Vieux-Fort, Saint Lucia – Police officers assigned to the Vieux-Fort Police Station face ongoing delays in returning to their primary facility, which has remained closed since November 2019 due to significant health and structural concerns, including mold infestation.
In November 2022, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Insurance Property Development and Management Company Ltd. (NIPRO) to initiate essential rehabilitation work on the station. The government allocated EC $3.5 million for this project, with NIPRO estimating a completion timeline of under 12 months.
Despite these commitments, the renovation, reportedly completed over three months ago, has not yet led to the reopening of the facility. Sources indicate that the station remains non-operational due to pending procurement of necessary furnishings.
During the station’s closure, officers have been operating from two separate private buildings in Vieux-Fort, currently stationed in a facility located in Beanefield, in proximity to the original station. This arrangement has posed challenges, with officers expressing frustration over the indefinite timeline for their return. One officer noted that they are frequently informed of an impending relocation “soon,” yet no specific date has been provided.
Member of Parliament for Vieux-Fort South, Dr. Kenny Anthony, has addressed the situation publicly, highlighting the prolonged inconvenience faced by law enforcement personnel and the community. In a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister in September 2023, it was asserted that Prime Minister Pierre’s intervention aimed to resolve years of disruption to police operations in Vieux-Fort, ensuring that officers occupy suitable facilities to enhance service delivery in the southern region.
Efforts to obtain an official comment from NIPRO regarding the current status of the station’s readiness were unsuccessful, as representatives were unavailable for remarks. NIPRO holds responsibility for the maintenance and refurbishment of various police stations across the island.
The continued delay in reopening the Vieux-Fort Police Station underscores the challenges in infrastructure management and resource allocation within the public safety sector. As officers await the completion of necessary preparations, the community anticipates the restoration of full police services from their primary headquarters.