Opposition leader Allen Chastanet has expressed concern over Saint Lucia’s crime situation, declaring that it is worsening.
“We must reclaim the streets from the criminals, which begins with the government doing its job – a job it is currently failing to do,” the United Workers Party (UWP) leader wrote on Facebook.
According to the former Prime Minister, citizens no longer feel safe.
“I hear story after story of people being assaulted, robbed, abused, and killed. Since the UWP left office in 2021, homicides have increased 25%. This is not the Saint Lucia that we love!” Chastanet asserted.
He noted that while in Government, his administration implemented several initiatives to improve security and justice.
He mentioned reopening the Forensic Laboratory, recruiting more police officers, buying new engines for the Marine Police, and rehabilitating courthouses.
The opposition leader, among other things, also pointed to his former administration’s appointment of more judges and commencement of plans for a new Halls of Justice and police headquarters.
His remarks relating to crime came amid a worrying spike in deadly gun violence.
On Monday, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre confirmed receiving a promised anti-crime strategy from newly appointed Acting Commissioner of Police Verne Garde.
Garde began an initial six-month contract on September 2.
Any third-party or user posts, comments, replies, and third-party entries published on the St. Lucia Times website (https://stluciatimes.com) in no way convey the thoughts, sentiments or intents of St. Lucia Times, the author of any said article or post, the website, or the business. St. Lucia Times is not responsible or liable for, and does not endorse, any comments or replies posted by users and third parties, and especially the content therein and whether it is accurate.
St. Lucia Times reserves the right to remove, screen, edit, or reinstate content posted by third parties on this website or any other online platform owned by St. Lucia Times (this includes the said user posts, comments, replies, and third-party entries) at our sole discretion for any reason or no reason, and without notice to you, or any user. For example, we may remove a comment or reply if we believe it violates any part of the St. Lucia Criminal Code, particularly section 313 which pertains to the offence of Libel. Except as required by law, we have no obligation to retain or provide you with copies of any content you as a user may post, or any other post or reply made by any third-party on this website or any other online platform owned by St. Lucia Times. All third-parties and users agree that this is a public forum, and we do not guarantee any confidentiality with respect to any content you as a user may post, or any other post or reply made by any third-party on this website. Any posts made and information disclosed by you is at your own risk.
To hear Chas tell it, as if he never had responsibility for the safety of citizens. He chose a manager for the task who was completely out of it. I knew the place was in deep trouble, when I heard that manager speaking of himself in the third person. At that time, I deduced it was “bal fini.”
During Pierre’s tenure, he has devoted more effort to solving the crime problem than Chas ever did. Unfortunately, Pierre has the wrong approach. He thinks that throwing resources at the problem will fix the problem. It doesn’t work that way with security. Correct strategy and tactics will get you to the promise land. One can save time and money when the correct path is chosen.
Just look at Chas uttering as another food fight between the politicians. They are all playing a game of chess with St. Lucians as pawns. They exploit the population poor level of education to scheme ahead. Why do you think that they refer to a modern day hospital structure as a box? These very same people calling it a box, make medical visits overseas and enter “box” buildings for treatment. They are ruthless in their exploitation of the uneducated.
Indeed we must take the streets back. People are terrified of leaving their homes. I have many neighbours who don’t go out in the evening. A home to work to home routine and afraid to do anything else. As soon as they get in from work, lock up inside. Any event that would keep them out at night, they don’t attend. It is that bad. Economic activity is suffering. Only vye neg getting it good. It is as if police afraid of them. Just look at the capital. Ghetto and blocks in every corner. If y’all clowns down take back the streets fast this place is doomed.
SaS Spider Guy Crime hahaaaa!
You all need to understand that there are some ills living among you all who are beyond rehabilitation….criminality is in their DNA from their forefathers …..they lack education, common sense and morals ..they are envious, evil and jealous involved in witchcraft and they blame everyone but themselves ..they are bent on destruction of others, self etc etc….they do not care they put their family at risk. Some families are also involved and encourage the destruction because all they want is ill gotten gain….they want to reap where they did not sow.
I will never forget the killing of an innocent little boy in VF..his blood is crying from the grave. All of you who reside in St. Lucia are at risk whether you believe it or not …crossfire is real. Godspeed
I agree with you opposition leader,starting in the house, Pierre needs to clear the way,remove the obstacles…