Saint Lucia’s Crime Crisis: Three Years of Record-Breaking Homicides and Government Inaction

The escalating crime situation in Saint Lucia has reached an alarming and unsustainable level. Over the past three years, our nation has recorded consecutive years of record-breaking homicides, a grim reminder of the government’s utter failure in managing this crisis. In 2024 alone, 58 homicides have already been recorded, placing us on track for yet another tragic milestone. This escalating violence not only threatens the safety of our citizens but also erodes the social fabric of our communities.

The government’s response has been nothing short of dismal. The Prime Minister, who also holds the critical portfolio of National Security, has been unable to stem the tide of crime despite holding one of the most powerful positions in the country. His appointment of Jeremiah Norbert as Crime Prevention Minister, while perhaps well-intentioned, has delivered little to no tangible results. The streets remain dangerous, the violence continues unchecked, and citizens are left wondering: where is the leadership?

It is baffling that after three years of record-setting homicides, the government seems unable—or unwilling—to adopt a more effective strategy. The numbers speak for themselves, and they tell a story of neglect, inaction, and incompetence. Communities are being torn apart, families devastated, and our once-peaceful nation has become a place where fear and uncertainty loom large.

Prime Minister Pierre must shoulder the responsibility for this crisis. He has not only failed to effectively manage the National Security portfolio but has also allowed crime to spiral out of control under his watch. The appointment of a Crime Prevention Minister seems more symbolic than substantive, as we have yet to see any meaningful impact on the ground. The lives lost, the trauma inflicted, and the communities gripped by fear cannot wait for more failed promises and empty rhetoric.

The people of Saint Lucia deserve better. They deserve a government that can protect them, a leadership that prioritizes their safety, and a strategy that works. It is time for a complete overhaul in how this administration handles crime, starting with accountability at the top. Enough is enough.