The meeting, which lasted for about two hours, was an opportunity for members of the police force and the government to exchange ideas and dialogue on the issues and concerns affecting the Dominica Police Force.

At the meeting attended by nearly 200 Officers, Prime Minister Skerrit made the following commitments:

• Resources are being made available to train an additional 25 police officers
• Government will seek to fill the fifty-eight vacancies in the Force in the next two years
• Two vehicles will be given to the Police Force immediately
• Work will commence soon on the Marigot, Soufriere and Vieille Case Police Stations
• Work is well advanced on Dominica’s national security plan for the 2007 Cricket World Cup
• In response to a question from a police officer working in the Immigration Department, Government is looking seriously at the suggestion to relieve the police of some of the  responsibilities which can be performed by non-police officers
• In response to a question from a senior police officer a commitment was given that the government would look favourably at soliciting the involvement of the Police Force in capital projects

Other issues that were raised by police officers included the strengthening of the Immigration Act, a facility for illegal immigrants pending court hearings, the need for an extradition treaty with the French, a special unit to investigate crimes against women and children and the rationalisation of police stations.

The Prime Minister told the officers that despite the manpower and financial constraints experienced by the Police Force, the performance of officers was exemplary. Skerrit stated further: “You might still be the best police force in the region. You are exemplary in terms of your performance when you go out there.

“I am committed to assisting the Police Force. I appreciate the importance of the Police Force. I have the highest professional respect for Mr Pierre Louis.  I believe if we join hands and work together, we can achieve.”

Also present at the meeting were Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs and Immigration, Ian Douglas, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore and Secretary to the Cabinet, Felix Gregoire.