The United Workers Party (UWP) again this week accused the government of not being equipped to handle the crime situation is St. Lucia. The accusation was made at a UWP press conference at the office of the Leader of the Opposition by UWP candidate for Vieux Fort North Callix “Kakal” Xavier.
Xavier, who was unsuccessful against Moses JnBaptiste in the constituency battle on December 1st, 2025, insist that the Philip Pierre administration has done little, outside of providing equipment, in their attempt to curb St. Lucia’s growing criminal activity. Xavier had some advice for the government. “Most murders do not begin as murders, they often stem from small misunderstandings that escalate into serious irreversible acts of violence.
I suggest to the powers that be, unsure that officers deal with every minor matter effectively to prevent an escalation to a murder.” Xavier, who also a former police officer, says he applied that same approach during his tenure. He went on to insist that quality policing is what is required at the moment and not quantity simply adding numbers to the police force. “What is required is a strategic, well-coordinated and multi sectoral approach. One that brings together law enforcement, community organizations, social services, education, and other key stakeholders, all working towards the common goal of crime prevention and reduction.”
He made clear that this approach required strong, trusted leadership which he seemingly suggested was lacking in the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) at this time particularly in light of the recent spate of promotions. On the issue of the recent promotions, Xavier says he had no issue with the individuals promoted but rather took issue with the process with which it was executed. “There are several serious concerns arising from this latest round of promotions. These concerns center primarily around what appears to be a lack of adherence to the established promotional guidelines of 2012 and the blatant violation of the police promotional regulations of 2006.”
Xavier contends that the lack of vacancy notice is but one of the blatant violations of the March 2026 promotions. He also identified bypassing the promotions committee as another flagrant violation of established practices.
The regulations, Xavier says, are designed to provide oversight and to prevent unilateral decision making. Callix Xavier says the pertinent question is whether the Commissioner of Police acted within the prescribed guidelines.