Castries, Saint Lucia – Minister for Crime Prevention, Jeremiah Norbert, has issued a passionate call for unity and decisive action in response to a recent surge in violent crime, particularly the brutal homicide of a young woman in the early hours of Friday, February 21. The tragic stabbing incident, which also left another woman in critical condition, has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting renewed concerns about escalating violence.
Expressing his grief and outrage, Minister Norbert lamented the apparent disregard for human life that has become far too common in Saint Lucia. “We seem to have no appreciation for life and each other,” he stated. “Too often, conflicts escalate into deadly encounters, leaving families devastated and communities in mourning. We cannot continue down this path of destruction.”
The Minister extended heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family and urged the nation to rally behind the survivor, who is currently in stable condition at hospital. He reiterated that violence must never be seen as a solution to disputes, emphasizing the need to instill values of respect, non-violence, and conflict resolution within communities. “We need to teach our young people that disputes should not be settled with weapons, but through dialogue, mediation, and the rule of law,” he stressed.
In response to the worsening crime situation, Minister Norbert reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement, enhancing crime prevention initiatives, and supporting grassroots efforts aimed at fostering safer communities. However, he underscored that public cooperation is essential. “Safety is a shared responsibility,” he urged. “I call on every citizen to reject violence, report suspicious activities, and be part of the solution.”
