The Government of Saint Lucia continues to improve its approach to crime and its strengthening of the police force.

Taiwan and Saint Lucia have signed an agreement for police cooperation which will see more exchanges in the area of personnel visits, training, and intelligence between police officers.

The Bilateral Police Cooperation Agreement will also mean law authorities will work hand-in-hand in the prevention and policing of serious transnational crimes.

The official signing was held on Jan. 31, as part of an official visit to Saint Lucia of the Taiwan Foreign Affairs Minister, His Excellency Dr. David Tawei Lee.

“This is the first comprehensive law-enforcement-related agreement inked by our two countries, which marks a new milestone in our cooperative relationship,” stated Minister Lee. “Taiwan is aware of the difficulties that the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is currently facing in personnel training and equipment upgrades. We are willing to offer our assistance and to share our experiences. I look forward to successful cooperation between the police authorities of Taiwan and Saint Lucia for years to come.”

Minister for Home Affairs, Justice, and National Security, Hon. Hermangild Francis, lauded the signing of the agreement.

“As we continue to develop as a country and explore new prospects for growth, our police force cannot be left behind. The first world environment we are seeking to create must also be visible with our approach to justice,” he said. “We also need to create such partnerships in order to tap into the expertise offered by countries such as Taiwan, especially as it relates to the use of technology. We truly look forward to working with the Government of Taiwan.”

Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet and resident Taiwan Ambassador His Excellency Douglas Shen were also on hand to partake in the signing ceremony. Taiwan and Saint Lucia had previously signed the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation in the Exchange of Financial Intelligence Related to Money Laundering, Associated Predicate Offences and Terrorism Financing, in January. That arrangement allows the financial intelligence agencies to institutionalize the exchange of information on cross-border financial crimes.