Castries, St Lucia – January 27, 2024
Commissioner of Police, Cruscita Descartes-Pelius, delivered a solemn address to the nation on Friday evening, January 26th, 2024, in response to the recent surge in homicide activities in Saint Lucia. Expressing deep concern over the alarming rise in violence, Descartes-Pelius highlighted the urgent need for collective action to address this pressing issue.
Since the beginning of the year, Saint Lucia has witnessed seven recorded homicides, a figure deemed unacceptable by the Commissioner of Police. Descartes-Pelius condemned the blatant disregard for the law exhibited by the perpetrators of these senseless acts of violence, emphasizing the clear intention to sow fear and disrupt peace within the nation.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Royal St Lucia Police Force in combating crime, Descartes-Pelius commended the dedication and commitment of law enforcement officers. Increased operations, enhanced detection rates, and collaboration with stakeholders have yielded positive results, including the arrest of numerous suspects and the seizure of prohibited items, cash, and drugs.
Despite these achievements, Descartes-Pelius underscored the persistent criminal activities perpetrated by a small segment of the population, describing them as targeted attacks on the nation’s security. Urging the public to actively participate in crime prevention efforts, Descartes-Pelius emphasized the importance of cooperation and information sharing with law enforcement agencies.
The Commissioner called upon citizens to utilize reporting platforms such as crime hotlines and apps to provide valuable information to the authorities. He emphasized that the fight against crime requires collective action and urged the public to reject a culture of fear and enablement.
In conclusion, Descartes-Pelius reaffirmed the commitment of the Royal St Lucia Police Force to apprehend those engaged in criminal activities and restore peace and security to the nation. He urged citizens to stand together in solidarity against crime, emphasizing that together, they can overcome the challenges and build a safer future for all.
