St Lucia police training expands with Florida Guard exchange

CASTRIES, St Lucia — St Lucia police training expanded this week as the Florida National Guard’s 125th Security Forces Squadron and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force completed a joint training exchange focused on countering human trafficking, disrupting illicit networks, and strengthening small-unit tactical readiness, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown.

The embassy said the engagement was delivered through the U.S. State Partnership Program as part of wider cooperation aimed at boosting safety and resilience across the Caribbean, on land and at sea.

Florida Guard drills show St Lucia police training shifting to trafficking threats

The U.S. Embassy said the exchange centered on practical methods to counter trafficking activity and disrupt criminal networks, alongside improving small-unit readiness.

Regional security officials have long flagged trafficking as a cross-border threat, and St Lucia has faced added scrutiny, including a U.S. downgrade on human trafficking in St Lucia.

The embassy did not disclose how many officers participated or where the exchange was conducted.

Restored training access dates back to 2021 announcement

The latest engagement follows a period when St Lucian officers faced limits on access to U.S.-supported training and security assistance.

In a June 18, 2021, Facebook post, then Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said the United States would restore support to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, initially focusing on specific units, and welcomed renewed access to U.S.-funded training.

The current exchange reflects that continued cooperation, with U.S. partners again working directly with RSLPF personnel on operational priorities tied to both land and maritime security.