标签： Saint Lucia

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre conducted a site visit to the Halls of Justice Project on Thursday, November 20, to assess the construction progress as the December 1 election approaches. The project, a flagship initiative of the current administration, is being developed under a Build Own Lease Transfer (BOLT) agreement between the Government of Saint Lucia and Themis LTD, a subsidiary of NH International. With a fixed project cost of EC$143 million, Themis LTD is fully financing the construction, including office furniture, filing systems, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. Upon completion, the government will lease the facilities for up to 12 years before ownership is transferred to the people of Saint Lucia.

During the visit, Prime Minister Pierre expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress, particularly noting the diverse workforce comprising individuals from CARICOM nations. He emphasized the significance of the centralized facility, which will serve as the official home of the judiciary in Saint Lucia. Pierre highlighted the current challenges faced by the judiciary, including inadequate court facilities and structural issues, and underscored the importance of consolidating all legal and judicial operations under one roof.

The Prime Minister also praised the innovative investment model employed for the project, contrasting it with traditional state department housing agreements. He explained that the lease structure ensures the country will eventually gain full ownership of the property, making it a sustainable investment for Saint Lucia. Pierre emphasized that this approach avoids perpetual rental payments and instead provides long-term benefits to the nation.

Civil engineer John Peters, the project director, provided an update on the construction progress. He reported that the ground floor of the annexe building, which will house criminal courts, has been completed. Work on the foundation of the main building, intended for commercial, family, and civil courts, is progressing well, with hopes of reaching the first or second floor by year-end. Despite weather-related challenges, Peters expressed confidence in meeting the two-year completion timeline.

On Tuesday, November 11, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) orchestrated a large-scale emergency response drill at the George F. L. Charles Airport. The exercise simulated an aircraft crash to rigorously assess the airport’s emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination capabilities. This biennial drill, conducted in alignment with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, involved over 100 participants, including emergency responders, volunteers, and aviation stakeholders. The scenario depicted a mock aircraft accident near the runway’s northern end, with simulated passengers and crew requiring immediate rescue and medical attention. SLASPA officials emphasized that the drill aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the airport’s emergency response plan, particularly in communication, command, and coordination among various agencies. Exercise Director Aubert Regis highlighted the simulation as a crucial test of operational readiness, stating, ‘This exercise allowed us to activate the emergency response plan and assess how efficiently our agencies would perform in a real-life situation. Our goal is not only to test our response capacity but also to enhance collaboration and overall performance.’ Acting Airport Manager Alexandria Alexander underscored the drill’s proactive nature, noting its role in ensuring swift and effective responses during actual emergencies. ‘This exercise provided a valuable opportunity for all response agencies to evaluate their performance, improve coordination, and ensure that in the event of a real aircraft incident, the response will be efficient and effective,’ she said. The simulation also tested the capabilities of the airport’s Emergency Operations Centre, which coordinates recovery and restoration efforts post-incident. Participating agencies included the National Emergency Management Organisation, the Ministry of Health, Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Ports Police, Owen King European Union Hospital, the Saint Lucia Red Cross, airline representatives, and airport personnel. Chief Evaluator Andrew George praised the high level of coordination observed during the drill, stating, ‘We assessed everything from scene management to communication and response timelines. The coordination among agencies was very positive and aligned with international emergency standards.’ A formal debriefing session is expected to follow, during which lessons learned and areas for improvement will be reviewed. SLASPA expressed gratitude to all participants and the public for their cooperation during the exercise.

The Derek Walcott Library, housed at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, has achieved a prestigious milestone by being inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Register for Latin America and the Caribbean. This recognition was announced during the program’s annual regional meeting, held from November 10 to 13, 2025, in Lima and Cusco, Peru. Among 71 nominations from 15 countries, 29 were approved, with the Derek Walcott Library standing out as a significant addition. The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme aims to protect documentary heritage at risk of being forgotten, damaged, or lost. The inscription highlights the cultural, historical, and literary significance of Sir Derek Alton Walcott’s personal collection, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the mind and influences of the Nobel Laureate. The library features Walcott’s original bookshelves, works he authored, titles gifted by peers and collaborators, and a diverse array of materials reflecting his engagement with Caribbean literature, art, theatre, history, and global cultures. Donated to the College in 2020 by Sigrid Nama, the collection serves as a preserved record of Walcott’s creative world and the broader literary dialogues that shaped his legacy. Additionally, the Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO acknowledged Kathy Birch-McDiarmed, Head Librarian of the Hunter J. Francois Library and Vice President of the Memory of the World Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean, for her ongoing efforts to safeguard and promote documentary heritage across the region. The inscription underscores the importance of preserving the Derek Walcott Library as a vital repository of literary memory for the Caribbean and the world.

In a significant crackdown on suspected criminal activities, two additional employees of the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) were apprehended on November 19. This arrest was part of a meticulously coordinated multi-agency operation targeting illicit operations at Port Castries. The operation is a critical component of an ongoing investigation into a sophisticated network allegedly involved in the illegal trafficking of narcotics and firearms. The network is believed to exploit loopholes to evade Customs checks and circumvent proper declaration protocols. Investigators have zeroed in on key suspects within both the Customs and Excise Department and SLASPA, leading to the recent arrests. Authorities anticipate formal charges to be levied within the next 72 hours. This latest incident follows a series of arrests over the past month, including three SLASPA employees implicated in a $705,000 drug bust and a Port police officer involved in a $1.3 million seizure. These developments underscore the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing organized crime within the port’s operations.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has taken a significant step toward modernizing its operations by equipping its Criminal Investigations Department (CID) with 45 state-of-the-art laptops. This initiative, unveiled during a formal handover ceremony, underscores the force’s commitment to enhancing investigative capabilities and operational efficiency in the face of increasingly complex criminal activities. Police Commissioner Verne Garde, who assumed leadership in 2024, emphasized that this move aligns with his broader vision of modernizing the RSLPF. Upon his appointment, Garde presented a comprehensive plan to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, outlining strategies to bolster the force’s investigative prowess. The newly acquired laptops are designed to empower officers with advanced tools for recording, analyzing, and processing critical information. Garde highlighted that these devices are ‘top-of-the-line’ and will integrate seamlessly with the police’s upgraded management system, enabling real-time data access and improved interdepartmental coordination. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Pierre for supporting the procurement, which is part of a larger effort to enhance public safety through technology-driven policing. Superintendent Dr. Mashama Sealy will oversee the distribution and implementation of the laptops within the CID.