Saint Lucia’s efforts to combat drug trafficking, smuggling and other crimes at sea are set to receive a boost from specialised training completed by two senior Police Marine Unit officers in the United States.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Reece Auguste and Sergeant Shawn Delice completed the Maritime Security Policy Course held from September 21–25 in Norfolk, Virginia, through the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defence Studies.
The programme brought together 41 participants from 19 countries across the Caribbean, Central America and South America to examine maritime threats and how countries can coordinate their responses.
For Saint Lucia, the training has implications beyond policing its waters. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force says the knowledge gained will support maritime surveillance, fisheries enforcement, port and coastal security, and the protection of coastal and marine resources.
A key focus was Maritime Domain Awareness understanding activities within maritime spaces to help identify threats and guide responses. The officers also strengthened their skills in threat assessment, security planning, strategic analysis and cooperation among agencies.
These capabilities are expected to support the Force’s participation in joint operations and information sharing, including responses to drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling and other forms of transnational maritime crime.
The five-day course covered maritime law, illicit activities, security operations, maritime commerce and the responsibilities of law-enforcement and defence agencies. Participants also benefited from engagements involving the United States Navy and Coast Guard.
In its October 7 statement, the RSLPF said Auguste and Delice will share their knowledge within the organisation and apply it to strengthen the Police Marine Unit’s operations.
The Force described continuous professional development and international cooperation as important to building Saint Lucia’s capacity to safeguard its maritime domain.
