Homicides, Gun Violence On The Rise

THE Royal St. Lucia Police Force has yet to make a statement on their efforts to curb an escalation in crime, including incidents involving violence.

Just this month, several incidents involving firearms have surfaced with at least two of them resulting in homicides.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister, Hermangild Francis, an ex-police officer, is stoutly defending the police force’s determination to combat crime in light of the recent violent acts involving guns.

He said that just last week police recovered four firearms which, he said, shows that they have been working assiduously to address the situation.

Efforts to contact the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Crime, Masharma Sealy, for an interview yesterday did not go as planned despite scheduling a time for the interview. However, she responded just before press time yesterday to say she was still in a meeting.

Meanwhile, the number of homicides recorded to date has almost reached the total amount for last year, which stood at 31, and police recording 28 so far this year, the latest being that of Ike Ephraim, 27, who was found in a drain at Caye Mange, Beausejour, Gros Islet early yesterday morning.

Police are also investigating a drive-by shooting at Bois d’Orange which took place on Tuesday when a car pulled up next to a motorcyclist. Gunshots erupted from the car in the direction of the cyclist, who was hit but not fatally.

Last week, an 18-year-old man of Gros Islet was arrested for having in his possession a TEC 9mm semi-automatic handgun and several rounds of ammunition.

Also under police investigation is the killing of 27-year-old Seame Cherry of Corinth, who was fatally shot at Piat, Grande Riviere, Gros Islet two weeks ago. No one has been charged in connection with this incident.