PM Philip J Pierre calls for zero tolerance on crimes in Saint Lucia

Castries, Saint Lucia: Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, also serving as a Minister for National Security, addressed the nation regarding the sharp spike in crimes and expressed his commitment to maintaining law and order in the country. 

The prime minister has strongly condemned the violence that occurred since the beginning of the year, which has resulted in the loss of several lives. 

He further added that the government has appointed high-level officers in its police department, and they have all the legal powers to combat the increase in crimes. Moreover, officers now have more resources than in the past.

“I have said publicly, and I will say it again, that the police have all the powers within the law to bring an end to the situation. All the powers within the law and the observance of human rights of individuals”, added PM Pierre. 

RSLPF extended its support to the government, and they are conducting several anti-crime exercises in different constituencies, which are supposed to have a positive impact and restrict gang-related criminal activities. 

Noting this, PM Pierre ensures that the police officers should have all the resources and tools to fight against the crime. 

Additionally, the government continues to implement targeted social intervention programmes that will protect and deter vulnerable populations from the temptation of criminal gangs. 

While discussing the facilities given to the officers, he highlighted that the government has given the police four vehicles in the last few days. In addition, officers were also given drones. 

“I have just signed to improve their fingerprinting capabilities”, he noted.

During the pre-cabinet meeting on Monday, an MP from Castries South, Ernest Hilaire, also stated that they emphasized increasing the physical space for the police so they will be able to handle the situations wholesomely.  

Further, he talked about the incident of a cruise ship visitor who travelled to Saint Lucia with a firearm last weekend. 

He stated, “In a sense, it showed that the systems work because he had been to two previous ports, and it had not been discovered in Saint Lucia and the police, in keeping with the protocols, dealt with the matter.”

Additionally, PM Pierre stated that the government is committed and determined to tackle the crime situation and implement strict rules to combat such conditions.