The Prime Minister’s passionate remarks that “arrested persons were taken for a lime by the police” became fodder for UWP, who described Pierre as “incompetent”.

The Office of the Prime Minister has since released a statement, scolding the former administration for its demolition of the Custody Suites.

“By choosing to demolish the only detention facility in the capital, the former UWP Administration compromised citizen security and placed our national security at risk. That ill-advised decision significantly impeded our hardworking police officers from doing their jobs effectively and safely,” the OPM said.

Police Commissioner Cruscita Descartes-Pelius has lamented the absence of accommodation for arrested persons. The OPM reiterated the Commissioner’s concerns, stating that law enforcement had to utilise alternative means of housing arrested persons.

“The haphazard demolition of Custody Suites caused significant displacement and disruptions to police administration and operations. There were no immediate plans to safely and securely house detainees in the city. For over three years, police officers have been forced to employ alternative strategies to manage and handle criminal suspects in lawful custody.”

The Custody Suites was demolished in May 2020 by the former regime without approval from the relevant agencies and with no suitable alternative accommodations for the housing of persons arrested. Formerly known as The Royal Gaol, the structure served as a detention facility for prisoners, then arrested suspects, for decades.