Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who also serves as Minister for National Security, has confirmed that the long-anticipated Custody Suites will be officially opened on May 23rd, 2025.
Speaking during a morning talk show on Friday, Pierre highlighted the facility’s significance in restoring proper detention procedures following the controversial demolition of the original suites in 2020 under the former administration.
“We’re going to have eight holding cells,” the Prime Minister revealed. “So that when somebody is arrested before the process, they have somewhere to go. Some of them had to be released. There was no place for them. Any honest police officer will tell you that — that’s a fact.”
Pierre disclosed that police stations across the island have long struggled with limited cell capacity, causing logistical challenges when detaining individuals. “When people got arrested, there was nowhere to put them,” he said, recalling a visit to the Gros Islet Police Station where he apologised to officers for the conditions. “Gros Islet was packed,” he noted.
The newly constructed Custody Suites will serve as a centralised facility to detain individuals who have been arrested, helping to relieve pressure on overcrowded police stations.
While announcing the official opening date, Pierre hinted at a deeper significance behind the selection of May 23rd. “Next Friday, 23rd of May, is a significant day — 24th of May,” he said cryptically. “And I will tell you how significant that is when I speak at Custody Suites. That’s why the day was chosen. It’s a significant day.”
In addition to the Custody Suites, Pierre highlighted his administration’s continued investment in law enforcement infrastructure. “The Babonneau Police Station Fire Service, which was opened by the other government, started by us,” he noted. “Every police station we built, and we are continuing.”
He also referenced the newly refurbished Vieux Fort Police Station, which he said had been in disrepair since 2019. “We’ve refurbished the new station. I’m very pleased and very happy that the police are there,” he said.
Pierre positioned the developments as part of the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s longstanding legacy of investing in public safety and infrastructure. “You talk about the welfare of the police — we’re doing something about it,” he said. “That’s not deflection. That’s fact.”
