SLHTA Hosts High-Level Safety and Security Consultation to Strengthen Partnership with the RSLPF and Key National Stakeholders
(Castries, Saint Lucia –Monday, December 22nd 2025)- In continued pursuit of a safe, welcoming and resilient Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) hosted a high-level strategic consultation on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, convening senior government officials, law enforcement leadership, and industry stakeholders to align on an integrated approach to safety and security—particularly as the island prepares for increased visitor arrivals during the winter season.
The meeting, held at the Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, brought together Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ernest Hilaire; Commissioner of Police, Mr. Verne Garde, and a delegation from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF); Soufrière Member of Parliament and Minister for Equity, Hon. Emma Hippolyte; Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. John Paul Estephane; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Ms. Donalyn Vittet; alongside representatives of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) and SLHTA member companies.
The SLHTA extends sincere appreciation to the Deputy Prime Minister and his colleague Ministers for their direct participation and visible support—an important signal of solidarity and shared accountability in national crime reduction efforts. The Association also expresses gratitude to the professional teams from the Ministry of Tourism and the SLTA for their attendance, coordination support, and continued collaboration with the sector in advancing collective solutions.
The consultation was facilitated as a confidential and solutions-oriented forum to candidly discuss priority concerns, evaluate emerging risks, and agree on practical next steps. With tourism expanding beyond traditional hubs—driven by community-led initiatives and local enterprises—the Association emphasized the need for strong community partnerships and measurable joint actions that protect both residents and visitors while sustaining confidence in Saint Lucia’s product.
The SLHTA commends Commissioner Garde for his leadership and for advancing a clear modernization thrust, including ideas geared toward strengthening operational effectiveness, supported by strategic planning, improved coordination, and the effective use of Community Relations to build trusted community networks that deter and reduce crime. The Association views this community-centered approach as essential to sustained crime reduction, particularly in locations where residents, businesses, and visitors intersect daily.
SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez
Reflecting on the Commissioner’s commitment to ongoing engagement with the sector, SLHTA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Noorani Azeez, stated:
“We sincerely appreciate Commissioner Garde’s willingness to maintain consistent, structured engagement with our membership. That openness to collaboration strengthens trust, improves responsiveness, and positions us to pursue a strategic, long-term approach to safety—grounded in partnership with communities and supported by practical joint action.”
The SLHTA reaffirmed that its relationship with the RSLPF is longstanding and grounded in tangible cooperation. Over the past decade, the Association and its membership have supported a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening public safety capacity, including assistance with strategic planning, support to the Rodney Bay Police Station, support for the re-introduced Rangers Unit, and customer service training for officers. The SLHTA noted that the upcoming season provides an important opportunity to assess and build upon the impact of these investments and joint initiatives.
The SLHTA remains committed to working alongside the RSLPF, the Government of Saint Lucia, and national tourism partners to advance a strategic way forward that prioritizes:
- stronger coordination and timely communication between law enforcement and the tourism sector;
- strengthened community networks that support crime prevention and intelligence-sharing; and
- consistent implementation of agreed action points to sustain improvements over time.
The Association reiterates that safeguarding citizens and visitors is paramount and reinforces its ongoing commitment to collaborative action to ensure Saint Lucia remains safe, welcoming, and competitive as a destination.
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