The governments of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Saint Lucia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, making it the first comprehensive law enforcement-related agreement.

The signing of the agreement took place on Jan 31, between Saint Lucia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security, Sen. Hon. Hermangild Francis, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Lee Ta-Wei.

According to His Excellency Lee Ta-Wei, the new agreement will allow for the law authorities of the two countries to work in tandem, in the prevention and policing of transnational crime.

“We will see more exchanges in the area of personnel visits, training and intelligence between our police officers,” he said. “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 to share our experience. I look forward to a successful cooperation between the police authorities of Taiwan and Saint Lucia for the years to come.”

Saint Lucia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security, Sen. Hon. Hermangild Francis, welcomed the new law enforcement agreement and expressed immense gratitude to the government of Taiwan for its continued support to Saint Lucia, especially in its efforts in justice and security.

“As we are aware, Taiwan has supported us in many areas including ICT and agriculture, and this signing is yet another step in cementing the friendly and strategic relations between Taiwan and Saint Lucia. It’s indeed a pleasure to see the broadening of our bonds in areas of justice and security. As we 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 first be reflected in our approach to justice.”

Senator Francis said the Ministry of Home Affairs, Justice and National Security, is anticipating more practical cooperation between the police, customs authority, and international governments, where joint investigative teams are established.  He said his ministry also looks forward to the exchange of personnel visiting for study and training programmes, as well as cooperation in combating transnational crimes.

“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. As a government, we realize that crime is multi-faceted and with development in recent times Saint Lucia has had to find alternative ways to help our police force especially as it relates to the area of training and border control; hence, even as we tackle crime at its roots, we must strengthen our force and broaden their experience and training. I believe I speak for all members of our police force when I say we truly look forward to working with the Government of Taiwan in this significant initiative.”      Also in attendance at the law enforcement agreement signing ceremony were Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet and members of the Cabinet, along with Taiwanese Ambassador to Saint Lucia, His Excellency Douglas Chen and the visiting Taiwanese delegation.