Police Commissioner Verne Garde, during an RSLPF press engagement on March 12th says the management of the Force is wholly independent of political influence. Garde made this clarification when pressed on the transfers of two serving members of the organisation following rumoured political motivations by the United Workers’ Party.
Among the officers transferred was a member of Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet’s detail. On January 19th, 2025, Chastanet had written to Commissioner Garde, expressing his displeasure with the officer’s transfer. According to Garde, this transfer is a result of an ongoing internal investigation within the Force.
“With Mr. Taliam, a report was made. The report is an internal report. There is a need for the investigation of the report. As a result, for good administration and management, we allowed the gentleman to work in another station whilst the report is continuing. That is really elementary in regards to an investigation,” he said.
Garde also explained the transfer of a second officer. That officer performed one of his calypsos at a United Workers’ Party town hall meeting. The Commissioner dispelled rumours that the officer’s transfer was due to his performance at the show. Instead, Garde says, the officer was transferred because of staffing shortages.
“This shift of Mr. Xavier has absolutely nothing to do with Mr. Xavier’s performance on a stage. Mr. Xavier has performed in the past on many stages. The contents of his lyrics are academic. We’ve heard it before,” Garde explained. In order to maintain quiet and stability in particular areas, we have to ensure that these areas are staffed properly,” he said.
At the press conference, Garde was pressed on the relationship he has with Castries Central MP, Richard Frederick. Frederick had previously criticised the conduct of police officers in public and called for stricter measures from the Police Commissioner.
Denying that he has ever received instructions or directions from Castries Central MP Richard Frederick, Garde said: “I report only to the Minister of National Security.”
Garde, who was on a 6-month contract as Acting Commissioner, is now on a one-year contract in the post, expiring in March 2026.
