Linstead cops forced to work in open as station repairs stall
Project to resume soon with changed scope, says Chang
Published:Tuesday | July 22, 2025 | 12:10 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has confirmed that rehabilitation work on the Linstead Police Station, which was badly damaged by Hurricane Beryl, is expected to resume shortly, following delays and a revision of the original project scope.
The building, which was initially closed by public health officials due to structural concerns, has been undergoing phased repairs since last year. However, the discovery of additional problems forced the Government to re-evaluate the extent of the work required.
“We have changed the scope of the work and we have gotten the required variation. The ministry has signed off on it and the work will restart very soon,” Chang told The Gleaner.
The original scope of repairs included roof work, the installation of new air conditioning units, electrical upgrades, and painting. The initial project was valued at $21 million and was projected to be completed by January 2025. However, Chang admitted that costs will now increase due to the expanded nature of the work, though he assured that the ministry has made provisions for the additional expenditure.
In the meantime, officers stationed at Linstead have been forced to relocate their operations to the verandah of the Linstead Town Centre – a situation both officers and members of the public have described as deeply inconvenient and unsuitable for proper police work.
When The Gleaner visited the makeshift setup on Monday, officers were seen conducting operations on the balcony of the facility, with only pieces of cardboard affixed to shield them from the sun and rain.
One officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared the daily difficulties faced in the temporary location.
“We are having difficulty taking statements and conducting official police business from the location. Adding to this inconvenience that also affected members of the public who have to do business in the open space without any level of privacy, is the fact that we are exposed to the elements. Whenever it rains, we get wet.”
Another officer cited serious sanitary limitations, revealing, “There is only one restroom available for the town centre staff and the police officers to use.”
Chang acknowledged the challenges and said that any temporary relocation of officers must be recommended by senior officers within the force.
“The senior officers will have to make the recommendation for relocation of the officers in the interim,” he said.
Meanwhile, Linstead Division Councillor Hurbert Garriques expressed concern about the impact on municipal operations.
“The town centre is not being able to operate to its maximum capacity because they have to be sharing space with the police,” Garriques stated.