United Youth, the youth arm of the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), has expressed alarm at the gun violence spike in Saint Lucia, resulting in the death of young people.
“We call on the government to stop playing politics with the crime situation,” the opposition youth group said.
According to United Youth, it was time for our leaders to put aside partisan differences and come together with the Opposition to develop sustainable and effective solutions to reduce crime.
“Our young people deserve to live in a society where they feel safe and supported,” the group stated.
United Youth said it was ‘deeply troubled’ by the alarming increase in gun violence.
In addition, it recalled the recent ‘senseless murder’ of 13-year-old Melchizedek Tixcy at his home in Blanchard, Desruisseaux.
The teenager sustained a gunshot wound to the head less than forty-eight hours before he observed his 14th birthday.
According to reports, individuals looking for the boy’s older sibling, who was no longer living at home, opened fire at the house and hit Melchizedek, who was inside.
United Youth described the fatal shooting as a heart-wrenching tragedy that has no place in ‘our small nation’ and expressed condolences to the deceased teenager’s family
“The escalating violence is not just a statistic; it represents shattered dreams, grieving families, and a community living in fear. United Youth stands in solidarity with all those affected by this epidemic of violence and reiterates our commitment to advocating for the safety and well-being of our Youth,” the UWP Youth arm stated.
United Youth urged immediate collaboration and action to implement comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of violence, including investing in education, creating economic opportunities, and enhancing community policing efforts.
In addition, it invited all stakeholders, government officials, opposition members, community leaders, and citizens to join the group in the anti-crime effort.
“Together, we can make Saint Lucia a safer place for everyone, especially our Youth,” United Youth asserted.
Gun violence has primarily been responsible for the 50 homicides that have occurred so far in Saint Lucia in 2024.
I would also go as far as saying all these untimely deaths such as the lady hit by traffic, the child dying in the house inferno, young men getting injured on motor bikes and vehicular accidents are also cause for concern. It’s like every day there is some tragedy on the island. There clearly isn’t an health and safety mandate in society. Bus drivers speeding, young men hot on testosterone rising their motor bikes senselessly, all these are issues that needs to be addressed. Life is no longer sacred and so some just don’t care how their actions affect the wider society. Indeed UWP youth group, Pierre must step up and implement measures.
We need a war against crime and gang related activities, since no political party or government dont seem to have the answer, as a very frustrated citizen I will attempt to propose measures and strategies to put in place because these gang activities are on every st lucian door step at this point:
1. Implementation of State of Emergency (SoE): Declare a state of emergency specifically targeting crime and gang violence for 18 months. This involves (a) Deploy a large contingent of police officers and soldiers across all communities known for gang activities. This includes daily patrols, operations, and checkpoints. (b) Involve regional police forces and military personnel for the first 6 months to provide additional manpower and expertise. This could include support from organizations like CARICOM’s Regional Security System (RSS), assistance from the UK, France etc. (c) Widespread Security Presence: Ensure a ubiquitous presence of soldiers and police to disrupt gang operations and provide a sense of security to the public.
2. Targeted Arrests of Gang Leaders: (a) Use of AI and Technology: Leverage advanced technology, including AI, to track, identify, and monitor gang leaders and their activities. This may involve the use of surveillance tools, data analytics, and social media monitoring. (b) Conduct coordinated raids to arrest gang leaders and high-ranking members simultaneously, minimizing their ability to respond or regroup. (c) Legal Framework: Implement legal measures to ensure that these arrests lead to long-term detentions, including amendments to laws that allow for preemptive detention based on intelligence and intercepted communications.
3. Crackdown on Corruption: (a) Establish special investigation units outside the Caribbean, perhaps in partnership with international agencies like Interpol, to investigate corruption within local police forces, customs, politicians, and other government officials. (b) Strengthen anti-corruption laws with severe penalties for those found to be collaborating with gangs. Introduce measures that allow for the suspension of constitutional protections for those under investigation for serious corruption offenses related to gang activities.
4. Extreme Legal Measures: (a) Under the SoE, implement temporary suspension of certain constitutional rights, such as the right to defense and requirements for search warrants, specifically for gang-related investigations. (b) Allow the use of raw intelligence, including social media profiles, anonymous tips, and intercepted communications, as the basis for arrests and prosecutions. (c) Amend laws to increase the detention periods for gang members and associated criminals, ensuring they remain incarcerated while awaiting trial or as part of their sentences. (d) Lower the age threshold for prosecution of gang-related crimes to 13 years old, with appropriate legal safeguards to ensure justice and rehabilitation opportunities.
