With most in the country confused about how many murders have occurred in St. Lucia thus far for the year, local law enforcement appears to be scrambling to get a handle on the current escalating crime numbers.
Only last weekend St. Lucians witnessed a triple homicide weekend in the Marchand community prompting the country to sit up and pay attention once again as the victims included a middle-aged man a young boy and an elderly woman.
While the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) will argue that headway is being made, highlighted by numerous arrests and seizure of guns and ammunition, there are occasions that seem to temper that argument. Just this week police were sent ducking as an individual, attempting to evade arrest, opened fire on law enforcement officers in broad daylight and in the city’s centre
It is seemingly all pointing to a lack of respect for local law enforcement and a cancer that has obviously permeated the society.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, only last week, made the point that the current crime situation is not restricted to St. Lucia but has engulfed the entire region from Jamaica in the north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south. While that may be true, one cannot shake the feeling that we are alone in our escalating crime situation particularly when it hits close to home.
The RSLPF has reportedly received the backing of the government to the tune with figures nearing 50 million dollars including equipment and recruits, but that some will argue, is still not sufficient to adequately deal with our current growing crime situation. The question then is what is enough and what must be done for the island to breathe comfortably, eliminating this stranglehold being experienced presently.
Some have strongly suggested a reinstalment of Operation Restore Confidence {ORC}, an operation that seemingly got the world’s attention, eliminated known criminal elements, incurred the wrath of the United States and calmed criminal activity {at least for a while} all at the same time. While that may be an option, one has to understand that this can only be a temporary solution if it is at all a solution.
Others have suggested social programs as an aid to crime fighting. That may be a solution but one that is long term in nature and positive results may take years.
What then must the RSLPF do as it maneuvers in this conundrum?
No single individual has all the answers contrary to pronouncement by some in the island’s political arena. Certainly, to think that the prime minister or the chief of police can solve this conundrum without the full and complete contribution by the community at large is to live in a fool’s paradise.
This will surely have to be an active national fight if we are to realize any meaningful gains both in the short term and long term. It involves difficult decisions by the current government, difficult decisions and improved efforts by the RSLPF and a nation that understands our position and actively supports the fight for freedom from criminality.
Here is something to mull over. All the communities reportedly infested with criminal activity are no larger than a space equivalent to two Daren Sammy Cricket Grounds. How is it that nobody knows anything and the police have not taken hold of the situation? The people who may not participate in criminality but regularly benefit from it are key to this fight. “Law doesn’t cure crime, it only keeps crime in check, while individual accountability treats the inhumanity that causes crime.”
Whether its ORC 2.0 or something else, something needs to be done and must be done now.