The recent daylight shooting of Alana Bernard, a devoted mother of three young children, has sent shockwaves through the community of Corinth, Gros Islet. Bernard, aged 27, was fatally shot steps away from her home on Tuesday evening, in what is believed to be a targeted attack. The grief-stricken family, left to grapple with the loss of a loving mother and daughter, is demanding justice.
Alana Bernard’s tragic death is not an isolated incident. Saint Lucia has witnessed a disturbing rise in violent crimes, with numerous families enduring the pain of losing loved ones to senseless violence. The community’s outcry for justice grows louder with each passing day, yet the cycle of violence continues unabated.
In response to this latest tragedy, both Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet have condemned the crime. Prime Minister Pierre, in his statement, emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Similarly, Chastanet called for decisive action, urging the Prime Minister to address the escalating crime rates and restore public confidence in the justice system.
However, the repeated assurances from political leaders have yet to translate into tangible results. Despite the promises and condemnations, the streets of Saint Lucia remain marred by violence, and families continue to mourn their loved ones. The question that looms large is: why do these crimes persist, regardless of who holds the reins of power?
It is time for more than just words. Saint Lucia needs a comprehensive and sustained effort to tackle the root causes of crime. This includes strengthening law enforcement, implementing effective social intervention programmes, and fostering a culture of respect for the rule of law. The community must come together to support these initiatives and hold their leaders accountable for delivering real change.
The memory of Alana Bernard and countless others lost to violence must serve as a catalyst for action. Saint Lucia deserves a future where families can live without fear, and where justice prevails. But for that to happen the Government of Saint Lucia and its citizens must join forces.
Fighting crime is expensive, and if the crime wave continues, the cost will only rise as the prison must be extended to accommodate more criminals. A great amount of money will be required to combat crime; after all, employing and training additional police officers and prison officers, as well as covering medical expenditures for hospitals treating crime victims, all add up to a significant financial burden.
The authorities need to implement practical and achievable policies in their fight against the crime monster. Now is the time to move beyond platitudes, tired expressions, uttered by those in power when murders and other heinous acts are perpetrated in the communities across the country.
We are urging the Saint Lucian government and all those who have a vested interest in seeing this country progress positively to commit to and make tangible efforts to protect citizens’ safety and welfare. It is time for a change.