Prime Minister and Minister for National Security Philip J. Pierre has issued a strong warning against what he described as “dangerous and irresponsible speculation” surrounding the appointment of a Commissioner of Police, amid social media publications linked to the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) alleging that a senior officer accused of sexual misconduct could be appointed to the post.
Speaking to reporters Monday morning ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting, Pierre firmly rejected the claims and cautioned that such speculation could undermine national security and public confidence in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF). “There has been no decision on the appointment of a Commissioner of Police,” Pierre stated. “The Public Service Commission has not even looked at appointing a Commissioner of Police. It hasn’t reached anywhere near that.”
The Prime Minister expressed concern that the circulation of unverified claims, particularly on social media, was misleading the public and placing individuals at risk.
“You cannot play with people’s reputations. People have families,” Pierre said. “When you create instability in the police force, you affect regular people in the streets. You put the entire national security framework in jeopardy.”
Pierre’s comments come against the backdrop of posts circulating online suggesting that a senior police officer previously accused of sexual misconduct was being considered for appointment as Commissioner of Police.
However, the matter had already been addressed publicly by Police Commissioner Verne Garde last year. Speaking at the RSLPF’s monthly press briefing in September, 2025, Commissioner Garde confirmed that the officer in question had been officially cleared of all allegations following a full review and that there will be no criminal prosecution.
Prime Minister Pierre stressed that spreading unsubstantiated claims risks damaging both individual reputations and the stability of the police force. “When you create instability, it’s not the Prime Minister who suffers, it’s the ordinary citizen,” he said. “It affects national security. It affects stability. It affects confidence.”
Pierre also outlined the constitutional process governing the appointment of a Police Commissioner, explaining that the Public Service Commission is responsible for recommending candidates, after which the Prime Minister may accept or reject the recommendation.
He reiterated that the current Commissioner’s contract remains valid and that no formal process has begun to replace him.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Pierre said his priority remains protecting the integrity of national institutions and ensuring public confidence in law enforcement. “This country belongs to Saint Lucians, and we must protect the stability and integrity of our institutions,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid contributing to speculation that could destabilize key national security institutions.
