President Wavel Ramkalawan attended the official inauguration ceremony of the Baie Ste Anne Praslin Police Station Tuesday morning, marking a significant milestone in the nation's commitment to strengthening law enforcement infrastructure and community safety on Praslin Island. 

The comprehensive project done in two phases represents a substantial upgrade and expansion of police facilities on the island. Construction on the new Baie Ste Anne Police Station was conducted by All Weather Builders at a total cost of SCR 7 million entirely financed by government.  

The first phase inaugurated encompasses the conversion of the historic Etheve Building into a state-of-the-art police station, delivering an extensive array of specialized services. The new facility houses a Criminal Investigation Department (CID), advanced fingerprinting services, an ID parade room, family unit office, custody and visitor accommodations, interview facilities, traffic investigator office, and a Scientific Support & Crime Records Bureau (SS&CRB). The complex also features three purpose-built detainee cells alongside other essential operational amenities, inline with the International Human rights standards.

 The second phase involves the renovation of the existing Baie Ste Anne Police Station, which will be strategically repurposed to serve as the primary headquarters for Inner Island operations. 

Commissioner of Police Mr. Ted Barbe expressed appreciation to the President for his unwavering support and in ensuring such a critical proposed infrastructure materialises. 

In his keynote address, President Ramkalawan underscored the strategic significance of the new facility in reinforcing the Inner Island Security Initiative. He emphasised the importance of enhanced discipline and a stronger commitment to community service. The President also called on the Praslin police officers to remain steadfast in their oath to uphold law and order, and to serve with impartiality and integrity.

The proceedings concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and ceremonial ribbon cutting by President Wavel Ramkalawan, the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr Errol Fonseka and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ted Barbe. 

The ceremony also include poem and song performances by the Praslin Primary School students and a blessing by the parish priest, Reverend Dr. Simon Fred. 

The development of the new Police Station underscores the government's unwavering commitment to modernizing law enforcement capabilities while preserving community connections through enhanced local policing infrastructure for the Praslin Community.