Gros Islet’s policing infrastructure has been significantly strengthened with the official opening of the administrative wing of the new Divisional Headquarters, a facility described by officials as the most modern of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.
The Gros Islet Police Divisional Headquarters has now been formally handed over to the Government of Saint Lucia, marking a major step forward in enhancing operational capacity and reinforcing public safety across the island’s northern region.
The state-of-the-art complex will house specialized units and newly trained officers, reflecting sustained national investment in modern security infrastructure.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre used the occasion to trace the long and, at times, stalled journey towards the facility’s completion, pointing back to the project’s origins nearly a decade ago.
“In 2016, when we decided that the Gros Islet police needed to work in better conditions, that was in 2016, NIPRO was approached and we started the design of the new police station in Gros Islet,” Pierre said.
He contrasted that early momentum with years of inaction following the change of administration.
“From 2016 to 2021, there was always talk about the Gros Islet police station. Talk, talk. A lot of talk about the Gros Islet police,” he stated, noting that officers endured difficult working conditions during that period.
Reflecting on his return to office, Pierre said he made a personal commitment to address the issue.
“I said to the police, I apologize on behalf of the government for having you working in these conditions. I made this public pronouncement and I meant it,” he said.
The Prime Minister also addressed public speculation surrounding the project’s execution and emphasized that local professionals played a central role.
“There were always Saint Lucians who were working on the Gros Islet police station,” he said, dismissing rumors that foreign contractors dominated the project.
Home Affairs Minister Jeremiah Norbert underscored the significance of the facility for both officers and the wider public, highlighting the demanding nature of police work.
“I understand all too well the long hours, the sacrifice that the police put in, day in and day out, leaving their families behind to come out and ensure that we… can go to bed and sleep peacefully in the night,” Norbert said.
He added that the government deliberately chose to invest in a high-quality facility rather than a temporary solution.
“We… saw it fit to ensure that the police had somewhere that was not just a police station, but we can boast… about providing the police with what is considered the most modern police station in the Caribbean.”
Norbert also recalled visiting the previous facility, describing the conditions as deeply troubling.
“It could have shown on the Prime Minister’s face at the time the heartbreak to see the conditions that the police had to endure,” he said.
Parliamentary Representative for Gros Islet, Kenson Casimir, described the opening as a defining moment for the constituency and the country.
“Today marks a significant milestone, not only for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, but for the people of Gros Islet and indeed for our nation as a whole,” Casimir said.
“This facility stands as a symbol of progress, partnership and our collective commitment to strengthening national security and public service.”
He added that the project represented more than just infrastructure.
“We celebrate more than the completion of this building. We celebrate the vision that made it possible, the collaboration that sustained it and the dedication of all those who worked tirelessly to bring this project to life.”
With the facility now operational, officials say the new headquarters is expected to improve policing efficiency, boost morale among officers, and strengthen the overall delivery of security services in Saint Lucia’s busiest northern corridor.