The announcement was made by National Security Minister Philip J. Pierre.

“We are going to get a dog from the French - that’ll please many to know. The French Minister assured me that the money for the dog will be here. I think it even has a name already. The dog will help the police operations,” he announced.

Pierre adds that the K9 will attract no immediate costs for the government of Saint Lucia.

“The French government is funding the purchase and the training of the dog. Of course, we will take the remaining expenses as time goes on.”

In July 2022, Prime Minister Pierre disclosed that the K-9 Unit he inherited from the former administration had a monthly price tag of $40,000. At the time, Pierre said the contract was renewable every year and that his administration would be considering all possible avenues.

“I have an agreement in my hand. The K9 unit started in April 2021. It was an agreement for the provision of dogs and dog handlers that was in April 2021. It continued and it had to be renewed on a yearly basis. Our government continued with the process but right now every cent we spend we have to look carefully at,” Pierre had said.

At the start of this year, Police Commissioner Crusita Descartes-Pelius said the Unit was crucial in assisting the police in its strategic operations. She explained that the Unit had a success rate of over 60%.

“It is something that is very important—it is significant, and some of the successes we have had in the past is because we have had the assistance of other agencies with the use of their K9 Units.”

The Prime Minister also gave the public the assurance that the government is sparing no expense, within the budget of the country to ensure the police are well-equipped in their fight against crime.