By Caribbean News Global 
CASTRIES, St Lucia – Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Development and the Youth Economy and Minister for Justice and National Security, on Monday, reassured Saint Lucian’s that “we can restore the safety and stability of our country” following Saturday, August 16, criminal activities in Castries, that resulted in three Saint Lucians losing their lives to gun violence, and others injured.
Prime Minister Pierre warned that “senseless violence must come to an end,” adding, “those who bring illegal guns and violence into our communities, you will not be allowed to terrorise our people with impunity.”
The prime minister reiterated: “I want to remind you that the Commissioner of Police, Verne Garde, has already disclosed a crime strategy.”
The following is the text of Prime Minister Pierre’s statement at Monday’s cabinet press briefing:
“On Saturday, August 16, three Saint Lucians lost their lives to gun violence, and some others were injured. This senseless violence must come to an end. We will not allow the safety of our streets and communities to be compromised by those who have clearly lost respect for human life – we can’t. Every effort will be made to break this cycle of violence among gangs, particularly among gangs seeking reprisals.
Following the events of the weekend, immediately, I convened an emergency meeting with the high command of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, who are responsible for operational matters, to hear of their plans to restore safety to our streets and communities and for the arrest of those responsible for Saturday’s killings and injuring of innocent citizens. I am satisfied that the police are adequately equipped to handle the challenges which are playing out on our streets among gangs.
In response to the events of the weekend, there will be an increase in police presence and round-the-clock surveillance in the crime hot-spot areas. The police have also informed me that other measures will be employed to frustrate the movement of criminals across the country.
In light of some of the measures, the public will be asked to be patient with the police because some level of inconvenience will become necessary to restore safety on our streets and communities.
I want to remind citizens that the fight against crime is a collective effort that requires the support of all law-abiding citizens. This is not the time to attribute blame or to politicise the incidence of crime. This is an issue if left unchecked, can destroy the well-being of everyone. We cannot and will not allow a few senseless and uncaring individuals to destroy the safety and stability of our country. We can restore the safety and stability of our country.
I know many Saint Lucians today feel anxious and frustrated. Your feelings are real; I hear them and I share them. I assure you that action has already been taking place.
With the enactment of stricter gun laws, the legislative framework is in place to ensure that individuals found in the illegal possession of guns are brought to swift justice, as well as those who traffic and supply them. I also want to remind you of the doctrine of separation of powers, in terms of matters before the courts, before judges and magistrates.
To those who bring illegal guns and violence into our communities, you will not be allowed to terrorise our people with impunity. The police will ensure that you are not allowed to terrorise people with impunity. You will be found. The police will dismantle your networks, and you will be made to face the full force of the law.
I wish again to express my sympathy to the families of those who have lost their lives in these incidents. The government has assured the police that they should do their best to bring those matters to an end using all legal methods. The government supports the police fully. The police have the full support of the government.
I want to remind you that the Commissioner of Police, Verne Garde, has already disclosed a crime strategy.
“I call on all citizens, all Saint Lucians to work with the police, who are in the forefront of this battle. We can and we will bring an end to this scourge of criminal activity by a few, greedy and selfish individuals.”
The post ‘We can restore the safety and stability of our country,’ PM Pierre asserts appeared first on Caribbean News Global.
