Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre unequivocally condemned the violent upheaval and criminal activity that has plagued the nation over the past week, resulting in the tragic deaths and injuries of citizens, including several young individuals.
Following a series of homicides last week, which included the shocking shootings of three young males-two teenagers, aged 18, and a 21-year-old, law enforcement has heightened their investigations and surveillance efforts concerning these heinous crimes.
As both Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Pierre delivered a forceful condemnation of these brutal acts, categorizing them as unfounded and detrimental to the country’s reputation.
“I condemn these acts of violence, and I condemn the tragic loss of young, productive lives,” the Prime Minister stated unequivocally at a pre-cabinet briefing on Monday.
He emphasized, “I have no tolerance for criminal behavior; there is no place for criminality in our society.”
The National Security Minister made it clear that the police have been equipped with the necessary tools and resources to effectively carry out their duties.
Oversight of police operations falls under the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), and the government stands firmly behind the unit in its mission to implement all measures needed to combat these persistent criminal atrocities threatening the country.
The P M expressed outrage over the frequency and audacity with which a minority of criminals disrupt the lives of law-abiding citizens.
“The government’s role is to empower the police force, not interfere with their actions. We will provide all available resources within our fiscal capabilities,” he stated emphatically.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Pierre urged the police to utilize all legal means, while respecting individual rights, to bring these criminal activities under control. “The vast majority of people in Saint Lucia are law-abiding citizens,” he said.
He stressed, “These criminals exploit crime as an excuse to harm their fellow countrymen. They share the same schools and neighborhoods. What compels someone to point a gun at their brother and pull the trigger simply because they belong to a gang?”
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of crime and revealed that several social interventions and programs have been implemented to help young people set career goals and remain on a positive path.
Furthermore, he announced the hiring of a criminologist as a Research Officer within the Ministry of Crime Prevention to effectively address the crime issue.
To enhance the management of these violent disturbances, Pierre highlighted collaboration with agencies such as the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), showcasing a dual approach of reinforcement and rehabilitation.
The National Security Minister called for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the crime crisis, urging youth and all citizens to reject violent confrontations and embrace peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Minister for Home Affairs and Crime Prevention Jeremiah Norbert echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments, acknowledging that the nation had recently experienced a gradual decline in crime, which has now resurfaced alarmingly.
“This wave of violence has sent shockwaves throughout the country. The fact that all these incidents are gun-related is deeply concerning, especially since they are occurring across various locations, putting immense pressure on the limited resources of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.”
Describing the crime situation as “systemic,” Norbert pointed out that while addressing the recent batch of new police recruits , PM Pierre stated “we do not manufacture guns in Saint Lucia…yet they still infiltrate our country.”
The Minister emphasized that organized crime has evolved, involving various individuals from different societal strata, creating a complex network that must be dismantled by any means necessary.