Baie Lazare police station reopens after renovation |03 March 2023

The renovated Baie Lazare police station is now operational again

After undergoing a few months of renovation, the Baie Lazare police station is back in operation.

The police station had been closed since August 2022 for a complete renovation of its interior and the external structure, and work was completed by the end of last month.

It will be offering services and assistance to residents on a 24-hour basis, under the guidance of Sergeant Faviola Beauchamp, who is charge.

While it was closed down for renovation, the Baie Lazare community was receiving police services and assistance from the Anse Royale station.

Built during British colonial days, the Baie Lazare police station opened its doors for the first time in 1949.

Speaking to the press after visiting the station yesterday, Police Commissioner Ted Barbe said that given the number of tourism establishments in the area, including those under construction, as well as the community’s demand, the station will surely provide a much-needed law enforcement presence.

He noted that as it will operate on a 24-hour basis, it will also help ease the pressure on the Anse Royale station.

The commissioner of police was accompanied on the visit by the elected member of the National Assembly for Baie Lazare, Honourable François Adelaide; police deputy commissioner, Francis Songoire; the district administrator, Fatima Marie; and other junior and senior police officers.

“Given that the police officers are aware of their mandate, responsibilities and the role they have to play in the district, I would like the residents to have confidence in them and to use the station well and to the maximum,” ComPol Barbe said.

He stated that the Baie Lazare police station will also offer additional services based on assessments of eventualities in the district.

Speaking about the relation between the police and the public, Compol Barbe said that while the relation is friendly, and they do need and accept help from the community, people should refrain from interfering and obstructing the police when they are doing their work.

He stated that the police will take action against anyone who obstructs.

“It is sad that many times we encounter situations where the public causes obstructions that prevented the police from doing their work, and which most of the time ended in a confrontation. The work we do is based on our mandate and training that we have received and I want people to let the police do their work, without interference or obstruction,” added Compol Barbe.

For his part, Hon. Adelaide called on the residents to use the police station well and to cooperate with the police so that the community can enjoy peace and live in harmony.

He also thanked President Wavel Ramkalawan, the Baie Lazare community and the police for their role and contributions to ensure the realisation of the project.

Meanwhile he said that the police department plans to renovate all stations that are deemed in need of a facelift, to improve the comfort of police officers, so that in return they can deliver better service to the community.

Renovation work is presently ongoing on the La Digue police station.

Text & photos by Patrick Joubert