- St Lucia awaits a new commissioner of police by April 1, 2026 [All Fools’ Day].”
- 7 officers promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police and 11 officers to Assistant Superintendent of Police – effective March 2, 2026.
- 13 officers promoted to Inspector of Police – 14 officers promoted to the rank of Sergeant and 18 officers promoted to the rank of Corporal – effective March 30, 2026.
- 29 appointments from Special Police Constable to Constable 1 and 16 appointments to the post of Special Police Constable – effective March 13, 2026.
- By what method will the minister for finance fund 108 promotions in the 2026/2027 budget?
By Caribbean News Global
CASTRIES, St Lucia – Saint Lucia awaits the announcement of a new commissioner of police by April 1, 2026 [All Fools’ Day], as previously revealed by Philip J. Pierre minister for finance, justice, national security, constituency development and people empowerment, with ministry/department responsibility for the
The promotions follow Commissioner Verne Garde two-year contract assignment, ending February 28, 2026. Subsequently, Ronald Phillip, Commissioner of Police (Ag.) March 1 – March 31, 2026, was in charge of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), to which a list of promotions within the RSLPF was announced.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) Extraordinary March (No.01/16) communique date-stamped March 31, 2026, commissioner of police, lists the following:
- 7 officers promoted to the ranks of Superintendent of Police;
- 11 officers promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police;
- 13 officers promoted to Inspector of Police;
- 14 officers promoted to the rank of Sergeant;
- 18 officers promoted to the rank of Corporal;
- 29 appointments from Special Police Constable to Constable 1;
- 16 appointments to the post of Special Police Constable.
Police (Promotions) Regulations – Statutory Instruments, 2006, No. 149 [21st August, 2006] states:
“Application (3.) These Regulations apply to officers from the rank of Constable to the rank of Inspector.
“Promotions to be in accordance with these Regulations (4.) An officer shall not be promoted within the Police Force except in accordance with these Regulations.”
Amidst 108 promotions in one month – extraordinary – questions arise on police (promotions) regulations.
Commissioner’s Note: Chapter 2, Page 5 of Ronald Phillip, commissioner of police (Ag.), reads:
“The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force continues to uphold its proud tradition of service, discipline, and professional excellence. In recognition of dedication, merit, and steadfast commitment to duty, a number of officers have been elevated to higher ranks during the month of March 2026.
“These promotions, formally communicated through Force Orders, reflect not only individual achievement but also the organisation’s ongoing investment in strong leadership and operational effectiveness. Each advancement marks a significant milestone in the careers of the officers concerned, underscoring their contributions to public safety and national security.
“This extract of the Force Orders highlights officers who have distinguished themselves and have been deemed worthy of increased responsibility within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. Their progression serves as both recognition of past performance and encouragement for continued excellence in service to the people of Saint Lucia.
“The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force also wishes to remind all officers that, notwithstanding the fact that not everyone can be promoted at a single point in time, the efforts, dedication, and hard work of every member have not gone unnoticed. All officers are encouraged to remain committed to their duties, to continue striving for excellence, and to uphold the highest standards of the profession. In due course, consistent performance and perseverance will be recognised and rewarded.”
Last week, acting commissioner Phillips delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the RSS’s two-day security chiefs meeting held at The Harbour Club. The acting commissioner noted that the RSS biannual meeting is therefore essential in confronting the region’s evolving security realities. Read more here.
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It is the professional view that Saint Lucia’s national security apparatus must evolve. A new police commissioner cannot solve a colonial vestiture of incompetence and moral decay that is guided by the political establishment. In addition, taxpayers’ funding and external support to the RSLPF have not revitalised an embattled colonial derelict.
The investment does not reflect a coordinated security apparatus with positioning to meet evolving security demands. The RSLPF should be disbanded. A new police force conducive to modern policing is a paramount security investment.
Potential must deliver actionable performance
To underscore the growing demand, there must be a paradigm change to advance contemporary positioning while ensuring sustained visibility and influence. Designated potential must deliver actionable performance to transform competence into a result framework that is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
To contextualise the perspective and form a narrative of transformation, balance and opportunity, Saint Lucia’s national security apparatus must add value, diversity and interconnectedness. Security components must consider social, cultural and economic utilisation. There must be a consolidation of national security assets, the integration of managerial understanding, and technical talent.
By what method will the minister for finance allocate funding for 108 promotions in the 2026/2027 budget?
“Wages and salaries for both government operations and projects represent 29 pecent of total expenditure. The wage bill for the government continues to increase as we endeavour to meet our obligations to the workers.
“For the upcoming budget, a 2 percent salary increase is included in keeping with the collective agreement for 2025 to 2028. Wages and salaries will increase by 4.9 percent or $29.8 million over the approved figure for 2025-2026 and by 5.2 percent over the year-end outlook,$638.1 million. This figure includes wages and salaries for staff on projects and contracts.”
“The health and security levy will remain at 2.5 percent and is projected to record an increase of $11.9 million above the 2025-2026 outcome to reach $53.3 million for the new fiscal year, 2026-2027.
- Expenses on health are estimated to be $259.3 million, and expenses on citizen security $200.4 million.
“A simple calculation, arithmetic that is, will show that total expenses for health and security will be projected to be $459.7 million, while collections on health and security levy will be $53.3 million. We continue to increase spending on health and security in our country,” Prime Minister Pierre, explained. “A projected overall deficit of $212.4 million, equivalent to 2.8 percent of GDP, is anticipated. This gap will be financed from a combination of loans and bonds.” ~ Budget 2026/2027.
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