St Lucia’s new police commissioner Garde, the same Garde

• • “Is the new guard better than the old guard? Is this the same guy? Why allow him to step down, and now he has to go back and take his uniform from his grip?

• • Commenting on the extraordinary 108 promotions, an observer said, “You get 108 promotions when institutions have become the instruments of politicians,” adding, “ Now the criminals need promotions for evading the cops.”

• • The new commissioner of police will be hamstrung for the next two years. 

By Caribbean News Global

CASTRIES, St Lucia – The Washington establishment continues to regain influence on the security apparatus of the Caribbean region, utilising finance, diplomacy, immigration and statutes. The output is having an impact on regional policy makers, government instutions and the political establishment. The recent re-appointment of St Lucia’s new police commissioner, the same Garde, is a case in point.

The April 1, All-Fools-Day reappointment of commissioner Verne Garde, one month after his previous appointment, tells a story of indecision on the preferred option for commissioner of police, the inability to gain access on the pushback, the lack of options among the gazetted officers, and a collapse of executive experience in succession planning, execution, security communication and lobbying expertise.

These are matters expressed previously regarding a colonial police force at the behest of the political directorate. And the need for a fresh start in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).

The April 1, All-Fools-Day roll-out, regained cognisance of the mockery associated with the day’s jokes and the police force.

“Is the new guard better than the old guard? Is this the same guy? Why allow him to step down, and now he has to go back and take his uniform from his grip?

The possibilities lends itself on interpretation, as language is read differently. However, the RSLPF is not without the absence of public confidence and trust, resolve and gravitas.

Thus, the reappointed commissioner of police will be hamstrung for the next two years of his contractual obligations.

St Lucia police gun amnesty – ‘no guns were turned in’

Why?

• St Lucia police gun amnesty – ‘no guns were turned in’ – not even a toy gun. He now has to get the guns off the streets.
• The senior ranks of the police force are in shambles. The remainder are just marking time.
• Strategic planning continues to be ill-defined.
• 108 promotions in one month – extraordinary – is not without political connotations.
• Redefining and setting priorities for a cadre of offices, promoted during a one-month absence, can become distorted.
• The police force is lost in practical policing; authority is timid.
• The bold crime prevention framework, “127 Steps to Order,” remains a figurative white paper.

St Lucia awaits new police commissioner amidst 108 promotions in one month – extraordinary

Government and business are two different propositions. Businesses exist to make a profit, whereas governments operate on behalf of the people.

In practical terms, promotions are supposed to be a reward for a job well done; however, the RSLPF is living up to expectations, with little work and 108 promotions.

The cost analysis on 108 promotions are yet to be revealed by the ministry of finance or appropriated in the 2026/2027 budget. (Promotions were announced March 31, after 2026/27 budget presentations)

• 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. ~ Budget 2026/27.

Citizen security has not improved. Crime and lawlessness continue, “like nobody’s business,” to coin the local vernacular. Homicides continue 25 plus with no firm count from the RSLPF.

Commenting on the extraordinary 108 promotions, an observer said:

“You get 108 promotions when institutions have become the instruments of politicians,” adding, “ Now the criminals need promotions for evading the cops.”

The RSLPF welcomed the return of Verne Garde as commissioner of police, stating:

“Garde’s leadership, experience, and dedication to national security continue to be invaluable as we strengthen our commitment to serving and protecting the people of Saint Lucia.”

List of promotions within the RSLPF, March 31, 2026.

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