“Saint Lucia is experiencing the worst crime crisis in our nation’s history.”
With that stark declaration, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet opened his televised address to the nation on Thursday evening, sharply criticising the government’s handling of public safety. He described the Pierre-led administration’s approach to crime as “soft”, accusing it of failing to meet the urgency of the situation.
Chastanet lamented the toll crime is taking on the country, noting not only the fear it spreads but also its strain on already limited public healthcare resources.
“Every shooting, every stabbing, every violent crime sends victims to our hospitals, consuming limited medical supplies…,” he said.
He accused the government of failing to take a decisive stance on crime and evading its responsibility to protect citizens.
“What is most concerning of all is the silence – the silence from the highest levels of government when our people cry out for safety. The silence when evidence disappears… the silence when asked about their plan to fight crime. This silence is complicity,” Chastanet said.
The former Prime Minister went on to outline his own plan to combat crime – recommendations, he said, that remain open for implementation by the current administration. His proposals included delivering modern equipment to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) along with the requisite training, reinstating the K9 Unit, procuring scanners and restoring the 1200 Camera CCTV network.
He also recommended implementing mandatory vessel monitoring systems, requiring polygraph tests for police and customs officers, fast-tracking court cases, and establishing a dedicated CSI unit to safeguard evidence and prevent crucial material from going missing.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre rejected opposition criticism of the government’s crime strategy, reaffirming his zero tolerance for crime. He recounted investments made in the RSLPF during his tenure, including upgrades to police facilities, reconstruction of custody suites, procurement of vehicles, equipment upgrades and increased officer recruitment.
The Opposition Leader agreed in principle with the Prime Minister that crime should not be politicised, but argued that leaders must still be held accountable for the nation’s safety.