Pierre Commits To Using All Available Resources Against Gun Violence

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre committed his administration to using all available resources to combat gun violence in a New Year’s address to the nation. He recalled that in 2023, Saint Lucia witnessed an alarming increase in gun-related homicides, particularly among some young males fueled by an imported gang culture. Last year, the Island recorded 75 homicides, seventy of which the police classified as murders. “We are committed to attacking that problem with all available resources and call on the support of the public and all social and Non-Government Organizations,” Pierre, responsible for National Security, declared. “We will continue to empower the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force with the technical, physical, and human resources they need to detect and solve criminal activity,” Pierre said. He also spoke of improving the timely dispensation of Justice with the commencement of the construction of the new Halls of Justice during this fiscal year. Pierre said the facility would provide a suitable working environment for Judicial Officers. However, he explained that society plays a role in the battle against crime. “The society as a whole must encourage values that will steer our youth from the false hope and gains of a life of crime...