After experiencing a chilling crime spree in 2023, residents of Vieux-Fort say their community is now one of the most peaceful communities on the island.
According to them, they are now living in peace, which they have been yearning for over the past few years.
The last homicide in Vieux-Fort occurred on April 8, 2024, when Ricardo Wilson, alias “Go Fast”, 24, a resident of Bruceville, was shot dead in broad daylight on Commercial Street.
The spike in deadly gun violence in Vieux-Fort had resulted in the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Phillip J. Pierre declaring Vieux-Fort an “Escalated Crime Area” from March, 20, 2023 to may 16, 2023.
The situation was so dire, that the Regional Security System (RSS) was called to assist the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) to deal with the wave of crime, which was gang- related.
During that period, residents witnessed multiple young men, a woman and a toddler lives snuffed out of them, some in broad daylight, in the full view of the public.
The situation had residents of Vieux-Fort on edge, grappled to come to terms with the harsh reality.
David “Apa” Charles, a resident of the community and an independent candidate in the upcoming general elections said: “I am thankful to the Almighty for reducing crime in Vieux-Fort. Vieux-Fort is now one of the safest communities in St. Lucia.”
He said that he is happy that the young men of Vieux-Fort are behaving themselves.
“Let’s learn from the past,” Charles said.
He attributed the reduction in crime in Vieux-Fort to the work of the police and the intervention of the Ubuntu Movement.
Betrand Fevrier said: “I am happy crime has reduced in Vieux-Fort. At least we are starting to see sports back in Vieux-Fort.”
Another resident said: “I hope the situation will remain as it is. Vieux-Fort was declared an “Escalated Crime Area” in 2023. Now, I want the authorities to declare Vieux-Fort, “the most peaceful community” in St. Lucia.”
“Gone are the days when we were stigmatized,” the resident said.