Fear is tightening its grip on Castries as gun violence escalates, with the latest attack striking Wilton’s Yard, leaving one dead and another injured in a suspected targeted assault.
The shooting, which erupted Tuesday morning, adds to a near-daily tally that has left the capital reeling.
Just yesterday, the sound of gunfire pierced the air in Marchand during broad daylight. No one was injured, but residents say the brazenness of the attack has left them unsettled and fearful. Over the past month, Marchand has endured several shootings, some fatal and others leaving multiple casualties.
The violence has not been confined to a single neighbourhood. On Sunday, one man was shot in Morne Du Don, just hours after a drive-by in New Village wounded two. Last week, a man known as “Chucky” from Leslie Land was killed in what is believed to have been a home invasion.
Despite the clustering of these events, police have not confirmed any links between them. Still, the intensity and frequency of the attacks have residents and public commentators calling for urgent action. Some have suggested that Castries be designated as an “escalated crime area”, a measure previously applied to Vieux Fort when that southern community faced its own surge in gun violence.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre addressed the crime issue during Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, responding to questions about Opposition criticism of his administration’s crime strategy. He reaffirmed a policy of zero tolerance for crime and pointed to what he described as unprecedented support for the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force during his tenure, including the procurement of new equipment, upgrades to police facilities, acquisition of vehicles and officer recruitment.
“This crime situation is a regional situation, of great concern to every prime minister and should be of great concern to every politician,” Pierre said. “The United Workers Party cannot tell you one thing that they can do that will ensure the level of crime is decreased.”
He said the crime situation is one which should not be politicised.
