CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre has an opening within his Cabinet for anyone who could deal effectively with the murder situation in St. Lucia, where at least 30 people have been killed so far this year.
Acknowledging that he is at his wits’ end and would listen to anyone who believes they have the answer to dealing with the situation, Pierre told reporters, “If anybody can tell me they can be the Minister of National Security and stop what’s happening now; I will give them the post.
“Tell me what to do, write me what to do, give me proof of what you are going to do,” he told reporters, saying that he is saddened at the continued loss of lives, particularly that of young people.
Police confirmed that Antonio Theodore, 39, was shot and killed on Tuesday in Vieux Fort, south of here.
Prime Minister Pierre told reporters that he is “outraged, and I am at my wits’ end as to what’s happening,” noting that the government continues to provide the police with the resources to ensure the security and safety of the population.
“We are trying all possible crime suppression tools we can use,” he said, urging young people to get involved in meaningful employment through the Youth Economy Agency.
“I have also said that anyone, absolutely anyone who can tell me what must I do to halt the nature of gun violence in St. Lucia, I will do it,” Pierre told reporters, noting that the crime scourge seemed to be a regional issue.
“That is not an excuse. It is a fact. The truth is, we have an issue that we have to solve together,” Pierre told reporters.
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