On November 25, Prime Minister and Minister responsible for National Security, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Insurance Property Development and Management Company Ltd. (NIPRO) to undertake needed rehabilitation work on the Vieux-Fort Police Station.

The Vieux-Fort Police Station has been in need of repair for more than four years. This intervention ensures that police officers and law enforcement officials attached to the Vieux-Fort Police Station have suitable facilities for improved service delivery in the island’s south.

Member of Parliament for Vieux-Fort South and former Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, laid the groundwork for the construction of the Northern Divisional Police Headquarters before demitting office in 2016. Dr. Anthony lauded his former Deputy for advancing rehabilitation plans for the Vieux-Fort Police Station.

Acting Commissioner of Police Crusita Descartes-Pelius along with members of the High Command witnessed the MoU signing. The Acting Commissioner welcomed the long-delayed rehabilitation project.

NIPRO officials estimate the duration of the rehabilitation works to be under 12 months. The Government of Saint Lucia has allocated EC $3.5 million for the project.

Earlier, on September 30, Prime Minister Pierre signed a Built Own Lease Transfer (BOLT) agreement with NIPRO to commence construction of a new Northern Divisional Police Headquarters in Gros Islet. The total value of that project is estimated at EC $35 million.