The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) staged a massive show of solidarity against rising gun violence on Sunday, hosting an anti-violence motorcade that culminated in Palm Valley, Dennery. Party members declared the event incident-free, crediting both participants and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) for ensuring order.
The motorcade converged with the SLP Youth Arm’s “Youth Vybes” event, drawing scores of supporters and young people under the banner of peace.
“Motorcades to Youth Vybes in Palm Valley are Anti-Violence Motorcades, a protest against gun violence and the heartbreaking loss of our youth. We refuse to cower to criminals…This is our country,” the SLP declared in a statement.
The RSLPF maintained a strong presence throughout, a reassurance to many given the wave of gun-related incidents that rattled the island on Saturday.
SLP General Secretary Leo Clarke, speaking in a post-mortem interview, described the motorcade and youth rally as a resounding success.
“It exceeded our expectations. The young people delivered powerful, enlightening messages, particularly the feature address from our selected candidate for Vieux Fort South, Danny Butcher. It was peaceful, it was inspiring, and it showed that our youth can come together for positive causes. They enjoyed themselves responsibly and returned home safely without incident. That is the kind of statement we must continue to make, we cannot surrender our country to those intent on harm,” Clarke said.
For his part, Danny Butcher, praised the Labour Party as being one that evolves with the times and prepares the future leaders of the country.
“The Labour Party is a party of transition. Me standing here today tells you that this party believes in transition because in Vieux Fort South, the baton is being passed and I am pleased to tell you that I have learned well; I have been taught well and by the grace of God, I will serve you well,” an energised Butcher said.
Meanwhile, Micoud North MP Jeremiah Norbert strongly condemned Saturday’s daylight shootings, which claimed two lives and left several others injured. He urged Saint Lucians not to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing within their own circles.
“We must start holding our friends and family accountable,” Norbert insisted. “Those individuals causing chaos are somebody’s sons, cousins, or neighbors. We know who they are and what they have done, and it is our responsibility to confront that reality. Silence and protection only embolden them.”
The peaceful conclusion of the event, party officials said, underscored their message that violence does not define Saint Lucia’s youth and that communities must continue to rally for peace.
The opposition United Workers Party (UWP) called off its planned August 17th public meeting over safety concerns, but instead convened an indoor gathering at a Rodney Bay venue.
