Minister of National Security St Clair Leacock (who is also the Deputy Prime Minister) spoke extensively about the modernisation and restoration of police facilities during a visit to the historic police station in Barrouallie .
His remarks focused on several key areas regarding national security infrastructure and officer welfare.
The Minister emphasized a core philosophy, which he described as his “mantra”: police officers must not be expected to live in quarters that are worse than their own homes.
He argued that for officers to deliver the high-quality service required by a demanding profession, their workplaces and living quarters must be “sufficiently commodious” and comfortable.
Leacock addressed the specific reasons why the historic Barrouallie station—the oldest and most historic in the nation—had been abandoned.
The station was vacated due to a sewer issue that was reportedly exacerbated by tidal conditions, where high tides caused system backups.
Leacock says the government intends to restore the building to its “glory days” and historical significance—specifically preserving features like the “dome finish”—while adding modern upgrades and accommodation to the back of the property.
The Minister spoke against a “piecemeal approach” to housing the police, suggesting it is a better use of taxpayer money to implement a “long-term fix” that addresses safety, historical interest, and modern accommodation all at once.
Leacock stated that he is seeking technical advice to develop a budget that the Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet can defend.
He noted that existing proposals did not make “great financial sense,” necessitating a faster, more intelligent approach to signalling the government’s seriousness about security
