Government responds to PWA's concern on DCP's appointment
The Government has responded to recent public pronouncements made by the Police Welfare Association (PWA) in which there were questions and concerns raised in relation to recent changes within the leadership of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the related process.
The Association indicated that it had not received acknowledgment or response to a May 31st letter written to the Public Services Commission in representation of one of its members who the Association says was an applicant for the earlier advertized post of Deputy Commissioner of Police.
But according to press secretary Darnley Lebourne the recent decision by Government to appointment two DCP’s was part of an ongoing restructuring process.
“The Government of Saint Lucia wants to place on record the fact that the May 31st, 2010 letter from the President of the Police Welfare Association and addressed to the Chairman of the Public Service Commission was responded to by letter dated June 16th, 2010 under the signature of the Chairman of the Commission. In that letter, the Chairman of the Commission informed the Police Welfare Association that the appointment of the two (2) Deputy Commissioners of Police was made in the context of a process of restructuring/re-organizing that is ongoing and began subsequent to the receipt and conclusion of applications for the advertized posts. The letter further advised that the process of restructuring/re-organizing brought about the need for “the appointment of two persons to act in the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police as a matter of urgency.”
The press secretary added that the appointments of the DCP’s was an interim measure and that permanent position will be made at the appropriate time.
The letter from the Chairman of the Commission clearly indicated that the appointments were seen as an interim measure. Finally, the Commission in its letter communicated its assurance that the process towards the selection of permanent appointments will be undertaken at the appropriate time,” he stated.