A retired senior police officer has issued a stark warning about the urgent need for stronger penalties for firearm offences in Saint Lucia. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the veteran law enforcement official, now residing overseas, criticised the current system as ineffective and a strain on police resources, enabling a dangerous cycle of gun violence.
Under current laws (The Firearms Amendment Act of 2021), individuals convicted of illegal firearm possession face fines ranging from $25,000 to $40,000. However, according to the retired senior police officer, an estimated 80% of these fines remain unpaid, leading to repeated arrests and wasted resources.
“A person can be convicted today, fined $40,000, and released,” the retired officer explained. “If they don’t pay, officers are sent out to rearrest them. It’s a cycle that wastes valuable time and resources.”
Failure to pay fines typically results in a six-month prison sentence, yet most offenders serve only three to four months due to early release practice, the retired officer stated.
This leniency has proven to be a weak deterrent, with many offenders reoffending shortly after their release, it was disclosed.
The retired officer highlighted a recent case involving a young man who, after serving time for firearm possession, was arrested just days later with another illegal weapon. The magistrate expressed disbelief at how quickly the offender had reoffended, underscoring the inadequacy of current penalties.
The officer compared Saint Lucia’s firearm laws to those of other Caribbean nations, where penalties are far more severe. In some islands, repeat offenders face sentences of up to 18 years, while one notable case resulted in a 61-year sentence for possession with intent to use.
“These harsher penalties send a clear message and are a model Saint Lucia must consider if it hopes to address its gun violence problem,” the retiree said.
In this regard, the former officer declared that consequences of lenient firearm penalties are becoming increasingly visible.
Gun violence is on the rise, with incidents such as the recent fatal daylight shooting near Castries Square highlighting the growing threat to public safety.
“This revolving door of justice is putting lives at risk,” the retired officer warned. “If nothing changes, we’ll continue to see the same individuals committing the same crimes.”
To combat the escalating issue, several reforms have been proposed:
- Mandatory Longer Sentences: Introduce non-negotiable prison terms for firearm offences to hold offenders accountable.
- Stricter Fine Enforcement: Implement mechanisms like wage garnishment or asset seizure to ensure fines are paid.
- Revised Firearm Laws: Align penalties with the stricter standards of other Caribbean nations to deter repeat offences.
“Saint Lucia stands at a critical crossroads. Without immediate reforms to strengthen firearm penalties, the cycle of violence and recidivism will persist, endangering lives and undermining the justice system. Stronger measures are necessary to ensure firearm offences are treated with the gravity they deserve,” the retired officer concluded. “The time for action is now. Saint Lucia must take a stand against gun violence before it spirals further out of control.”
Everyone knows this but those in a position to do something don’t do anything
The problem in Saint Lucia is the so called ‘human rights lawyers’ who enable, protect, and defend perpetrators, they want the government to increase legal aid so that criminals can get more representation. The police are afraid to act for fear of being taken to task by those so called ‘human rights lawyers’. Unless these are taken care of adequately there will be no change in the crime situation. The retired officer is absolutely correct here in his/her summation.
Make him Minister of Security right away! Heck! Make him prime minister too. I only deviate with him on bailing those gunslingers. They should not get bail.
A surge is needed in manning, in order to process an anticipated increase in captures if there is no bail. That means placing some members of the force in an “acting” capacity as detectives.
I eh even sure if superhero Pierre has anticipated the further surge in serious crimes, as deportees from the US are sent back home. Too focus on duh victory! The guy is lame as hell.
The police are just complicit with the judiciary. They are not scared at all. I believe they are getting their cut from the $10, 000 and up bail money. If not they would have complained real loud a long time ago about the hassle of arresting gunslingers, taking them to court where they get bail only to be back out again next month and being caught again for committing another gun related crime. Come on people . Think about it.
The powers that be in SLU have a financial and spiritual interest in the chaos and madness in this place. Money from criminals seem to turn the wheels of the justice system. Then there are those feeding on the bloodshed and negative energy. The SLMDA has offered help in obtaining and training the RSLPF on the use of breathalyzers. Simply take it to the scene of the accident. Test for blood alcohol level, then charge for DUI if the driver was intoxicated. Simple. But no, this is too simple. There will no longer be two or three road accidents every week. Things will be too calm in SLU. I am yet to hear one person charged for driving under the influence of alcohol in St. Lucia. Something that happens all the time in Canada and the US.
“The magistrate expressed disbelief at how quickly the offender had reoffended”
What world are those judges and magistrates living in? That shows the level of disconnect between the judiciary and the reality on the ground. Only when they start to get affected will they take note. And only when the politicians are victims of those thugs will the laws be updated