Senator Herod Stanislas of the United Workers Party (UWP) has criticized the Saint Lucia government for returning a dog donated to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF). “Where is the canine unit?” he said. “I was told only one dog that is there [called] Tyson.” He added that “the dog cannot even do the work because you have to speak French to the dog, and we have no trainers who speak French.”
Stanislas further asserted that [the canine] “went back to Martinique”. His remarks were livestreamed on social media.
iReport St. Lucia contacted the RSLPF for a response. In a statement on behalf of the officer in charge, the RSLPF denied that the canine has returned to Martinique, “Tyson has never returned to Martinique since the handover,” said Ann Joseph, RSLPF Press Officer, “There are however, efforts to secure another canine to add to the department.”
In her account of Tyson’s successes, Joseph further stated, “Tyson, the canine donated to the RSLPF by the French authorities, has contributed significantly in our efforts to curb crime, with a particular focus on drug and prohibited substance seizures.” She highlighted the dog’s role in confiscating firearms and drugs. Moreover, she explained that the seizures led to several arrests and ongoing court cases. “The RSLPF continues to be grateful to our counterparts for the assistance they rendered in our efforts to curb crime, especially firearm-related incidents.”
Joseph also addressed concerns surrounding Tyson’s handlers. She noted that the canine currently has two local handlers, both of whom underwent comprehensive training with Tyson. “The program involved law enforcement personnel from Martinique,” she explained. “Both handlers are also well-versed with the procedures to ensure Tyson remains an asset,” she added. She further confirmed that the canine handlers are directly involved in all operations where Tyson has assisted the police.
The RSLPF encourages the public to support ongoing crime-fighting efforts. The public can share tips through the 555 hotline, the Crime Hotline App, or the Office of the Commissioner of Police. The RSLPF welcomed all contributions in this effort.
Photo: Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF)
