Alexander not re-applying for top post; ministers comment

National Security Minister Victor Lacobiniere said he hopes that a new Commissioner of Police (COP) could be appointed soon to bring some stability to the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).

Lacobiniere was responding to the recent disclosure made by acting Commissioner of Police Errol Alexander of plans to retire from the Force and not to re-apply for the top position.

Alexander and Director of Corrections Vern Garde had applied for the vacant post last year, but both men were sent letters in early January, informing them that their applications had been rejected.

This publication understands that the decision was taken following a court hearing, where a senior police officer sought a judicial review of the application process.

While the Public Service Commission (PSC) has not come forward with an explanation as to reason behind rejecting the applications, they have moved to re-advertise the position.

Commenting on the issue, Minister James Fletcher expressed similar sentiments stating that the position is an important one, since it has to do with national security.

Fletcher said from information he received, the PSC was not please with the results of the first set of interviews and decided to re-advertise the post.

The minister views Alexander’s exit from the RSLPF as a great loss and noted that there is a major issue when it comes to succession planning in the public sector, something he hopes can be addressed.

Via st lucia news online