Though often on opposing sides of various issues, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet were united on Wednesday in condemning the murder of 27-year-old mother of three, Alana Bernard.
Bernard was fatally shot near her home in Corinth, Gros Islet on Tuesday evening. She leaves behind two daughters, aged 8 and 5, and an 11-month-old son.
The killing has sparked widespread outrage and calls from national leaders for a unified stance against crime.
In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Pierre expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, urging citizens to reject violence and support efforts to restore peace in the country.
He stated that Saint Lucians should be “outraged” at the “horrific news” and must not ignore the rising violence.
“Saint Lucians, violence has no place in our society. We must not look away or remain silent as these senseless killings destroy families and threaten the peace and prosperity of our country. The perpetrators of these heinous acts must not find shelter in our homes or friendships; they must be brought to justice,” Pierre declared.
“Our nation can only remain strong when, as a collective, we denounce crime, respect the law, and show compassion, respect, and love for one another. Let justice prevail.”
Chastanet also shared his grief in a Facebook post, describing the incident as heartbreaking.
“I’m heartbroken by the tragic loss,” he said. “No family should have to endure this kind of pain. We have to do better, Saint Lucia. We owe it to each other to build a safer, more just society.”
Both Pierre and Chastanet expressed condolences to Bernard’s family and loved ones.
As the investigation into Bernard’s murder continues, her family has called for swift justice.
As an outsider, I wonder what happens to criminals on your small island. Are they caught and brought to justice? Is there a secure prison where they are kept away from society? Whatever is going on there doesn’t seem to be an effective deterrent to crime or an appropriate punishment, and your citizens seem to live in fear.
Such ignorance to believe a sovereign nation does not have a secure prison. If you really want to find out, Why don’t you try some ****n and see what happens to you, if the police didn’t find you first, just don’t let the citizens find you first. Either way you will be dealt with!
Anonymous, I am in full agreement with you about an effective deterrent. When criminals are caught with firearms and are brought before the Court, whatever punishment they are getting from the court is next to nothing. Imagine a notorious criminal from Bois Den Jacmel was caught with a firearm, he was bailed for 50 thousand dollars, the day the case went to trial, the police officer did not show up and the case was withdrawn, imagine this. All other cases are adjourned but this one was withdrawn.
How many other gun cases have vanished similar to this one? So, our justice system sucks.
@Anonymous 1 (I understand what you mean because current measures for dealing with crime seem to be ineffective). and Lydia I also agree with you 100 percent. I don’t see anyone breaking down the doors to visit Haiti – the crime level in St. Lucia is seriously disturbing and needs to be addressed before it’s too late.
Haven’t you’ll given a thought about seeking outside assistance for all those unsolved crimes, how is expressing your condolences helping?
Food for thought – in your 238 square miles everyone knows or is connected to someone – therefore folk are afraid for fear of retaliation and some of the perpetrators maybe their family (blood relative)????? do you think they will turn in blood related gang bangers —- to the government of St. Lucia put your egos and pride aside and get outside help before it is too late. By the way I am neither UWP nor SLP.
Obviously with the thugs on parade without fear of law enforcement and your lenient laws in the court system you are fighting a losing battle which is beyond your ability to solve – enough already. In an earlier post it was stated that the officer did not show up at the hearing so the case was withdrawn
– are you folk in St. Lucia really understanding the magnitude of what is happening on island ????? honestly please someone tell me…… there is a video of a kid from GraveYard who said he was a teenager – he looked like he has fought many wars – obviously he is not in school – what a crying shame.
@Vincent you are correct ——“Haven’t you’ll given a thought about seeking outside assistance for all those unsolved crimes, how is expressing your condolences helping?”
There are some folk in St. Lucia (criminal element) who are beyond rehabilitation. According to the proverb you can bring a horse to the water you can not make it drink. People have to want help in order to be helped and some of you in St. Lucia don’t seem to understand that some folk are happy in the criminal state that they are in and do not want to change regardless of initiatives…their hearts are WICKED. There are some in St. Lucia who live a whole lifetime stealing, killing and causing harm. In the meantime the foolish family members defend by saying he is a good boy just a little troublesome..you folk can not be serious….such ignorance and denial is alarming.
Government and elected officials do yourself a favor and ask for outside help to send them to Guantanamo Bay …the place of no return. You would have done yourself, your country, your citizens and your economy a huge favor.