Shooting Spree Condemned

CASTRIES East MP, Phillip J Pierre, has denounced the recent spate of violence in his constituency and elsewhere on the island and has called on people to settle their differences in amicable ways.

Shootings in Marchand dominated the news last week, with one resulting in the death of 23-year-old Kimbar Lynch, who was shot while he sat on a bridge.

“We need to develop a society where we can communicate,” Pierre said.

The shooting incidents are not detached from each other, as is being suggested by sources close to the investigations. However, the incidents are causing fear in the community.

Pierre expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured and called for a society where revenge was not the order of the day. He wants residents of Marchand to resolve their conflicts through interaction and devoid of any form of violence.

Also condemning the recent spate in gun violence is the United Workers Party (UWP). In a press release sent out yesterday, the party offered condolences to those affected by the incidents and wished those who were injured a speedy recovery.

The party said it was encouraged by government’s plans to fight crime as outlined in its party’s manifesto. It also said government would be moving swiftly to introduce modern technology as one if its chief weapons to fight crimes.

“The introduction of Closed Circuit Television [CCTV] monitoring system will be pivotal in addressing the crime problems plaguing the nation, particularly in areas prone to crime. Partnership with the private sector with the supply and maintenance of cameras will also be used for crime fighting strategies,” stated the party.

The UWP further stated that the reopening of the Forensic Science Laboratory will assist the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force in their crime fighting and the increase in resources by training recruits and providing additional vehicles and other much-needed equipment. It said it stands with the government in committing to ensuring that officers are kept abreast of new and advanced crime-fighting techniques.

“The United Workers Party urges citizens to find ways in dealing with conflicts by effective communication and resolving issues without the use of force,” the missive said. “We should build communities where we respect and help each other rather than fear one another.

“We need to be more of a tolerant society where we can live together as one in peace and unity. This requires a strengthened effort and synergy by all St. Lucians as it is a societal issue so this scourge can be completely addressed.”

Meanwhile, Acting Police Commissioner Milton Desir yesterday declined comment on the police’s response to the recent spate of shootings. However, he said police are investigating each incident and are strategizing.

Desir spoke to The VOICE briefly as he left Vide Boutielle Secondary School, where he read to students as part of the Force’s community outreach programme.

However, he promised to comment in a few days on the incidents, particularly the recent upsurge in gun violence in Marchand.

The Marigot community was also the scene of a fatal shooting last Sunday, the 23rd homicide for the year. Police reported that two masked men approached 32-year-old Chrishna Chester Wilson of the same area and shot him in the head.

Chester was at the time sitting on a public bench near an establishment along the Marigot Community Road. He was transported to the Victoria Hospital where he received treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.