Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has issued a stern warning to reckless drivers, saying they will face the full extent of the law as Saint Lucia records a worrying rise in road accidents and fatalities early in 2026.
Businessman Leslie Clarke, franchise owner of Domino’s Pizza Saint Lucia, has been confirmed as the island’s latest road fatality.
In the first 26 days of 2026, Saint Lucia has recorded more than ten major road accidents. Four resulted in fatalities, while the other six left both drivers and passengers seriously injured.
Speaking at a pre-Cabinet briefing on January 26, Prime Minister Pierre attributed most of the accidents to speeding and reckless driving. While he acknowledged that road conditions require improvement, he still stressed that excessive speed remains the primary cause of deadly crashes.
“If we drive within the speed limit, people will not die. There may be accidents, but people will not die. People die because of the speed we drive at.”
Pierre referenced recent tragic incidents, including a crash involving a baby along the Corinth road, calling on drivers to take responsibility for their actions and the lives of others on the road.
“Our roads are becoming a death trap because of recklessness. We overtake on corners, we drive too fast, and then we make excuses.”
Pierre called on the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to enforce existing traffic laws more aggressively and urged the media to help highlight dangerous driving practices.
“The full force of the law will have to be brought on these reckless drivers,” he stated. “People are afraid to leave their homes because of how we drive in this country.”
When asked whether the government would consider raising the legal driving age, the Prime Minister said this is not under consideration. He emphasised that responsibility is not tied to age.
“Young or old must exercise responsibility,” Pierre said. “You don’t need to be a certain age to be responsible for your actions.”
He also warned that continued reckless driving could lead to higher insurance premiums and make some drivers uninsurable, affecting innocent citizens. While acknowledging concerns about enforcement and punishment, Pierre said he remains hopeful, noting that reckless drivers represent a minority.
“I believe the majority of Saint Lucians want to do good and obey the law. But that small minority is causing devastating consequences.”
He reiterated that urgent action is needed, stressing that if appeals fail, stricter enforcement will follow.
