St. Lucian Is New Prison Boss

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(PLTM) - St. Lucian national, Mr. Verne Garde has been appointed to the post of Superintendent of Prison at Her Majesty’s Prison.

Mr. Garde supersedes British national, Mr. David Foot, whose contractual appointment ended on June 5. Foot was hired back in 2013.

Governor Gus Jaspert, after considering the advice of the Public Service Commission, appointed Mr. Garde on a contractual appointment for a period of two years effective July 2nd, 2018. He will first serve a six month probationary period.

There have been calls for a succession plan to be put in place at the prison to allow for a local to fill the position.

In recent years, there have been a number of reports of fights among inmates, which have led to hospitalization; inmates attacking prison officers; and smuggling of cellular phones and drugs into the prison.

Following the passage of hurricane Irma in September of last year, 21 hardened inmates were transferred to a St. Lucia prison, pending the completion of repairs at Balsam Ghut. St. Lucia had publicly made the offer to house the prisoners.

Garde's Experience

According to government, Mr. Garde brings a wealth of experience to the post. He has over 23 years of applicable experience in the field of Criminal Justice having served for 20 years in various ranks of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force, including Beat and Patrol, Drug Unit, Central Intelligence Unit, Inspector of Police and Head of Special Branch. He also served as the Director of Corrections with the Bordelais Correctional Facility in St. Lucia for three years.

The Superintendent of Prison is responsible for the efficient and effective management and operation of Her Majesty’s Prison. This position also serves as the Government’s Chief Advisor on all matters pertaining to Prison Management and Rehabilitation.

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Mr. Garde is presently pursing a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Correctional Administration from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice – Honors Program (Summa Cum Laude) from Monroe College, New York, USA and obtained certificate training in Leadership Development, Hemispheric Security and Intelligence Forum, Supervisory Management, Professional Development in Management, Leadership and New Initiatives in Community Policing.

The new Superintendent of Prison holds certificate training in regional Drug Enforcement and International Ship and Port Facility Security. He has professional Training in Gang Investigations, Suicide Prevention, Police Mental Health Training, Protective Security, Intelligence Gathering and Analysis, Counter Narcotics Surveillance and Analysis and Intelligence Operations.

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