Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Philip J Pierre, is pushing back against criticism from the United Workers’ Party (UWP) over his administration’s handling of the recent surge in gun-related crimes. Pierre says his government remains committed to a zero-tolerance stance on crime and is investing heavily in law enforcement while avoiding political point-scoring.
“You will never find me… ever on any platform heralding crime or accusing people of directly causing crime. That’s not my style,” Pierre said. “When I was in opposition, I called for zero tolerance towards crime… I have never condoned any criminal activity… I have nothing to hide when it comes to crime.”
Pierre stressed that his administration’s crime strategy focuses on recruiting more police officers, enhancing resources, and allowing the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) operational independence. “We have recruited, or are in the process of recruiting, more than 200 bodies in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force,” he said, noting that past UWP governments had failed to strengthen the force in this way.
The Prime Minister also defended his party’s long-term investment in policing infrastructure, pointing to the construction of multiple police stations since 1997, as well as the building of the southern headquarters in Vieux Fort and the ongoing northern headquarters in Gros Islet. He highlighted vehicle procurement and human capital development as other areas where the Labour Party has consistently delivered.
Pierre criticised the opposition for what he called the politicisation of crime, warning that the issue should not be “bastardised by people with straight political motives.” He added, “No Prime Minister… would ever want a country where there is crime or there is murder.”
The Prime Minister’s comments come amid police reports that recent gun-related killings have been deliberate, patterned, and linked to gang activity, with law enforcement ramping up operations to curb the violence.
