“As a community, we have failed.”Minister for Equity and Social Justice Emma Hippolyte spoke openly about the community’s challenges during last week’s Brian Bernard Memorial Lecture.
She pointed to her own constituency, Soufriere/Fond St Jacques, as an example of how rising crime and weakened social ties can split families, with relatives sometimes finding themselves on opposite sides of violent conflicts.
Hippolyte told the audience that these divisions seriously affect community life and need to be addressed soon.
“We have to be dealing with young persons who are related blood relatives and who are on opposite sides… and as a community, we need to sit and see how we mend the fence,” she said.
The minister made it clear that the lecture’s focus on crime prevention and youth development was both timely and personal for her.
She said the late police commissioner, who is honoured by the lecture, inspires everyone working to make Saint Lucia safer and fairer.
“Commissioner Bernard was a man of integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to public service. His leadership was grounded not only in the pursuit of justice but also in the belief that strong communities are built through compassion, partnership and opportunity,” Hippolyte told her audience before the main speaker.
The lecture’s theme was “Crime prevention and youth development”.
Hippolyte said the country needs to realise that true crime prevention begins long before any crime or criminal behaviour happens.
“It begins in our homes where values are first instilled; it continues in our schools where young minds are nurtured and encouraged to dream,” she said. “It is reinforced in our communities through positive role models, mentorship, recreational opportunities and access to education, employment and social support.”
Hippolyte also said that helping young people grow is the responsibility of the entire nation, every community, and every village.
“And somewhere along the line, we as a community, we have failed,” she said.
“And I believe what this lecture and other activities that are happening now is causing us to take a pause and reflect on what has caused such a fracture in our society and how, as a Government, as a society, we can put Humpty Dumpty back together again.”
The minister then described some of the efforts by the government and other agencies to prevent crime, especially those aimed at helping young people and supporting their development.
