RSLPF hands out masks instead of charging individuals

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has embarked on an island-wide mask distribution initiative. The organization says that the program commenced about a week ago and it aims to spread awareness about COVID-19, as well as to provide much needed protective equipment to anyone found without. “Staff from various units, including the office of the Commissioner of Police, engaged in the distribution efforts. We continue to encourage everyone to adhere to the protocols as the fight against the coronavirus continues. Stay safe Saint Lucia!” the RSLPF said in a statement on Monday night.

Per the COVID-19 (Prevention and Control) Act, “In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a person shall wear a mask or suitable covering over his or her nose and mouth when in public.”

A person who fails to do so “commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars or imprisonment with or without hard labour for a term not exceeding six months or both.”

Speaking on this issue during a press conference on October 10, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dorian O’Brian, stated: “The police, whilst they’re doing their daily patrols, are encouraging members of the public to wear a mask. They’ve been directed that if there is non-compliance then they have to do what is directed by law. But at present what the police has embarked upon is to go around and speak to persons and if they are not wearing one, we issue them with a mask, letting them know the importance of wearing the mask. This is what we’ve been doing so far, encouraging persons, but it will come to a point where the hard arm of the law will have to be enforced and we are moving in this direction.”

Meanwhile, the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) and City Police Department have taken a different approach. The CCC announced last week that 7 individuals have been charged for failure to wear a mask. Officers attached to the City Police Department, the CCC says, will be enforcing the wearing of masks in the city of Castries.

“The CCC continues to appeal to all staff members, vendors and members of the public traversing the city of Castries to abide by the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Regulations. The City Police Department will continue to be on active patrol to ensure that all public health protocols are adhered to,” the organization stated last week.