Government authorities and their related agencies, including the island’s law enforcement officers, are actively implementing aggressive anti-crime measures to combat the alarming rise in violent criminal activities across the country.
The recent spike in violent crime has galvanized the call for the formation of a National Alliance to combat crime effectively.
In a recent media briefing, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire emphatically urged citizens to support the police in their relentless pursuit of justice and the apprehension of criminal elements.
Dr. Hilaire reaffirmed the government’s strong support for law enforcement and called on every citizen to participate in reclaiming safety in their communities.
“We are waging a war against the ‘Merchants of Death.’ There are individuals out there shooting indiscriminately and taking the lives of innocent people, and this must stop,” he declared.
“We demand that the police step up their efforts beyond what they have accomplished thus far—and we acknowledge their hard work,” Hilaire stated. Nonetheless, he asserted, “We need a definitive and powerful declaration from the police that they are reclaiming the streets and communities, and they can count on our unwavering support.”
He also called on all Saint Lucians to rally behind the police and urged civil society organizations to lend their support, stating , “The police cannot fight this battle alone. The government will provide them with the necessary resources, but community support is essential.”
Dr. Hilaire emphasized that community members must hold themselves accountable: “If you wish to make your neighborhoods safer, you must assist the police. It is unacceptable for community members to criticize law enforcement during operations or to complain about traffic delays caused by roadblocks.”
He recalled that over the past four years, the government has made significant investments in the police force, including the recruitment of numerous new officers into the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).
“As a government, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure the police are empowered to perform their duties effectively. It is our obligation to make a significant difference in the fight against crime,” Dr Hilaire asserted.
R.A.