The Government of Saint Lucia is moving ahead with a new scholarship programme that will send selected police officers to study law at The University of the West Indies as part of efforts to strengthen the Prosecution Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
Four scholarships will be awarded over the next two years, with two officers selected annually. Cabinet approved the programme on May 11, 2026, following a commitment announced by Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and National Security Philip J. Pierre during the 2026/2027 Budget Address.
Pierre said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the justice system and improving public confidence in its institutions.
“We are ensuring that justice is accessible, that cases are resolved fairly and promptly, and that every citizen can have confidence in the institutions that serve them,” Pierre said.
Recipients will be required to serve a five-year bond after completing their studies, during which they will work as prosecutors within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
An inter-agency committee has been established to oversee the selection process and recommend suitable candidates. It will include representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, National Security, Education and the Public Service.
The scholarship programme forms part of broader government efforts to improve the handling of criminal cases from investigation through prosecution and final resolution.
Other justice reform initiatives include the Plea-Bargaining Bill, the Criminal Backlog Reduction Court, the virtual court system, investments in forensic science and the digitisation of case files.
The Government said equipping police officers with training in both criminal investigation and law is expected to strengthen the link between police investigations and court proceedings and support the preparation of stronger cases for prosecution.
