Fact Checking Prime Minister Philip J Pierre’s lies about the Custody Suites Project

The SLP Government, in particular Prime Minister Philip J Pierre keeps using the foolish excuse that the demolition of the old Custody Suites building in Castries is contributing to crime.

In his usual deceitful style, the Prime Minister has attempted to create an illusion that there was no pre-existing plan to address this issue, despite the fact that all pertinent details regarding this project were publicly known.

Let us examine the factual information regarding the UWP’s plan for replacing the Custody Suites:

Back in October 2018, the UWP administration initiated the groundwork for a site in Castries that was intended to house both a New Police Headquarters and a Halls of Justice, all within a single, secure compound. This comprehensive strategy was designed to optimize the allocation of limited security resources, akin to practices observed in more developed nations.

However, unforeseen circumstances obstructed this project’s progress. An injunction was filed, causing a substantial delay of 1 year and 6 months. Subsequently, the project faced additional setbacks due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, meticulous planning and resource allocation were undertaken with the aim of delivering a modern Police HQ and a Halls of Justice.

The proposed project entailed the establishment of six courtrooms to streamline the judicial system, the creation of fresh administrative offices for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, including its various departments, and the construction of underground holding cells for prisoners and detainees.

Prime Minister Pierre scrapped the project upon assuming office in July 2021 and instead allocated $1.5 Million towards the construction of a temporary Custody suites building.

Astonishingly, the project is now projected to cost a staggering $4.5 million! The people of Saint Lucia are left wondering when Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, who concurrently holds the positions of Minister for Finance and National Security, will provide an explanation for this threefold increase in project expenses, especially considering that it remains far from completion.

The public deserves transparency and accountability in matters that have such a significant impact on the nation’s resources and security. It is crucial that the government addresses these concerns and provides a clear account of the Custody Suites project’s cost escalation.