The United Workers Party (UWP) has announced the postponement of its much-anticipated National Public Meeting, which was scheduled to take place in the city of Castries, citing safety concerns in the wake of recent gun violence.
According to the Party, the decision follows a series of disturbing shootings that occurred within 150 meters of the planned venue. The incidents, which claimed lives and reignited fear in the capital, underscored what the UWP described as the “alarming state of gun violence” in Saint Lucia.
In a statement issued Saturday, the Party said it would be “irresponsible and disrespectful” to proceed with a mass gathering so close to the scenes of such recent and tragic violence. “Our first duty must be to the safety and well-being of the people we serve,” the release read.
The UWP explained that the public meeting was intended to be a platform of hope, unity, and solutions but emphasized that the current climate called instead for reflection, empathy, and urgent action. The Party noted that a new date for the gathering will be announced after consultation with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to ensure the event can be held safely.
Calling on the Government to treat the escalating crime situation with “the seriousness it demands,” the UWP stressed that every Saint Lucian deserves to feel secure—whether in their homes, on the streets, or at a public event.
“Now is not the time for silence. Now is the time for leadership,” the Party declared, reaffirming its commitment to building a nation where citizens can live without fear.
