The Marine Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force will embark on a special programme of activities to mark Tiller Day, officially celebrated on July 25, every year. This year, Tiller Day activities will kick off on Sunday, July 27, in the fishing village of Canaries.

Superintendent of Police in the Marine Unit, Inspector Reece Auguste, explained the significance of Tiller Day.

“Tiller Day is significant to us because it symbolizes the day that the Police Marine Unit was handed over to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, by the British Royal Navy. At the time of the handing-over the Police Marine Unit was commanded by Mr. Nick Hockyard and he handed over to Mr. Andrew Cox who, at the time, was the Assistant Superintendent of Police. Throughout the years from 1996 until now we have been enjoying local command and we have had quite a few between then and now.”

Officers will also participate in outreach activities to sensitize the public on the operations of the Police Marine Unit.

“We will have a radio outreach programme, and we already have radio stations assisting, along with the National Television Network. We will also have a television interview on NTN. On Saturday, we will be moving on to our roadshow where we drive through the communities with different stops and inform communities of who we are and what we do.”

The official start of the 2025 programme of activities for Tiller Day will be marked with a July 27 church service at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Canaries. Following the mass the Marine Unit will present five hampers to the needy; and then host a fun-filled sports day. Residents of Canaries and environs are invited to participate.

On July 28, a specially-curated exhibition will be held at Constitution Park in Castries, where citizens can learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the Police Marine Unit.

The highlight-activity of the week will be a recognition ceremony in honour of the staff, which will be held on July 31, at the Marine Police base at Vigie, Castries.