CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre says the government will this year introduce more diverse social programs for youth engagement, conflict resolution, youth skill training, and employment, in conjunction with various stakeholders, including the private sector and churches, to curb the crime situation on the island.
“We will engage in national outreach to invite every individual and agency who can assist in joining the government in implementing measures to reduce the crime situation which is afflicting our country and, when possible, provide some level of financial support to civil society groups engaged in crime prevention initiatives,” Pierre said in a national broadcast on Sunday night.
In 2021, the island had a record number of 71 murders, and the figure is reported to have been surpassed last year. Prime Minister Pierre told the nation that his administration would continue to empower and provide the Police Force with the equipment and modern technology, the training, the facilities, and the human resources required to efficiently and successfully pursue its mandate of maintaining law and order in the country.
But he said at the same time, the police must appreciate their role and must fully commit themselves to their oath to serve and protect our country. The prime minister also said the Customs & Excise Department is expected to work closely with the police to manage the borders and to stem the entry of firearms and ammunition into the country.
In his broadcast, Prime Minister Pierre described crime “as “the monster in the room,” adding, “if, as a people, we can all adopt a zero-tolerance attitude to crime, whether it involves running a red light, knowingly driving a vehicle unfit for the road, tossing garbage and broken furniture into the river, child molestation, or peddling untruths on social media, chances are we will think a lot harder about arming ourselves with illegal weapons, to kill, injure or rob our fellow citizens.
“No country, especially one small and with limited material resources such as St. Lucia, can hope to prosper when it is overwhelmed by lawlessness and anti-social behavior at all levels. And I speak of such behavior in all its forms, from deliberate lying by public figures, student-on-teacher violence, pickpocketing, and cheating on our taxes, to rape and murder.”
Pierre said he truly believes that if “we can agree to set aside our differences and work in unity toward a common goal if we can permit ourselves to see that where crime thrives all of us become victims of our own devices, that there can be no rampant crime if not supported by tacit public approval, we’ll be well on our way to reducing, if not eliminating the problem.
“We cannot allow ourselves, as public figures, to be perceived as aiders and abettors of crime, if only by neglect. We, and I speak of members of Parliament as well as other public servants, must always be seen to be of exemplary conduct in our private and professional lives. When criminals have friends in our police force and in the departments established to deter crime and bring criminals to justice, what can the regular citizen expect? “
He said that this year the government would keep its promise to strengthen the laws relating to integrity in public office and provide the Integrity Commission with much-needed resources to deal with defaulters effectively.
Pierre also said that on the much-discussed matter of a special prosecutor, “this government is determined to find the answers to several vexing questions relating to possible misuse of public funds.
“Because this is an extremely delicate matter, I will withhold further details until a more appropriate opportunity,” Pierre said, announcing that the government, “consistent with its pledge to pursue good governance and anti-corruption policies, has reached an agreement with an international forensic accountant, Robert Lindquist, for his resumption of an incomplete investigation into the awarding of a contract in 2009, for a project to redevelop the Hewanorra International Airport”.
Lindquist was first retained in 2012 by a former St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) government to conduct the investigation. Pierre said it was stopped in 2016, as the United Workers Party (UWP) administration came into office that year.
Pierre describes Lindquist as “a renowned financial investigator who has conducted high-profile investigations for corporations and governments around the world.” And that he will be asked to assist in the investigation of other matters of suspected misuse of public funds.
“In 2023, the results of several forensic investigations are expected to be completed, and recommended action pursued.”
Pierre told the nation that it is regrettable that all matters relating to Operation Restore Confidence in 2009 that resulted in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) Report still need to be resolved.
“However, thankfully, certain departments of the police have recommenced receiving assistance from the government of the United States,” Pierre said, reminding the population that under the separation of powers principle, the Executive cannot be seen to be interfering in the work of the independent, judicial branch of the government. “
But Pierre said that the Swift Justice Programme mentioned last year would be implemented this year as he hopes for a solution to the backlog of cases.
Concerning the increase in gun-related criminality, Pierre said, “it is my sincere hope that newly enacted laws by my government will have the desired effect.
“I am confident that recent discussions with the US and French Governments and their promised assistance in resolving the issues relating to illegal drugs, gun trafficking, and unsolved homicides will be provided to our country.
“In recent weeks, you will have heard of or read of the several successful police raids that confiscated dozens of weapons, high-powered automatic firearms, and ammunition. The raids will continue this year with increased intensity,” he told the nation.
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