A surge in gun violence across Saint Lucia in recent days has prompted a strong response from the government with Acting Prime Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire and Minister for Crime Prevention Jeremiah Norbert calling on law enforcement and the public to step up efforts to stem the tide.
At a press conference held at the Office of the Prime Minister on September 19, both ministers denounced the recent spate of killings — six homicides in just a few days — describing it as a national crisis that requires urgent, collective action.
“We want to be very clear, first of all, to the families and the friends of the persons who have been affected, that we want to extend our condolences and sympathies,” said Dr Hilaire.
“To all Saint Lucians who have been traumatised by the events in the last few days — we sympathise and understand your feelings. It recommits us to the fact that we have to build a national alliance to fight this menace.”
Hilaire underscored the government’s full backing of the police and emphasised that all necessary resources — be it manpower, legislation, or policy guidance — have been made available.
“No stone will be left unturned. That’s our responsibility as a government. The police must never say that they wanted X, Y or Z to make a difference in the fight against crime and they did not get it,” he asserted.
While praising the police for recent firearm recoveries and investigative breakthroughs, Hilaire made it clear that the public is demanding more, and so is the government.
“We want to see the police intensify their efforts — to bring those criminals to justice and to address those even thinking about committing such crimes.”
Calling on communities and civil society to support the police, Hilaire stressed that citizen co-operation is a vital part of the solution.
“You have a right to demand a safer Saint Lucia. But you equally must accept you have a role to play — and that role is to support the police.”
Minister Jeremiah Norbert, a former police officer himself, echoed these sentiments while painting a candid picture of the challenges facing law enforcement.
“We have a few individuals who have become very brazen, who show very little concern about life… and I want to say to them that this government will stop at absolutely nothing to ensure that this thing comes to a halt,” Norbert stated.
“Absolutely nothing.”
Norbert also pointed fingers at those who enable crime by shielding or benefiting from the actions of criminals.
“These individuals have brothers, sisters, mothers, uncles… who are very aware of their activities and some actually benefit from the proceeds of crime. They too will be brought to face the full brunt of the law.”
He called on families and community members to break the silence and stand against criminal behaviour — even if it means reporting loved ones.
“If we create a society where your mother, your father, your sister, your brother — when you come home with a firearm and they see you put it up in the ceiling — they report it… individuals now have to find an alternative.”
The ministers also addressed concerns about the safety of witnesses. Norbert acknowledged that while Saint Lucia is limited in resources for physical witness protection on-island, systems are in place to relocate at-risk individuals abroad when necessary.
“We do take witness protection seriously,” he said.
Norbert further emphasised that the government’s strategy is not solely punitive. Investments in social programs, technical training, and job creation continue to provide alternatives to crime.
“We cannot accept the excuse that society has failed us,” he said.
“This government has done too much to provide alternatives.”
Both officials reinforced that law enforcement operations must remain professional, but they also made it clear that the public must allow police to do their jobs.
“Do not become barricades to law and order in this country,” Norbert warned.
As the country braces for what could be an extended fight against violent crime, both Dr. Hilaire and Norbert maintain that the government is resolute and ready.
“We cannot have a few men and women who think they can just hold this country to ransom,” Norbert said.
“That is not acceptable — and we are not going to accept it.”
When your authorities arrest bad guys, the reports are they get out on bail. What happens later? American tourists are watching. We who are paying attention unfortunately are booking trips elsewhere. People in the know are not going go risk your crime and road accidents on an island with substandard medical care. You have beautiful resorts but corrupt police and inept government with squabbling political parties. The fact is st. Lucia has one of the highest murder rates in the world and only a fool foreigner would set foot on your Island. I say this with a heavy heart I have been there multiple times. But other tropical places with nice resorts and service exist. You are out of luck until you get crime and road infrastructure under control.