In recent days, the tragic murders of two young women and the attempted murder of another have ignited a wave of public outrage and calls for better treatment of women in Saint Lucia. While these calls are undoubtedly important- after all, it is crucial to address violence against women- they fail to recognise the broader issue of homicides, especially those affecting the country’s youthful population.
In recent years, Saint Lucia has faced a troubling rise in homicides, with young men in their twenties and thirties often killed for senseless reasons. Despite the alarming frequency of young men being killed, there is a noticeable lack of public outcry compared to the response when a female is killed. This selective outrage underscores the biases and societal norms that shape our reaction to violence. In other words, this disparity in response highlights a troubling hypocrisy in how society values and reacts to the loss of life based on gender.
The disproportionate focus on female victims suggests that the lives of young men are not as valued as those of young women. This hypocrisy must be highlighted and addressed. We hasten to emphasise that we are not diminishing the significance of violence against women – far from it. We are only underscoring that all lives are equally valuable, and the loss of life of any person by violence, regardless of gender, especially a young person, is a tragedy that deserves our collective attention and action.
Critics have pointed fingers at women in government, such as senators and government ministers, accusing them of not doing enough to ensure the safety of women and girls. These critics also lambast women in the opposition for their perceived inaction during their time in power. However, it is crucial to understand that addressing the issue of violent crime requires a united effort from all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
Government administrations over the years have made several efforts to curb violent crime in the country. Today, the job is that of Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and National Security, Philip J. Pierre, who has committed to strengthening security measures from the time he took over the reins of government in July 2021. It is evident that the administration’s current strategies are not working, which requires a trip back to the drawing board to reassess their approach to tackling crime. More certainly needs to be done by the administration to curb violent crime on the island. A more holistic and multi-faceted strategy is needed—one that not only addresses the symptoms of crime but also tackles its root causes. This includes improving education and employment opportunities, strengthening community bonds, and providing better support for at-risk youth.
Citizens, too, must unite in the fight against crime and not make it a political football. Crime prevention cannot remain the sole responsibility of law enforcement in Saint Lucia. It requires the contributions of all civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and residents. By working together, we can create safer and more peaceful communities, empower individuals to meet their needs, and ultimately improve all residents’ living standards.
It is worth repeating that while the recent murders of young women have rightfully sparked outrage, it is essential to recognize the broader issue of homicides affecting Saint Lucia’s youthful population. All lives are equally valuable, and the loss of any young person is a tragedy that deserves our collective attention and action. Let us unite in the fight against crime and work together to create a safer and more just society for all.