The contract of Police Commissioner Verne Garde has come to an end, with Prime Minister Philip J Pierre confirming that a new appointment will be made by April 1.
Speaking during a pre-Cabinet press briefing on March 30, Pierre sought to quell speculation surrounding the transition, describing the public reaction as unnecessary.
“The Police Commissioner’s contract ended at the end of February. He had a two-year contract. We said that a new commissioner would be appointed by the 1st of April,” Pierre stated.
He dismissed concerns over the timing of the announcement, urging patience.
“I do not know why this seems to be such unnecessary speculation. By the 1st of April, it is all fools’ day, but that changes nothing. By the 2nd of April, you will know who the Commissioner of Police is,” he said. “Why are we creating so much excitement? There is no need for all that excitement.”
The Prime Minister also addressed Commissioner Garde’s tenure, highlighting several initiatives introduced during his time in office.
“The 127 crime-fighting steps were very innovative. It will not be able to happen today or tomorrow. It is about a time period,” Pierre explained.
He pointed to Garde’s emphasis on intelligence-led policing and technological improvements within the force.
“Mr. Garde was very technical. He had a crime management system that wanted to give information on everyone who was in the criminal world,” Pierre said. “There have been some very good changes.”
Among the developments noted were enhancements in specialized units targeting serious crime.
“There is the drugs, gun and narcotics unit, which is working well,” he added. “Mr. Garde is very intelligence-driven, so I think that many good things have come over his two years.”
Pierre indicated that while a new commissioner is set to be appointed, the progress made under Garde’s leadership is expected to continue.
“We are looking forward to seeing what he will have in the next couple of years,” he said.
The announcement comes amid ongoing public interest in leadership within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, as the Government prepares to name the island’s next top Cop.