Garde, a former police officer and Director of the Bordelais Correctional Facility met with the Prime Minister and members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s High Command prior to the press briefing where members were formally introduced. The Prime Minister disclosed that Gard’s appointment will, in the first instance be for six months.

When asked about the duration of the contract, Prime Minister Pierre stated “it is a position that must be carefully scrutinized and we have to look at the output and then a decision will be taken”.

This appointment follows the departure of Cruscita Descartes-Pelius who served for approximately two years as top-cop. Her parting gift as COP included a long-awaited press conference, two days before the end of her contract, where she disclosed that a senior officer was being investigated. Sources speculate that delayed investigation may have influenced the Prime Minister’s move to seek a temporary top cop from outside the police force.

When pressed about his decision to appoint a commissioner from outside the police force the Prime Minister assured that the top brass was still undergoing management training as the force moves towards succession planning.

As Minister for National Security and Prime Minister, Hon. Pierre pledged his non-interference in the operations of the RSLPF and contends that his focus will remain on providing the police force with the necessary resources to perform their duty.

Former COP Pelius presided over a record-breaking homicide rate, despite the unprecedented resources to the police force by any government.

Armed with a degree in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement and administration, Garde will be expected to stem this alarming trend left by his predecessor.