Like every Saint Lucian at home and abroad, we have watched in utter horror the incidents of violence against women which have occurred since the beginning of the year. We condemn violence in any form even more vehemently so when the victims are young women in their prime. We as a nation cannot accept a young woman and her family being brutally attacked in their home, we absolutely cannot remain quiet when a 27-year-old mother of three is gunned down in broad daylight. We must stand up against two young women being brutally stabbed resulting in one losing her life.
Fellow citizens, we cannot allow ourselves to become desensitised to these horrific acts. We must demand more of our leaders, our law enforcement officials, our judicial system and ourselves. If you see something, say something. Pay attention when victims of intimate partner violence seek help. Denounce abuse in all its forms, be it physical, verbal or psychological. Learn to resolve conflicts without violence.
On the heels of our 46th independence anniversary let us all make a concerted effort to take our country back. Patriotism is more than wearing the flag’s colours and saying that you’re a proud Lucian. Patriotism also entails having a vested interest in the development of our nation, being each other’s keepers, and ensuring that we leave a better Saint Lucia for the nation’s children.
We take this time to remember our beloved nursing colleague Keziah Wilson who was fatally shot in November 2022. To date there have been no arrests, no resolution. We cannot and will not rest until the perpetrators of that crime are brought to justice.
To all the families left behind, we express our most sincere condolences. To our colleagues who so often have to attend to the victims of violent crime; guard your mental health.
To all citizens of Saint Lucia, we say let us not allow the criminals to win. United, we are stronger than they can ever be. Let us rise against violence in all its forms.