Jamal Ricky Williams arrested in connection with homicide in Saint Lucia

Castries, Saint Lucia: The Major Crimes Unit has charged and arrested Jamal Ricky Williams, aged 28, in connection with the murder of Gillian Talian, one of the eight homicides reported in the country since the beginning of the year.

The suspect was arrested last Wednesday, and he is identified to be a resident of Plateau at Babonneau. It is to be noted that the officers managed to arrest Williams as a part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address the rising crime rate on the island.

Details of the incident

Gillian Talian, also known by the alias ‘GT’ and aged 29, was killed in a fatal shooting. The people around the area heard the sounds of gunshots in Balata.

Noting this, after the shooting, they reached the crime spot and observed Talian lying motionless on the road. The public immediately informed the police about the matter.

Upon arrival, the officers found the victim sustained fatal injuries to his torso. He is considered the seventh homicide victim on the island this year.

Following a fatal shooting incident in Balata at Castries, the RSLPF started an investigation of the matter on January 21, 2024. They conducted anti-crime exercises in different districts of the country. According to the reports, subsequent investigations led to the filing of murder charges against William.

Further investigation details

Jamal Williams was brought to the First District Court in Castries for a bail hearing, but the Magistrates denied his bail application. Due to this, he was remanded to the Bordelais Correctional Facility until his next court hearing.

According to the RSLPF, the country faced a dire situation in 2023, with a total of 75 murders reported. Noting this, the majority of the murders were associated with gang and gun-related activities.

The rapid increase in crimes such as murders marked a six per cent increase in the crime rate from the previous year. Moreover, the Southern Division is experiencing the highest number of cases so far.

DY PM Ernest Hilaire on crimes

On Monday, the Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Ernest Hilaire, expressed a commitment to work closely with law enforcement agencies to combat crimes.

While speaking during the weekly pre-cabinet press conference, Minister Hilaire recognised the urgency of preventing the spike in crime in the country and stressed the government’s dedication to supporting police officers in their efforts to restrain crimes.

“The collaborative approach between the government and law enforcement reflects a unified front against the rising tide of violence, with hopes of bringing justice to the victims and their families”, added DY PM Hilaire.