graduation ceremony attracted senior law enforcement leadership, government representatives, and proud family members who witnessed the formal transition of recruits into serving officers. Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Mashama Sealy delivered a keynote address emphasizing the core values of the force, stating: “We do not wear the badge to be seen. We wear it to serve.”
During proceedings, Inspector Alyshus Joseph, Commandant of the Royal Police Academy, identified infrastructure limitations as a pressing concern, advocating for immediate facility upgrades to maintain training standards.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre responded with concrete commitments, confirming pre-allocated funding for academy renovations following budget finalization. “All resources that are fiscally possible will be injected into the Saint Lucia Police Force,” the Prime Minister declared, while simultaneously establishing accountability expectations: “From those resources, I will be requesting results.” The government’s dual approach combines substantial investment in law enforcement capabilities with clear performance metrics aimed at enhancing public safety outcomes.