The program brought together students for mentorship, skills training, and character-building activities under the guidance of officers.

Corporal Anselm Edonne, Director of the Stand Strong Club, explained that the initiative grew out of the need to support at-risk youth.

“When Stand Strong started, it was an idea. It stemmed from the Marchand Police Station coming to the schools, having to deal with troubled and at-risk kids. This was the motivation behind Stand Strong. Officers felt it was their responsibility to reach out and deal with some of the issues that were plaguing the schools in our district,” he said, crediting principals and school counselors for backing the vision.

The camp also received international recognition. Taiwanese Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Nicole Su, described it as a landmark initiative.

“This one you are attending is very, very important and very, very special. Why is it? Because this is the first one organised by the Royal Police Force of Saint Lucia. So you are very lucky and very privileged to have this opportunity to participate in this summer camp. Give yourself a round of applause,” she told students.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas emphasised the camp’s broader mission in fostering conflict resolution and social harmony.

“We need to understand that there will always be problems in society. Neighbours will always have issues with neighbours. What is important though is how we address the issue and bring it to some form of resolve,” he said.

The summer camp forms part of the RSLPF’s growing portfolio of community policing efforts, which focus on early intervention, youth mentorship, and bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve.