Marigot Bay, situated southwest of Castries, is described as a yachtsman’s haven. The scenic bay was the backdrop for the original Dr Doolittle film and the inspiration behind a few international pop songs. The area is also steeped in history.
Unfortunately, Marigot has been marred by numerous incidents of visitor harassment and crime against visitors and yachters.
The positioning of a sub-police station within the Marigot tourism hub several years ago, along with community policing and the introduction of beach rangers helped quell the situation.
However, the increase in criminal activity the island has been witnessing recently has not left Marigot untouched.
Last month, a visitor shared his harrowing experience on social media, after being mugged on a beach in the area. By his account, he was relieved of his cash, jewellery and cell phone, and was stabbed with a cutlass.
St Lucia Times has confirmed that Marigot police have stepped up their vigilance in the area following the incident.
Police Commissioner Verne Garde returned to office from vacation this week and his first order of business was a stakeholder meeting in the community of Marigot.
Described by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) as a “productive engagement”, the meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to voice their concerns.
According to the RSLPF: “Guided by Commissioner Garde, the insights gathered will help shape the RSLPF’s operational policies as the force continues to foster meaningful partnerships.”
However, the police did not share details about the meeting.
One Marigot resident complained about the trouble criminals were causing in the area, recounting one incident in which two young men who were acting suspiciously were stopped by police. The officers discovered masks and knives in a bag they had with them.
“Some of these fellas just come from all over the place and harass the tourists all day and that’s not good for us,” the resident said.
However, a police source told St Lucia Times that the situation in Marigot would not be allowed to escalate and would be tackled by law enforcement head-on, with the assistance of the community.
St lucian is going down slowly but surely soooo much talk no action we don’t need to know what you’ll do because nothing is happening just do what you have to do OFFICES please get rid of the bad apples and we won’t ask any questions