Police Investigate Three Homicides in the Community
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has issued a strong condemnation of the recent gun violence incidents in Marchand, which resulted in the tragic loss of three lives over the weekend. This violence unfolded during the island’s Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival and the annual celebration of Mother’s Day.
As the Member of Parliament for Castries East, PM Pierre has been a vocal advocate for initiatives aimed at steering the youth away from crime. He emphasizes the importance of implementing more social programs and offering technical and vocational training workshops to guide young people toward positive and productive futures.
Police are currently investigating a late-night shooting that occurred in Marchand on Saturday, resulting in the tragic deaths of two community members.
The victims have been identified as 64-year-old Pearl Ramsay of Marchand and 34-year-old Sheston Duncan from Black Mallet, Marchand.
The incident took place on Saturday, May 9, at approximately 11:00 p.m., when officers from the Marchand Police Station responded to reports of a shooting on Marchand Road.
Initial reports indicate that both victims, one male and one female, sustained gunshot wounds. Ramsay was pronounced dead at the scene, while Duncan was transported to the Owen King European Hospital (OKEU), where he was later pronounced dead by medical staff.
Investigations into this incident are ongoing, and post-mortem examinations are scheduled for a later date.
Additionally, on Sunday, May 10, around 12:45 p.m., officers responded to another shooting report on Marchand Road. This time, a male victim who sustained gunshot wounds was taken to the Owen King European Hospital (OKEU) and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The victim has been identified as Caroo Edwin, also known as Papa Bear, from Bagatelle.
On Monday, while offering condolences to the families of the victims, PM Pierre, also responsible for National Security expressed disappointment about the latest developments.
The Prime Minister revealed the island’s police commissioner has assured that all will be done to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The prime minister, while speaking at the weekly government press briefing, also commented on the island’s justice system. He admitted that while the justice system was woefully “inadequate” much has been accomplished towards a better, more equipped system. He pointed to the recently established Criminal Backlog Reduction Court, some 80 new police recruits, upgraded police facilities and advancements to forensic operations.
PM Pierre contends that while the justice system is “complex” and will require a considerable amount of time to realize considerable gains, there is already “a glimmer of hope.” He went on to clarify that the process requires all of St. Lucia to play its part.
“We cannot address crime through enforcement alone. The justice system must be strengthened from investigation to prosecution, but we must also place greater focus on prevention, conflict resolution, and the social conditions that contribute to violence,” PM Pierre noted.
“Crime affects every aspect of national life. We must continue teaching our young people how to communicate, how to resolve conflict peacefully, and how to exercise emotional control before situations escalate. This is not something that will be resolved overnight, but progress is being made, and the country is seeing sustained investment in security, justice, healthcare, and social protection,” he added.