The high command of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has outlined its operational performance for 2025, reporting a reduction in homicides alongside a series of new strategies aimed at strengthening public safety in 2026.
At the Force’s first press conference of the new year, senior officers confirmed that Saint Lucia recorded 70 homicides in 2025, representing a decrease of six when compared to 2024. While acknowledging the decline, police leaders stressed that serious challenges remain, particularly in relation to firearms, traffic safety, and violent crime.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Ronald Phillip described 2025 as a demanding year for the Force, citing major operations such as the general election and Carnival. “We would have had 70 homicides,” Phillip said, noting that most involved firearms.
Despite this, he reported “a nearly 40 percent increase in the number of recovery of firearms island-wide,” calling it “a significant achievement for law enforcement.”
Phillip also highlighted improved collaboration with agencies such as the Financial Intelligence Authority, Customs and Excise, and international partners, as well as increased government investment in policing resources. He confirmed that more than 80 recruits are currently in training and expected to graduate this month, bolstering operational capacity.
Police Commissioner Verne Garde echoed these sentiments, thanking the public for its support and acknowledging the toll of violent crime. “For 2025, we saw the loss of 70 individuals through violent crime,” Garde said. “The life of every individual in Saint Lucia is an important life.”
He noted that while the reduction in homicides was modest, it represents the lowest figure in the last five years. “We can see a trend,” he said, adding that reversing long-standing crime patterns would take time.
Garde announced that a gun amnesty would be launched next week, followed by more aggressive enforcement against illegal firearms.
“When we are done with the amnesty, we will be going aggressively to deal with lawbreakers in regards to the possession of firearms,” he warned.
The Commissioner also revealed that he has submitted “127 steps to order in Saint Lucia” to the Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, describing it as a tactical approach to restoring public order. A copy of the document is to be shared with the media.
He further highlighted significant progress in integrity vetting within the Force, noting that more than 700 polygraph vettings were conducted in 2025 and that sensitive units are now fully vetted. “We will continue the vetting period for 2026 to serve the entire Force,” Garde said, stressing the importance of public trust and professionalism.
As the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force enters 2026, senior officials expressed confidence that the combination of targeted operations, community engagement, and internal reforms would contribute to further reductions in crime and improved national security.
