A drive-by shooting last Sunday evening which claimed the lives of two males and a female and hospitalised another male and another female with serious injuries, energized a waning debate about the proliferation of guns in the country.
According to police it all happened around 9:20p.m. on Marchand Road next to the Cadasse Bakery.
Dead are Don Straughn, 22, of Black Mallet, who succumbed at the scene; Lea John, 34, of George Charles Boulevard who was pronounced dead at OKEU Hospital and Ronnie Scott, 36, also of the George Charles Boulevard.
The ferocity and deadly outcome of the attack shook the country and its citizens with many of them taking to social media to express sadness and shock at the carnage and boldness of the attackers.
Police were tightlipped on details as we went to press yesterday, however Prime Minister Philip j Pierre, in a statement, expressed his sadness at the tragic occurrence.
“To say that I am saddened does not begin to express how I feel about the recent homicides that occurred last night. To the families, all of whom I know, please accept my sincerest condolences.
Whilst we continue to provide the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force with the necessary resources to ensure citizen security, this scourge of crime has been left unchecked for far too many years. Citizens must do better to resolve conflict. The wheels of justice must move swiftly to not only solve crime but to deter criminality. I reaffirm my commitment to support the efforts of crime fighting by the RSLPF and urge citizens support in this effort. Let us have a peaceful holiday,” Pierre said.
The opposition United Workers Party also expressed sadness by what transpired at Marchand Sunday evening.
“The United Workers Party is saddened by the senseless shooting in Marchand on Sunday night which has resulted in the death of three young persons and the hospitalization of two others.
“This act of gun violence is even more distressing as it has occurred during the Christmas season which is considered as a time for extending love and caring. The United Workers Party calls on all citizens, organizations, law enforcement and the government to work hand in hand to find solutions to the increasing violence on the island,” the party noted in a statement.