In light of last weekend’s tragic gun shooting incidents, which claimed the lives of three individuals and injured several others, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has unequivocally condemned these killings and the rampant criminal activity on the island.
The RSLPF firmly expressed concern over the recent shooting incidents in Castries, which have caused significant anxiety among citizens. The law enforcement officers are resolutely committed to taking all necessary steps to investigate these incidents and bring those responsible to justice.
These incidents resulted in the deaths of Jamie Williams, 27, and Takil Hayil James, 26, of Patterson’s Gap, Castries. Additionally, two innocent bystanders were injured, and a young man remains critical in hospital.
The RSLPF is deeply troubled by these events and extends its sincere sympathies to the aggrieved families. The statement asserts: “We are diligently gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and actively pursuing the perpetrators. Our technical and investigative teams are fully engaged, and we are confident in our capability to resolve these cases.”
The RSLPF reiterated: “We have the capacity and expertise to manage complex investigations. We uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and we are fiercely dedicated to serving and protecting our community.”
In the Micoud Street incident, police engaged with the shooters directly, resulting in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of the suspect vehicle.
A police spokesperson emphasized that these recent incidents “expose the audacity and brazenness of rival factions, which, despite our ongoing operational efforts to disrupt their activities, persist in executing their violent intentions without regard for public safety.”
The statement continued, “It is unacceptable that they have escalated their actions, bringing violence into the heart of our city and jeopardizing innocent lives. Their reckless behavior highlights the formidable challenges we face in maintaining public safety, and we are intensifying our efforts to dismantle these gangs and restore peace in our communities.”
In light of recent issues involving missing evidence from police records in two high-profile homicide cases, the RSLPF assures the public that these incidents are isolated and do not reflect the overall professionalism and dedication of our force. “We are actively addressing these issues to ensure our procedures remain robust and effective,” the release adds.
The police call upon the public “to remain calm and to have unwavering trust in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. We are relentlessly working to keep our community safe, and we require your support and cooperation. We urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward and assist us in our investigations.”
Furthermore, the release states, “We are dedicated to transparency and accountability, and we will provide regular updates on the progress of our investigations. Together, we will overcome these challenges and forge a safer and more secure community for all.”
Sending a clear warning to criminal elements in society, the RSLPF declared: “To the members of these rival groups, we issue a strict warning: your actions will not be tolerated. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force will not waver in our pursuit of justice and public safety. We will relentlessly track you down, gather evidence, and ensure you face justice.
“Your brazen attacks on innocent lives will not go unpunished. We urge you to cease your violent activities and encourage those responsible to surrender to the police. Those who refuse will face the full weight of justice, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action to protect our communities.”