5. Intensive Law Enforcement Operations (a) Implement island-wide roadblocks and checkpoints simultaneously, targeting known gang routes and hotspots to disrupt movement and supply chains. (b) Intercepting Communications: Authorize and implement measures to intercept and monitor communications among gang members, using this information to prevent crimes and apprehend criminals.
6. Economic and Social Interventions: (a) Youth Employment Programs: Launch large-scale youth employment programs that offer training and jobs in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and construction. Focus on areas with high gang recruitment rates. (b) Develop educational programs that offer scholarships, vocational training, and mentorship to at-risk youth, giving them alternatives to gang involvement. (c) Invest in improving infrastructure, housing, and public services in marginalized communities. Develop community centers that provide recreational and educational opportunities.
7. Public Awareness and Anti-Gang Campaigns: (a) Roll out a comprehensive anti-gang media campaign aimed at de-glorifying gang culture and promoting positive role models. Engage schools, religious institutions, and NGOs in this effort. (b) Work with civil society organizations to create support networks for families affected by gang violence and to promote community cohesion. (c) Implement strict media regulations to prevent the sensationalization of gang violence, ensuring responsible reporting that contributes to public safety.
8. Rehabilitation and Support for Ex-Gang Members (a) Establish rehabilitation programs within the prison system that focus on education, vocational training, and psychological support, aimed at reintegrating ex-gang members into society. (b) Create support systems that offer housing, job placement, and counseling for those seeking to leave gang life, reducing recidivism.
9. Anti-Corruption Measures (a) Set up special courts to fast-track corruption cases involving public officials and law enforcement officers associated with gangs. (b) Introduce mechanisms for transparent oversight of government and law enforcement agencies to prevent corruption and ensure accountability.
10. Long-Term Sustainability (a): Periodically review the effectiveness of these strategies and make adjustments based on outcomes and changing circumstances. (b) Develop a clear exit strategy for the state of emergency, ensuring a smooth transition back to normalcy with sustained law enforcement and social support measures.
@C-WIZ
If only Pierre spent the same energy on crime, as he does on Chas, it would have been safer. I have lost whatever little faith I had in Pierre. He is as effective as a whale swimming in shallow water, alongside beach breakers. My trust in him doing an effective job with crime dissipated very early. It completely ended when he moaned that “he is at his wits end” trying to fix the situation. Why would I place trust in a frazzled leader? By the way, where on earth would you hear a statement like that from bona fide security professional? He doesn’t inspire confidence that he will get the job done.
His strategy is unknown and more looks like he is “trying a little ting.” His timid response to the horrors speaks volumes. Those endless security meetings more looks like the man is trying to earn college credits. As a security manager, the guy is completely hopeless.
The youth?
Mr citizen. In respective to all what you said it will be a very cold day in hell before none of this can happen so keep dreaming?
@ Frustrated Citizen
I share your frustration as a citizen myself. If only we had a leader who would take on board council as to a way forward. I sense Pierre and the authorities that be are running low on ideas. You do mention a very robust way forward. The only issue I have with your recommendation is the lowering of the age to 13 for gang related crimes. I believe that children, albeit teenagers as young as 13 need specialist intervention rather than criminal prosecution. Often times they are victims of coersion and manipulation by older individuals who use them as fodder. Your recommendations are welcomed but are the leaders listening?
@ Poule Foo
Believe me, I think the vast majority of the electorate have lost faith in Pierre. The thing is for decades Governments have been having it relatively easy because our society to some extent ( give or take ) did not have this scourge that we are experiencing now. So they ( the government) including the security forces in my opinion does not have the experience needed to deal with the current situation. Now that the innocence of fair Helen is gone, the government is playing catch with those difficult societal issues. What the government needs to do is toughen up on these criminals and make it very difficult for them to commit crime…like stiffen gun laws, apply hash sentencing like 10 years for gun possession, 20 for gun violence etc etc…the government is too soft and show no leadership. Up to now, we have heard nothing from the Crime minister – the man appointed to come up with a plan on crime. Anyone who loves Saint Lucia will share your disappointment in the way things are done. We leave in hope of a better Saint Lucia for all.
Uwp youth, where were all you when Allen gave a certain hotel 24 million dollars? What about when he gave 7 million for no vaccine? And sold the Daher mall for 13 million dollars? I am so sorry for all you. All these monies could have done so much for the young people. But All called all you mendicants, all you applaud. Shame