Public and Private Sectors launch Strategy to strengthen Safety and Security in Rodney Bay

(Castries, Saint Lucia – March 10th 2025)- A multifaceted strategy to enhance safety and security on the Rodney Bay strip commenced on Friday, March 7, 2025 with a debushing and beautification exercise.

The activity was held by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS), with support from the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), its member companies and the Gros Islet Constituency Council. It sought to create a safer and welcoming environment for residents and visitors by removing overgrown vegetation as well as improving visibility in key areas.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Elvis Thomas said, “Just like we leave our country to go elsewhere to enjoy other countries on vacation, these individuals come over to our country to enjoy its beauty. And so, it’s very important for us to safeguard that industry. We know what it does for us; we know what it brings to us from an economic standpoint and so it is important for each and every one of us to recognize that crime against our visitors should not be tolerated, and we have to do our utmost best as citizens to work together to ensure that we eliminate this threat.”

ACP Thomas acknowledged that the Force has experienced challenges in the Rodney Bay area, but is confident that the issues can be addressed with collaboration.  He added: “This is one of many projects that we will undertake because we understand how valuable this industry is to us. We as the RSLPF want to create a safer environment for all people to live in and this is what we are embarking on today.”

SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez expressed his satisfaction with the quick turnaround, noting that the activity came to fruition just one week after discussions began. He said, “It is just one phase of a number of interventions that we have planned to ensure that the whole beautification of the area is not only had currently but maintained over the coming months, and also to ensure that the private sector starts to play a more active role in being vigilant and monitoring safety and security of guests moving through the area. For the SLHTA, it was a really significant achievement because we were very, very pleased to have had the support from other colleagues from the private sector, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Manufacturers’ Association, Villa Association and the Rodney Bay Homeowners Association. We’re hoping in the coming weeks to continue to build on this; moving from strength to strength to solidify that relationship between the private sector and the RSLPF, and to ensure that the needs of the average citizen and the business community are met.”

Officials will continue to meet in the coming days to roll out more components of the safety and security strategy. A key next step is optimizing the functionality of the Rodney Bay Police Station. On the sidelines of the debushing activity, CEO Azeez and ACP Thomas held a fruitful meeting to discuss this pressing matter, during which the SLHTA agreed to provide support. The Association has since liaised with its membership, with a number of companies donating much-needed supplies to assist the station.

The Association extends its sincere gratitude to the following companies for supporting the beautification exercise, and donating equipment to the Rodney Bay Police Station: Bambooze, Coco Palm, Harmony Marina Suites, Jacques Waterfront Dining, Keebes, La Mesa, Mystique by Royalton, Sol Sanctum and Villa Beach Cottages.

The SLHTA will continue to play its part in fostering a safe environment for residents and visitors.