“Saint Lucia is experiencing the worst crime crisis in our nation’s history.”
With that stark declaration, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet opened his televised address to the nation on Thursday evening, sharply criticising the government’s handling of public safety. He described the Pierre-led administration’s approach to crime as “soft”, accusing it of failing to meet the urgency of the situation.
Chastanet lamented the toll crime is taking on the country, noting not only the fear it spreads but also its strain on already limited public healthcare resources.
“Every shooting, every stabbing, every violent crime sends victims to our hospitals, consuming limited medical supplies…,” he said.
He accused the government of failing to take a decisive stance on crime and evading its responsibility to protect citizens.
“What is most concerning of all is the silence – the silence from the highest levels of government when our people cry out for safety. The silence when evidence disappears… the silence when asked about their plan to fight crime. This silence is complicity,” Chastanet said.
The former Prime Minister went on to outline his own plan to combat crime – recommendations, he said, that remain open for implementation by the current administration. His proposals included delivering modern equipment to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) along with the requisite training, reinstating the K9 Unit, procuring scanners and restoring the 1200 Camera CCTV network.
He also recommended implementing mandatory vessel monitoring systems, requiring polygraph tests for police and customs officers, fast-tracking court cases, and establishing a dedicated CSI unit to safeguard evidence and prevent crucial material from going missing.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre rejected opposition criticism of the government’s crime strategy, reaffirming his zero tolerance for crime. He recounted investments made in the RSLPF during his tenure, including upgrades to police facilities, reconstruction of custody suites, procurement of vehicles, equipment upgrades and increased officer recruitment.
The Opposition Leader agreed in principle with the Prime Minister that crime should not be politicised, but argued that leaders must still be held accountable for the nation’s safety.
Chastanet has the solution to the crime problems only when he is in opposition. Thereafter, every problem magically evaporates. Chastanet’s only concern is to gain power at all costs. He doesn’t give a damn about the people of this country. He loathes our culture, yet he wants to rule us.
As usual, opposition politicians have all the solutions, this applies to both parties, when in office they just cannot seem to find the answers.
(Fact) What this administration has done and is doing is more than what was done during your tenure. I am surprise you know that word ( crime) these days. Does the government need to do more. ??? Yes more can be done but are we willing to give up some of our rights for the reduction