Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has acknowledged that tackling crime remains a significant challenge but assured that measures will be introduced in the coming year to address the issue.
Speaking at his end-of-year press conference on Wednesday, Pierre said that gun violence in particular was placing a heavy burden on the nation’s healthcare services.
“In terms of crime as a public health issue, every person who’s shot, it costs the health services about $200,000 to bring that person back if they do not succumb,” he explained, adding that in cases where individuals succumb to their injuries in the hospital, the costs remain substantial.
“We’re very concerned about the level of gun violence.”
The prime minister outlined several strategies to intensify the fight against crime, including increased investment in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
“Only yesterday, for the first time since 2019, we graduated 78 policemen and women from training, and I’ve asked that another cohort of 80 new police recruits begin training by February next year,” he said.
Other measures the public can look forward to, according to the prime minister, are the opening of an “ultra-modern” police headquarters in Gros Islet, the reopening of the southern headquarters which had been closed since 2019, and the creation of custody suites to address previous challenges related to detaining individuals after arrest. Additionally, police stations across the island are set to undergo upgrades.
The government also plans to equip police officers with bulletproof vests.
Pierre stressed that police must take their responsibility seriously: “The majority of policemen are trying; it’s a very difficult situation.”
He also highlighted the need for improved conflict resolution, noting that some Saint Lucians struggle to resolve disputes without resorting to violence.
Furthermore, the prime minister claimed, certain individuals “who have influence on the people of Saint Lucia” are inciting anger.
“It may not be something that is done willingly, but these constant calls for anger and hatred, I believe, may have an impact on the people of the country,” he asserted.
I’ve heard this song before.
“Furthermore, the prime minister claimed, certain individuals “who have influence on the people of Saint Lucia” are inciting anger.” Has he ever heard about a certain person on the radio. Smh.
Blah blah blah 🙄