Insiders claim St. John’s Police Station operations will be moved to Dredge Bay in two weeks

Persons living in the St. John’s area will have to trek a little farther to
lodge a complaint with the Police in the next two weeks, at which
time the St. John’s Police Station reportedly will be relocated to
Dredge Bay.

Insiders tell REAL News that officers will be moved to the premises
that were occupied by the Customs Department while the Port was
being constructed.

On Friday, reports say, Public Works Minister Maria Browne and
her permanent secretary toured the facility, with a view to
accommodate the change in the next two weeks.

The move is being made to accommodate the promised work on the
landmark police station. Reports say the building is to be completely
renovated, with the old wooden floors being replaced with concrete.

Two weeks ago, Minister of Public Safety Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin
said the renovations would cost about EC$3 million. What he did not
say was whether the work would be contracted out or undertaken
by the Public Works Department.

However, the insiders allege that there was no tendering of the job
and the extent of the Ministry’s consultation with the Police Welfare
Association and the police administration is not clear.

They note that, on matters of workplace safety, health and other
issues, the Welfare Association represents the ranks from constables
to inspectors, and they claim that Commissioner of Police Atlee
Rodney is yet to meet with the body to advise of the pending
relocation..