Police group in St Lucia wants better compensation package for members

CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – The Police Welfare Association (PWA) says it wants a one-million dollar compensation package for the relatives of cops killed in the line of duty.

Under the existing regulations, surviving family members receive an amount equal to three years’ gross salary at the date of death and other entitlements as provided for under the National Insurance Corporation Act, the Police Act, and the Fire Service Act.

But, PWA president Travis Chicot, said that “ideally, the PWA is looking to obtain one million dollars for the family of each police officer killed while on the job.”

He said the association is currently in negotiations with a private insurance company to provide coverage for injured cops and the families of those killed on the job.

“We have actually secured a deal with an insurance company for EC$475,000. So at this time, we would call for the employer to meet us halfway Chicot said, adding that the PWA is more concerned about police officers during the time that they are alive.

Chicot said there was also the need for cops to receive salaries commensurate with their work.

“We believe we should concentrate on paying police officers properly – giving them a proper and a decent wage,” he said, adding that while officers get allowances, the PWA expects them to retire "properly".

Chicot said it has been almost seven years since the government has given members of the Royal St Lucia Police Force any "tangible benefits".

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