CASTRIES, St Lucia, (CMC) – St Lucia’s Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre says the country is partnering with fellow Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states to tackle some aspects of crime and violence.

St Lucia recorded 77 murders last year, the deadliest to date in the country’s history, surpassing the 2023 figure of 75 killings.

“The issue of crime has been a concern for all governments in the region. In St Lucia, this administration remains resolute and unwavering in its commitment to making this country a more secure place. That is why we have adopted a multi-dimensional approach as we continue to fight this scourge in our communities,” Pierre said in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday night.

He told St Lucians that one of the major elements of this approach has been strengthening the government agencies directly responsible for dealing with crime, adding that in the last three years, the Royal St Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has consistently been provided with the human, physical, legislative and operational resources to improve its capacity, with new legislative support, to deter, detect, and prosecute criminal activity.

He said last year the government continued to furnish the police with vehicles and other equipment and the graduation of 79 police recruits have bolstered the human- resource capacity of the RSLPF.

Pierre said that the intention is that by December this year, 160 recruits will be added to the ranks of the police.

He said the working environment of the police is also being improved and that the Drug Unit and the Custody Suites will be opened in 2025.

“This government is utilising a multi-faceted approach to crime suppression. We have, therefore, embarked upon a number of social intervention programme..targeted at young males and youth at risk in schools and communities. We will continue to expand these initiatives in 2025.”

Pierre said that while the government would be working with its regional colleagues in seeking to stem the criminal activities, citizens must play their part in combating the scourge of crime in the country.

“We must find ways to resolve our conflicts peacefully. We must take responsibility for our families and set better examples for our children, by instilling the values of respect and truth and showing more love and respect for each other.”

Pierre said that the country in 2025 stands on a foundation of significant progress across various sectors, adding “together, we can ensure a future filled with opportunities, progress, and lasting development, for all.

“We have good reasons to be proud of this place we call home. Let us come together to make our country a better place for ourselves, our children, and future generations.”