Saint Lucia may soon welcome a new K9 officer to its police force, following confirmation that the French ambassador has submitted a formal request to French authorities on the island’s behalf.

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre made the disclosure while acknowledging French Ambassador Francis Etienne’s service as his tenure in Saint Lucia draws to a close.

“And I also want to tell you that he has made an official request to the French government for another canine. An official request has gone to the French government for another canine.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve access to healthcare for Saint Lucians in Martinique by settling longstanding debts with French health authorities.

“We have paid the bill, over $2 million, and that bill was there from the very early. Very pleased that that has happened. What’s happening now is our nationals can get treatment in Martinique easier, in that there’s no backlog. Something that we had to do, and for the health.”

With the debt now settled and a new K9 officer potentially on the way, PM Pierre says these developments reflect its commitment to enhancing both national security and healthcare for the people of Saint Lucia.