Police officers at the scene of the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Julian “Jileure” Isidore of Cacao, Babonneau in late September, 2014.
Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony has announced that St. Lucia experienced a “fourth consecutive year of reduction in the number of homicides” as well as a decrease in major crimes.
In his New Year’s Address on Sunday evening, Dr. Anthony said 34 homicides were committed in 2014, but “any loss of life is regrettable”.
“One homicide is already one too many. We must be resolute in our efforts to continue the downward trend in the number of homicides in fair Helen,” he said.
The government leader added that the police force recorded “a reduction in the volume of major offences, including motor vehicle theft, burglary and sexual offences”. He called on the nation to “pray for a more harmonious, tranquil and peaceful 2015″.
Dr. Anthony said the police must be commended for its work in 2014, especially in its social outreach.
He said: “Law enforcement officials built or renovated houses for needy persons in Babonneau and Choiseul. The police commissioner hosted an island-wide series of school lectures and visits as well as town hall meetings and appearances on a number of radio programmes. While it is important to educate the general public on the work of the Police Force, it is equally important for the police to hear our citizens, in order to make policing more relevant to the community. There have also been specific interventions in some of our more troubled areas to minimise the incidence of gang-related activities.”
Touching on road fatalities, the prime minister said 21 fatal motor vehicle accidents were recorded for 2014 year, the same as the previous year.
He said the nation is already off to a “bad start”, referring to last week’s Bexon Highway crash in which two adults and two children died.
“It is particularly traumatic when the victims are children, as was the case a few days ago. Our condolences, prayers and sympathy go out to the families of this recent tragedy. We really need to re-institute programmes of road safety to deal with the carnage on our roads,” he said.