The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) spread festive cheer in Vieux Fort over the weekend, hosting an entertainment-filled event for the community.
A sizeable group of police officers organised Saturday’s event, which included free gifts, live performances, and games for all ages. The activities continued into the night, drawing a lively crowd to the heart of Vieux Fort town.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Luke Defreitas attended the celebration and highlighted its purpose.
“We’ve brought a spirit of good cheer tonight—a spirit of entertainment, music, and giving and sharing. This is the RSLPF’s way of saying thank you to the community for your unwavering support throughout the year in our crime-fighting initiatives,” he said.
“Many times, people see the police as adversaries. Tonight, we want to show that this is not the case; the police are actually friends of the community.”
The RSLPF Band also performed, while community members took the stage to perform popular Christmas songs and original Christmas-themed poetry. Children enjoyed games such as musical chairs in which they won prizes.
Similar events are planned for other communities across the island.
“This is not the last activity for the year. We’re hoping to move through other communities across the island,” Defreitas said before declaring, “I have a passion for policing. I have a passion for keeping this country safe from crime and, on behalf of the commissioner and all other ranks of the RSLPF, we want to continue to ask you to support us. We are your friends. Notwithstanding what the critics say, we are your friends.”
Thank you to the men and women of the RSLPF for your continued service to the people of Saint Lucia. We acknowledge that you do a very difficult job under sometimes very difficult circumstances, and oftentimes get criticised harshly but we do appreciate your dedication to to upholding law and order. Keep up the good work and may the ancestors hold you in great favour.