Prime Minister and National Security Minister, Philip J. Pierre, issued a strong warning to the newest batch of inductees into the Force, reminding them to keep their oaths to the country and people of Saint Lucia.

“This is not a business of money. You need money to survive and you will get some money to survive, but if you’re here for money, you could possibly go,” said Prime Minister Pierre

The Prime Minister indicated that bad influences may come from fellow police officers as well as bad actors in the general public. As such, he urged the recruits to stand head and shoulders above matters of corruption.

“You are going to find people in the police force who are negative influences - it’s a fact that we sometimes don’t like to face. You are not going to a perfect society. You are going to find people giving you bad advice, people will want you to do what you’re not supposed to do, there are people who are going to try to bribe you,” he said.

Prime Minister Pierre told recruits to ensure their legacy is one of distinction in the fight to reduce criminal elements on-island.

“When you leave a legacy of less crime, where there are fewer gangs, where fewer people are injuring each other, you are leaving a legacy for yourself and your country.”