The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force(RSLPF) Marine Unit commemorated some 30 years since the British handed over command to local officers with a vibrant display at the Castries Harbour on Friday.
Dubbed ‘Tiller Day’, a tiller being a device that facilitates steering on some small vessels, the 2024 annual flotilla showcased the marine police’s capabilities and new equipment, including state-of-the-art jet skis.
Officers demonstrated mastery of the equipment to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, Police Commissioner Crusita Descartes Pelius, other officials and the public.
Commissioner Pelius emphasised that the display was merely a glimpse into the complex and challenging conditions faced by the Marine Unit officers in their daily operations.
She said the maneuvers demonstrated the ability to handle vessels and the jet skis the Marine Unit recently received in choppy or calm waters to keep the borders of Saint Lucia and neighboring islands safe.
The Police Commissioner explained that the islands work together in the battle against illegal activities.
“Before it was officers from the UK that used to be the Marine Unit Commanders. So when we trained our officers and felt they were adequately trained to handle the Marine Unit, then the Unit was handed over to them,” she told reporters.
The Police Commissioner, who once served in the Marine Police Unit, disclosed that Tiller Day occurs every last Friday in July.
Former Marine Police Commander Milton Desir, whose role was crucial in advocating for enhanced training, expressed his gratitude for the Unit’s dedication and hard work.
Friday’s event concluded with a special opportunity for some attendees to board a marine vessel for a brief tour.
This allowed Prime Minister Pierre, Commissioner Pelius, and members of the public to experience the Unit’s operations firsthand.
“I got a little wet, but what’s wrong with that?” Prime Minister Pierre told reporters with a laugh after the tour.
He urged the Marine Unit officers to continue their work, including search and rescue operations for missing fishermen.
Pierre observed that the government had provided the Marine Police Unit with the jet skis.
“I understand that these jet skis are very fast and they can get involved in a lot of things, particularly in drug interdiction, which is an addition to their fleet,” he told reporters.
Next time put that boat on dry dock and pressure hose the hull, please.
They have to flip the boat let’s see who can swim
Ha Khalid, they never upkeep any equipment given to them. Thqey will certainly be needing more jet skis and dingys soon!