The Mayor of Fogo Island is confused by messages being sent regarding RCMP services on the island.

Mayor Andrew Shea told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly a release sent out last week indicates that the local detachment building is not closing, yet the officers are being transferred to Gander.

He knows the building is not closing because it’s shared with the Coast Guard. His understanding is that the officers posted there are now moving to Gander and that patrols will be conducted on Fogo Island “when staffing allows.”

Shea takes exception to assurances provided by provincial Justice Minister John Hogan indicating that an officer is being assigned full-time to Fogo Island.

“If I make a call tomorrow,” that officer has to “call Gander for backup to answer it call…this is not fixing the problem,” asserts Shea.

Area residents held a rally last week protesting the changes.