The week-long commemoration culminated in a ceremony at the Marine Unit’s headquarters in Vigie on Friday morning, paying tribute to the unit’s legacy of service and transformation.
According to Sergeant 271 Delice of the Marine Unit, the handover in 1994 marked more than just a shift in leadership as it signaled Saint Lucia’s full assumption of responsibility for safeguarding its maritime borders.
“This symbolic gesture wasn't just a change in leadership. It was the beginning of Saint Lucians taking full command of protecting our waters. Since then, the unit has evolved into a resilient, responsive, and proud arm of national security,” he said.
The Marine Unit was first established in 1989 with the support of the British Royal Navy.
ASP Irvin Alfred recounted that the original base at Vigie Cove was built under the command of British Navy officer Commander Maxwell. Five years later, Commander Nick Hockyard formally handed over control to then-Superintendent Andre Cox, the first Saint Lucian to command the unit.
“At the time of the transition, the unit was manned by just 19 men,” ASP Alfred said. “Though small in number, they were deeply committed to the mission.”
Today, the Police Marine Unit is a key pillar of national and regional security operations. From intercepting illicit narcotics to conducting complex search and rescue missions, the unit has continually expanded its scope. Its contributions extend well beyond Saint Lucia’s borders, having played a crucial role in humanitarian aid and disaster response across the region.
Said ASP Alfred: “We were on the ground in Grenada after Hurricane Ivan in 2004. We helped transport people and supplies. In 1998, it was St. Kitts after Hurricane Georges. Then came Hurricane Erika in Dominica in 2015, and Hurricane Maria in 2017: we made several trips to Dominica, delivering supplies and bringing Saint Lucians home.”
As the Marine Unit celebrates 31 years of local leadership, officers reflect on the critical role this unit continues to play in protecting lives, preserving national security, and responding in times of need.