By Caribbean News Global contributor
CASTRIES, St Lucia – Following an infamous weekend of violence in Saint Lucia and the mass shooting in the community of Coolie Town at a function of some kind, within confinement hours of COVID-19 protocols, prime minister Philip Pierre summoned the top brass of the Royal St Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).
“On Monday, February 14, 2022, prime minister and minister for national security, Philip J. Pierre met with the executive officers of the RSLPF. This emergency meeting was in response to four reported homicides and gun violence during the weekend which brought the total number of homicides to eleven for the year,” said a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) February 15, 2022.
In attendance were cabinet secretary, Benjamin Emmanuel, and attorney general, Leslie Mondesir, who “recommitted his office to review and prepare overdue legislation which would allow the police to discharge their duties more efficiently to the citizenry.”
The minister for national security re-committed the government to provide resources and training opportunities to the RSLPF to ensure that the welfare and security of citizens are prioritised, equally, “challenged the executive officers to employ innovative strategies, professionalism, and proactiveness in their work.”
Saint Lucia registered unprecedented homicide numbers over the last five years with a record of 60 deaths in 2017 and 74 deaths in 2021, reports the OPM.
Citizens are encouraged to find more amicable ways to resolve conflict, reads the OPM communication. “The government will continue to work with the RSLPF to address the crime situation,” including, “the strengthening of the judicial system, remains a priority to facilitate the timely and just prosecution of the perpetrators of crime,” concludes the OPM.
St Lucia police are out of their wits and wanting in many aspects
