Crime prevention minister concerned about surge in gun crime

Minister of Crime Prevention and Disability Affairs in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jeremiah Norbert, has expressed concern about the surge in firearms and ammunition infiltrating St. Lucia through lax border controls.

At least five homicides occurred in the country over the weekend, prompting citizens to demand stronger measures to combat crime. Despite the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF)’s efforts to equip officers, the public remains shocked and traumatized by the escalating levels of gun violence in the community.

Norbert, in partnership with the RSLPF, key stakeholders, social groups and civil society, is actively seeking interventions to stem this crime wave. He mentioned the gradual implementation of the National Crime Prevention Strategy, stressing that this will not happen overnight.

“This is not something that is going to happen overnight … (and) we have already started engaging with stakeholders,” Joseph said.

The Minister reported that he has already been in dialogue and initiated discussions with the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, non-governmental organizations, civil society and “other interested individuals… We have also engaged two or three individuals who can serve as advisors.”

Joseph revealed that authorities plan to hire consultants to develop a national crime prevention strategy and continue to allocate more resources to the RSLPF. Recently, they donated about 28 vehicles and other equipment to strengthen law enforcement efforts. Despite the challenges, police have made progress in arresting suspects and confiscating illegal weapons. It is worth noting that four of the homicides that occurred last weekend were gun-related, mainly involving young people. Police successfully seized about four to five guns.

“This speaks to the massive influx of guns across our border,” he said. “We really have to rethink our modus operandi.”

“While our borders may be porous … we are working hard to strengthen border controls and to fortify current ports of entry,” Joseph said.

The minister added that there was a serious problem “as it relates to the proliferation of guns on our streets… four young people died last weekend from gun violence… it is time to assess and rethink how we manage these things, particularly our ports of entry.” He said St Lucia did not manufacture guns nor “home-make them”, but rather imported them from overseas.

“We cannot continue to do this, we cannot continue to (allow) guns to come into Saint Lucia… So, we will be looking seriously at this as part of our anti-crime (strategy),” Joseph insisted.