Residents of the CDC complex on Jn Baptiste Street have welcomed a recent police operation that led to the seizure of illegal drugs and ammunition and the arrest of several individuals, including the owners of a bar within the complex.
In an open letter sent to the Saint Lucia Daily Post, concerned residents expressed relief at the decisive action taken by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) but warned that persistent safety challenges continue to undermine peace and stability in the area.
According to the residents, Sunday’s joint operation — which targeted the Conway and Barnard Hill zones — offered “a much-needed step in the right direction” after months of escalating disturbances in and around the CDC. The letter highlighted longstanding issues, including suspected illicit activity, frequent gatherings that spiral into disorder, and the reckless discharge of firearms, which have left families — including police officers living within the complex — living in fear.
“For several months, our neighborhood has been under strain,” the letter reads. “Families want nothing more than to live in peace, but constant disturbances and ongoing safety concerns have made that impossible.”
During the operation, one shop in the complex was searched, resulting in the reported recovery of controlled substances. Two individuals associated with the establishment were taken into custody, along with two other suspects. Ammunition was also seized, marking what residents described as a “significant and commendable effort” by law enforcement.
However, the letter raises renewed concerns about one particular bar within the CDC, which residents say has become a regular gathering point for disruptive activity. While stopping short of making direct accusations, the open letter notes that the establishment has “increasingly contributed to tensions within the community” and calls for its review by the relevant authorities.
The residents are appealing to Minister of Housing, Hon. Richard Frederick, to review the allocation of commercial and residential spaces within the CDC complex and to work closely with law enforcement to address establishments perceived as contributing to security challenges.
“Our collective wish is simple,” the letter continues. “We want a safe and peaceful environment where children can grow up without fear and hardworking families can rest without the sound of gunfire outside their windows.”
The residents also called for sustained enforcement and stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Housing, the RSLPF, and the community to ensure lasting change.
Sunday’s operation, they noted, should not be seen as a one-off effort but rather as the beginning of a broader, more strategic approach to reclaiming safety and stability in the CDC and surrounding areas.
