President of the Police Welfare Association (PWA), Cameron Laure, has publicly highlighted ongoing challenges facing law enforcement officers, particularly relating to the timely provision of insurance benefits and promised protective equipment.
The disclosures come in the wake of the PWA’s recent acceptance of a government offer for a 13% wage increase, inclusive of other benefits and allowances for the next double triennium.
Calling into the News Spin program last week, Laure outlined the crucial role of the PWA’s accident and death benefit plan, which provides $75,000 toward medical expenses in the event of an accident, and a lump sum payment to families in the case of an officer’s death.
“This accident plan has worked very well for the families of police officers and police officers who have found themselves in accidents,” he noted.
However, Laure warned that payments to the insurance plan have not been consistent, leaving the Association owing almost $600,000.
“It is only because of the relationship between the Police Welfare Association and the insurance company that this plan has not been cancelled. It is something that is very, very concerning because there are a number of families now who are waiting on payments dating back from last year,” he said.
Laure stressed that the government, specifically the Ministry of National Security, is responsible for ensuring these payments are made monthly. “This money is not a favor. It is negotiated; it belongs to the police officers. It cannot be held back, not even for a month.”
Laure also addressed delays in the implementation of promised bulletproof vests for all officers. During negotiations that began in October 2023, the PWA agreed to forgo a proposed $1,000 risk allowance in exchange for measures to make policing safer, including bulletproof vests and non-lethal means of apprehending offenders.
While the collective agreement was signed on September 15, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) guaranteeing bulletproof vests has yet to be signed by the government representative.
“The MOU was not signed because the representative of government indicated it does not adequately reflect instructions given by the executive,” Laure explained.
“This has held negotiations back. Members have not received their allowances for this month, and it is creating a serious problem among the membership. We are asking that good sense prevail so that this document can be signed and we can move on.”
Laure emphasized the urgency of resolving both issues to safeguard the welfare and safety of police officers.
“We cannot afford to have this insurance plan cancelled. Police officers and their families must be protected. We are asking that payments be made consistently and that the bulletproof vests promised be provided without further delay.”
The PWA’s statements highlight ongoing concerns about administrative delays affecting both financial security and personal safety for members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
