CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC—Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre says St. Lucia will proceed to work in partnership with fellow Caribbean Group (CARICOM) member states which have acknowledged that some features of crime and violence have to be tackled regionally, together with the adoption of a public well being strategy.
St. Lucia recorded 77 murders final yr, the deadliest to this point within the nation’s historical past, surpassing the 2023 determine of 75 killings.
“The problem of crime has been a priority for all regional governments. In St. Lucia, this administration stays resolute and unwavering in its dedication to creating this nation safer. That’s the reason we have now adopted a multi-dimensional strategy as we proceed to combat this scourge in our communities,” Pierre mentioned in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday night time.
He informed St. Lucians that one of many main components of this strategy has been strengthening the federal government businesses instantly chargeable for coping with crime. He added that within the final three years, the Royal St. Lucia Police Pressure (RSLPF) has constantly been supplied with the human, bodily, legislative, and operational assets to enhance its capability, with new legislative help, to discourage, detect, and prosecute prison exercise.
He mentioned that final yr, the federal government continued to furnish the police with automobiles and different gear, and the commencement of 79 police recruits bolstered the RSLPF’s human useful resource capability.
Pierre mentioned that the intention is that by December this yr, 160 recruits might be added to the ranks of the police.
He mentioned the police’s working surroundings can also be being improved, and the Drug Unit and the Custody Suites might be opened in 2025.
“This authorities is using a multi-faceted strategy to crime suppression. Subsequently, we have now embarked upon a number of social intervention applications..focused at younger males and youth in danger in faculties and communities. We’ll proceed to broaden these initiatives in 2025.”
Pierre mentioned that whereas the federal government would work with its regional colleagues to stem prison actions, residents should play their half in combating the scourge of crime within the nation.
“We should discover methods to resolve our conflicts peacefully. We should take accountability for our households and set higher examples for our kids by instilling the values of respect and fact and displaying extra love and respect for one another.”.
Pierre mentioned the nation in 2025 stands on a basis of great progress throughout numerous sectors, including, “Collectively, we are able to guarantee a future full of alternatives, progress, and lasting improvement for all.
“We’ve got good causes to be happy with this place we name dwelling. Allow us to unite to make our nation a greater place for ourselves, our kids, and future generations.”
