Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has announced plans to increase financial support for the country’s Witness Protection Programme. He revealed, “There’s a Witness Protection Bill that’s going to be in Parliament the next time around,” and there is consultation ongoing.”
This statement comes in the wake of the tragic killing of 27-year-old Alana Bernard on February 11. Bernard was shot near her home in Grande Riviere, Gros Islet, just a day before she was scheduled to testify in court, according to her family.
Speaking on the matter, Pierre confirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the programme’s budget. He made this declaration during last week’s parliamentary session.
When asked whether the government intended to allocate more funding for witness protection, Pierre responded, “Yes, in fact there’s a bill.” However, he acknowledged the challenges of implementing witness protection in a country as small as Saint Lucia.
“Witness Protection is extremely important but complex. Very complex. We live in a small country. Sometimes it is not very easy to confine someone. Not very easy,” he stated.
Despite these difficulties, Pierre reassured that regional efforts are underway to find solutions.
“We had these discussions at CARICOM. But you know, these are matters of national security. I can’t tell you, but things are happening as we speak.”
Concerns over witness safety and intimidation continue to impact Saint Lucia’s justice system, with advocacy groups calling for increased investment in national security initiatives.
