Homicide figures in Saint Lucia have climbed again after two fatal shootings within hours of each other over the weekend, intensifying concern over gun violence across communities.
The incidents, on Saturday and Sunday April 11th and 12th, reported in Marchand and Millet, have pushed the country’s murder toll upward to 23 at a time when public anxiety around crime remains high.
Preliminary reports indicate that a middle-aged man from Marchand was shot and killed after gunfire erupted in the Castries East constituency. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details on the circumstances surrounding that incident.
Hours later, in Millet, a second deadly shooting claimed the life of a man identified as Lucas Edwin of Belair. Residents claim to have heard approximately four gunshots around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday. Edwin appeared to have sustained three penetrating wounds to the body and later succumbed to his injuries.
While investigators continue to piece together both incidents, the back-to-back killings underscore the persistent challenge facing law enforcement.
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, speaking to members of the media, during the pre cabinet briefing last week pointed to ongoing investments in national security as part of efforts to curb crime, outlining what he described as active measures being implemented in real time.
“As we speak, there are 70 new recruits being trained to be policemen. That’s the security of the country as we speak,” Pierre said. “Every policeman—and if not, everyone will be—has been outfitted with a bulletproof vest.”
He added that infrastructure upgrades are also underway across key units of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.
The latest killings come as authorities continue to emphasise expanded policing capacity and ongoing security upgrades in response to rising crime concerns.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has not yet released additional details on either case, but investigations remain ongoing.
