Public appeals from Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre over recklessness on the island’s roads seemed to have fallen on death ears as St. Lucia continue to record road fatalities and disastrous vehicular incidents.
Prime Minister Pierre at his first press briefing of the new year recounted road incidents at the close of 2025 and what seemed to be a steady continuation into 2026. Monday’s briefing, the latest in his weekly meetings with the press, PM Pierre expressed frustration that his multiple appeals for calm, responsible driving had not been heeded. He addressed the cost factor involved, highlighting that accidents negatively affect insurance premiums, put stress on the resources of the countries health system and causes trauma in numerous families. It was “disappointing,” the PM said, that motorist still found it necessary to flaunt speeds above the legal limit.
While at the briefing, the PM was visible saddened by the news of another road fatality, that of someone known to him. The law, he says, must be adhered to and the police need to clamp down on perpetrators. “We drive too fast. We are reckless. We overtake around corners and we make excuses. Everything we ask for we must get – lights on the road, we must mark the streets, and if we drive with less speed accidents may happen, but people will not die.”
The Prime Minister was insistent that speed is the main component involved in the carnage on the island’s road. “People die because of the speed we drive at. Why can’t we understand that. Why can’t we have some responsibility for our own selves and the lives of people. The full force of the law will have to be brought on these reckless drivers.”
Pm Pierre, when asked, was ready to stiffen legislation to ensure the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) had the required platform to operate better.
Recording up to September of last year showed that there were 3815 reported accidents, of which 189 were considered extremely serious. Of that number, 10 featured fatalities. Those fatal incidents were recorded through every corridor of the island’s roadways.