The Government of Saint Lucia is advancing a commitment made in the 2026/2027 Budget to provide law scholarships to police officers and improve the Prosecution Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

On May 11, 2026, Cabinet approved the establishment of the scholarship programme, through which four scholarships will be awarded over the next two years. The selected police officers will study law at The University of the West Indies.

Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and National Security, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, announced the initiative in the 2026/2027 Budget Address as part of Government’s investment in law enforcement and justice reform.

“We are ensuring that justice is accessible, that cases are resolved fairly and promptly, and that every citizen can have confidence in the institutions that serve them,” Prime Minister Pierre said.

Three measures will guide the programme.

First, two scholarships will be awarded annually over a two-year period.

Second, recipients will be bonded for five years after completing their studies. During that period, they will serve as prosecutors within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

Third, Cabinet has approved an inter-agency committee comprising representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, National Security, Education and the Public Service to oversee the selection process and recommend suitable nominees.

The scholarship initiative forms part of Government’s wider work to improve the movement of criminal cases from investigation to prosecution and final resolution.

It sits alongside other justice reform measures, including the Plea Bargaining Bill, the Criminal Backlog Reduction Court, the virtual court system, investments in forensic science and the digitisation of case files.

By investing in officers who understand both criminal investigations and the law, Government is improving the link between investigation and prosecution. This will help ensure that sound police work is carried into court through properly prepared cases.