Saint Lucia: Young man shot dead, police starts probe

Saint Lucia: A Young Man in the Twenties was shot dead at Fond Assau, Babonneau, on Thursday (January 11) at 8:40 PM. Following the incident, the Police reached the crime spot and started their investigation. However, as per the officials, the surrounding area of the spot was quite vague and didn't help them locate any significant evidence.Meanwhile, after a comprehensive period of research, the officials successfully recovered multiple spent shells from the scene. The murder marked another Homicide of the Year 2024. As per the reports, Saint Lucia has witnessed a troubling and alarming trend of recording major cases of Homicide over the past few years. Notably, the nation recorded a total of 75 homicides in 2023. These statistics revealed that the country has experienced the highest number of homicides in three consecutive years. In the current situation, PM Philip J Pierre said that the government will work effectively to enhance the security of Saint Lucia. PM Philip J Pierre on Crime reduction and Citizens securityWhile speaking at the New Year's address, PM Philip further ensured people to work hard to tackle all the problems, such as gun violence, with all available resources.Prime Minister Pierre also extended his support to the people and all the social and non-governmental organisations of the nation. Further, He assured that the government will continue to empower the Royal Saint Lucian Police by providing them with the technical, physical and human resources they need to detect and solve criminal activity.These resources include:-

• Provision of 40 new police vehicles
• Provision of drones, dash and body cameras
• Reinstatement of Police Training Vote
• Increased penalties for illegal possession of Firearms
• Renovation and construction of Police station

Furthermore, PM Philip also assured people that the Timely dispensation of Justice would be improved with the commencement of the construction of the new halls of Justice during the Fiscal year. He also highlighted his vision of allocating a suitable working environment to the Judicial Offices.

• Construction of the Northern Divisional Police Head Quarters
• Renovation of the Southern Divisional Police Headquarters
• Rebuilding of the Custody Suites.