Thirty members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) completed a four-day Cybercrime and Cryptocurrency training programme last week. The training programme, sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Saint Lucia, was held at the Police Training Academy at La Toc.

The programme aimed to:

• Provide a foundational understanding of cryptocurrencies and their operational mechanisms.
• Explore the legal and regulatory frameworks governing cryptocurrencies.
• Delve into the nuances of the dark web and how it interfaces with cryptocurrency transactions.
• Equip participants with practical investigative skills to trace and analyze cryptocurrency transactions involved in criminal activities.
• Stimulate critical thinking through group discussions, scenario-based exercises, and hands-on investigation sessions.

The course instructor was Mr. RuiSiang (Shawn) Lin, IT Assistant from the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Saint Lucia, who used his professional background and qualifications in the field, along with the carefully designed course, to provide the participating officers with a valuable learning opportunity, effectively enhancing their ability to combat cybercrime.

The closing and certificate ceremony was held at the Police Training Academy on Thursday afternoon, March 28, 2024, where the participants were commended for their efforts.

H.E. Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, said the training programme came following a proposal from the RSLPF two months ago, which included cryptocurrency identification as a top priority. He also said the recent training formed part of ongoing support from the Taiwanese Embassy to provide training for local police officers in specialized areas.

“Since last year, Taiwan has provided training opportunities for the police in cybersecurity, humanitarian rescue, leadership and intelligence,” Ambassador Chen explained in his remarks at the closing ceremony. “In 2024, Commissioner Pelius and I awarded certificates to six officers from the Royal Saint Lucia Police who completed a basic Mandarin programme. Taiwan also conducted a 6-hour virtual training for drone pilots last week. These undertakings not only mark Taiwan’s support for Saint Lucia’s endeavours in public security, but also highlight the solid partnership between our two countries.”

Ambassador Chen thanked Commissioner Crusita Descartes-Pelius and her team for their unwavering support which resulted in the training programme being successful. He also congratulated Hon. Jeremiah Norbert on his recent appointed as Minister for Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities, pledging to work with Hon. Norbert on his new responsibilities as a Minister.

“Today’s closing ceremony is not the end of our learning; instead it embarked more journeys for collaboration,” Ambassador Chen assured. “Taiwan will continue to work with the Saint Lucia Government on the empowerment of law enforcement officers to address the challenges ahead.”

Mrs. Crusita Descartes-Pelius, Commissioner of Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, said the police force remains committed to providing police officers with the knowledge they need to exercise their duties effectively, thereby ensuring citizen safety.

“This is something we have to teach all of our officers, as many as possible,” she said. “It’s not just for the field of work, but for your personal lives as well. You, in turn, can teach your families. Educate people about cybercrime and cryptocurrency.”

Commissioner Descartes-Pelius thanked Ambassador Chen for providing continuous support to the police force. She also noted that she will be advocating for the establishment of a cyber-lab for the police force.

Hon. Jeremiah Norbert, Minister for Crime Prevention and Persons with Disabilities, congratulated the participants and encouraged them to share the knowledge they have gained with their colleagues. He stated that investing in the police force has numerous advantages.

“Not only does it enhance individual skills and capabilities, but it also fosters innovation, boosts morale, and, ultimately, drives organizational success,” Hon. Norbert said. “Ultimately, it is going to drive the success of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. Therefore, it is gratifying to note that our Government prioritizes investment in the police force, recognizing the pivotal role the police force plays in ensuring the safety and security of all Saint Lucians.”

Meanwhile, Cpl 436 Glen Charlery, one of the participants, said the course has enhanced the participants’ understanding of digital crime and financial technologies.

“This knowledge will empower us as members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to better combat cybercrimes and navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency-related investigations,” said Cpl Charlery. “The course equipped us with advanced techniques and strategies for detecting, investigating and prosecuting cyber-criminals, thereby enhancing our effectiveness in combating digital threats.”