That's not my style. It has never been, it will not be,” explained Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre as the country continues to grapple with violent crime.
Recent police pronouncements have confirmed that many of the country’s latest gun-related deaths have been patterned and deliberate, and fueled by gangs.
The opposition United Workers’ Party has launched scathing attacks at the Pierre-led Administration for what it deems to be incompetence in the handling of the present spate of crime.
For Prime Minister Pierre, however, he says the existing rhetoric about crime has become too politicised and notes that the seriousness of gun-peddled violence cannot be ignored.
“When I see a serious topic, like crime, being bastardised by people with political motives, it disturbs me, because no prime minister, including the prime ministers of the UWP, would ever want a country where there is crime,” said Pierre.
PM Pierre says his Administration’s crime strategy is one of investment in law enforcement, additional social interventions for youth, and allowing the police operational independence.
“I want you to look at our record of resources to the police force…look at my four years as Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, and look at the resources that are put into this Police Force,” he said.
Pierre adds that efforts are underway to increase the staff complement of the RLSPF, providing more boots on the ground to respond to incidents. According to him, records show that prior UWP governments have failed to bolster the RLSPF in the way this Labour government has.
“Which government has passed the strongest and toughest laws for gun crimes? Now, let's go forward and talk about now. We are in the process of recruiting more than 200 bodies in the RSLPF. Look at the United Workers’ Party’s record as far as recruitment is concerned.”
Regionally, crime is being described as a “public health issue” as victims of violent altercations often overwhelm the services of public health institutions and have ripple effects throughout society.
PM Pierre adds that crime should be thought of as an issue affecting all sectors as opposed to it being a strictly Saint Lucian problem. “It's a regional situation of great concern to every prime minister, and it should be to every politician. The United Workers Party cannot tell you one thing they can do that will ensure that the level of crime is decreased.”