Identifying gang-related activities as the primary driver of crime in Saint Lucia, former National Security Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister, Giovanni James has suggested a multifaceted approach to the problem that includes direct engagement with gang leaders.
James, an attorney-at-law who has also worked with the Regional Security System (RSS) on crime-fighting efforts, dismissed the notion that gang culture in Saint Lucia originates from outside. He contended that it is deeply rooted in local rivalries.
He said: “There are people who may have connections to other gangs. For instance, if a gang leader in Saint Lucia is involved in drugs, he may have a contact in Trinidad. However, this does not mean there is any connection to ‘Six’ or ‘Seven’ gangs in Trinidad. Our gangs are local and, for the most part, are based on geographic locations.”
One of James’ proposals to address the issue is to engage directly with gang leaders to incorporate them into crime reduction efforts. He cited the work of media personality Dale Elliott, who, in his show Untold Stories, brought insights from a former gang leader to the public.
“It’s time we start listening. We need to embrace that sector of society, including those involved in crime, and make them part of the solution,” James said.
“We’ve reached a point where we cannot police all the crime that is happening; it is no longer sustainable because it has gotten out of hand. The police need breathing room, and the way they can get that is by involving civil society in crime-fighting efforts, including the very gang leaders in trying to help reduce crime.”
The former security adviser added: “I think it’s a multi-faceted approach. It’s not one solution. The police need to take a proactive approach because much of what we see is reactive. With a visible police presence everywhere, it becomes more difficult for criminals to engage in crime.”
James also called out political factions, who he believes often exploit crime to score political points.
“Until we have a government and an opposition that are genuinely serious about fighting crime, we will continue to face problems. Crime is often used as a political football by both sides to score points and win votes. Until politicians can set aside their differences, address corruption at all levels, and tackle this issue together, we will continue to face this problem,” he said.
Additionally, he pointed to the need to provide better support for law enforcement and the judicial system.
“Without adequate courts, judges, staff and criminal practitioners, the wheels of justice turn extremely slow,” James said.
He urged the government to provide scholarship opportunities for police officers and individuals interested in studying law or fields related to criminal justice. In the interim, he suggested implementing laws to allow judge-alone trials, a measure that has proven effective in other Caribbean nations.
There are no established “GANGS” in St Lucia and therefore there are no “ GANG LEADERS” in St Lucia.
Anyone who disagree with my statement I ask you to do the Research on what CONSTITUTES A GANG. Thank you and don’t come for me.
Historically St. Lucians always lay blame on others for anything unethical happening on island. The gangs are local idiots whose parents/care givers have failed them and additionally they continue to fail themselves – they want to belong to anything destructive.
Their hearts are wicked and they lack conscience and perspective. They do not understand that karma (sowing and reaping) will find them sooner than later and they will suffer greatly for the harm which they cause. Those who partake of their ill-gotten gains will also suffer – because most Lucians like free nest…by any means necessary – they too are idiots.
These idiots believe that money and drugs is the way of life-they do not want to work legitimate jobs – they prefer to rob, kill ,steal and destroy…thereby shortening their days.
The leadership in St. Lucia act like St. Lucia is some huge country where things are hidden under a rock. In your 238 square miles you all know who the thugs are – therefore do what needs to be done.
I left St. Lucia as a teenager and there was a gang called the “Upsetters” at that time. I will not name anyone – but one of the former gang bangers (now deceased) subsequently went on to do something positive for self and island ..just saying. Please fix you all issues and stop blaming others – your very economy depends on it. Godspeed.
Mr. James, you have made some brilliant points, but still none of them will solve the problem because we have not identified the root of the problem. We have to uprooted this problem. The problem is the Marijuana and cocaine. Unless we start working on.n these two drugs as we should, crime will always be on the rise.
As I always say no one will dare try to work on this, because too many people are gaining from it.