The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) supports the call for zero tolerance of violent crimes and indiscipline which threaten the stability and progress of our nation.
The Association condemns the recent violence in the community of Vieux Fort which has taken many lives, disrupted businesses and schools and left residents in fear.
The tourism private sector supports the immediate steps announced by Prime Minister Honourable Philip J. Pierre in his Address to the Nation on Sunday, March 11, 2023, which includes the enlistment of the Regional Security System, 24-hour patrol by the Special Services Unit, enactment of new legislation and provision of more resources to the police.
The Association was pleased to attend a meeting with the Prime Minister and some members of his Cabinet on Sunday, March, 12, 2023 alongside other representatives from the private sector and civil society.
We commend the frontline workers of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and Saint Lucia Fire Service who have not wavered during this unfortunate period and continue to diligently serve their community and country.
Businesses in Vieux Fort must also be applauded for continuing their business operations, providing much-needed support to team members and pledging resources.
The Association is cognizant that whilst security personnel are the ones charged with the immediate, on the ground response to control the situation, all citizens must play a role in the medium to long term solutions— which are critical for healing our country and addressing the needs of our vulnerable communities.
We note that similar issues and challenges are being faced by neighboring islands, and endorse a regional approach to collaboration for the safety and security of our entire region.
As efforts continue to address the situation, we urge citizens to dissuade from sharing false information which can lead to unnecessary panic and have a negative impact on the country’s image.
SOURCE: Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association
Not enough SLHTA. More pressure needs to be placed on government to EFFECTIVELY address the situation in Vieux Fort. The attendance of the business community from Vieux Fort says a lot about their belief in the government’s ability to deal with their plight. I was reliably informed that only ONE showed up at the meeting called by the PM. Amongst the many discussions and proposed solutions, those in attendance were reminded of how corrupt members of the RSLPF were. Bravo to the government on spurring confidence in an already dysfunctional organization, at a time when its members are needed most. The government apparently thinks that the RSS, French and Jamaicas to arrive her shortly will always be there to assist in dealing with the problems on the ground. No! this band aid will soon be taken off and the wound will again be infected, to be dealt with by your so-called corrupt officers of the RSLPF. But tell me how can they be corrupt when they are polygraphed for rape and drug allegations, and pass. Do you guys not believe 100% in your polygraph? I have been reliably informed that all members of the senior ranks are polygraphed, so what corruption are they talking about. Just asking.
May I remind you Mr. PM, you politicians are quick to point fingers at the RSLPF when talking about corruption in Saint Lucia. But tell me which institution here is not corrupt. I dare you, name ONE. Let me remind you that Saint Lucia is one of the most corrupt islands in the region with politicians leading that charge. Yes you politicians – something known by every child in this country. So I guess the officers that we as a people socialized, want to be rich too. So why should one fault them if they are truly corrupt, for aspiring to what you politicians want and take within five years. Tell me.
This is not the time for castigating the men and women in uniform. I do believe that there are corrupt officers in the RSLPF as do every other institution, but this is not the time for name calling. It’s a time to embrace and reassure them of your commitment and support, like Chastanet did. This will be a step in the right direction.
Now as for allegations of corruption in the RSLPF, wasn’t one of the senior officers your government recently SELECTED for promotion, accused of rape by several females in that organization. Did that accusation prevent your government from promoting that officer? I guess not. Birds of a feather……. By the way, did you forget to take a look at members of you cabinet before accusing the Police? You must have forgotten but we the citizens don’t.
less talk more action, do something about it dont just sit and and talk and call for it.
I have repeatedly say it’s the magistrate who is the cause of all the problems in this island. They continue to adjourn cases and none is been heard. What’s about the previous gun cases? When last did you hear the outcome of a gun case? Senior magistrate do something.
How can crime stop when the hospitality workers earn 300 dollars and 2 points service charge what a shame ..