The government of St Lucia will be focusing on the police as the country tackles a surge in violent gun-related killings in the south of the island.
Prime Minister, Philip J Pierre has announced what he described as “short term measures” to be put in place by his government to address the situation.
He said the police will get more vehicles, receive emergency powers and better crime-fighting equipment.
“We are further enhancing the facilities for the police in terms of vehicles, in terms of numbers,” Pierre stated. “We are going to parliament with emergency legislation to give the police emergency powers to suppress crime.”
Additionally, he said, efforts will be made to boost morale in the police force.
“Whilst we are doing that, we are trying to see if we can improve the morale of the police, trying to see of we can deal with other issues with technologies, scanners, drones, etc,” he remarked.
Furthermore, he said the Regional Security Services (RSS) is on the ground in an attempt to deal with the issue and his government will be enhancing its social programs in the areas most affected by crime.
Gun violence has surged in the southern town of Vieux Fort with a total of seven people shot and killed within a two-day period last week.
The once bustling town was turned into a ghost town following the shootings but Pierre said that his government has “taken charge of the situation.”
“We will succeed,” he said. “We will build a more safe and secure society.”
The police in St Lucia has announced that nine people were taken into custody to assist in the probe of the recent murders.
They have appealed to people with information to come forward.
Meanwhile on Wednesday, Dominica News Online was informed by a resident that “things have quietened down quite a bit.”
He said schools are open with physical police presence but many parents have opted to keep their children at home.
He also said Vieux Fort is not as busy as it used to be and there is a heavy police presence everywhere.
“It’s almost like a war zone,” the resident said.
Sadly it’s not only in St Lucia that the police are lacking in the requisites required to effectively do their job efficiently.
What we presently have in the Caribbean as heads of governments are MISLEADERS, not leaders!!!!
Do do what Galileo? In the 70’s and 80’s the Dominican police declared WAR on crimes and criminals,without political interference.There were no gangs and the police were highly respected,and had the support of the community.Some Dominicans took the police to task.At that time the police ruled.The police were instrumental in getting the dreads back to society(not rastas)The police made sure the country and government was safe during operation RED DOG in 1981.In December 1981 the police shot dead 2 members of the DDF and arrested 5 in an attempted coup.In 1983 the police were flown on a C130 Hercules to Grenada as members of the CPF.In 1984 the police were trained as SOLDIERS by the 7th Special Forces,82nd AIRBORNE division from Forte Bragg North Carolina.If these police/soldier were there the Kernisha Etienne case would be a different matter.When the UWP won election,the very same police who would die for Dominica.UWP went after them with a vengance,and made the force what it is…
So these Lucian politicians and police did not see that coming? Crime has risen in most of the Caribbean island and St. Lucia in particular. Why did it have to take 7 homicides in 2 days for the government to act?
I am reading this article and can’t help but think, why do we elect these people as leaders. It’s always reactive, rather than proactive. All the steps which are being announced are the basic requirements for any law enforcement agency. People we need to stop this thing about giving people a chance. Leadership of a country is much more serious than this. This is not the casino. Let’s stop this chance business and elect proven leaders who are qualified to do do.