Two killed in separate shooting incidents in St Lucia

CASTRIES, St Lucia, CMC – Prime Minister of St Lucia Phillip J Pierre has sought to assure the nation that criminals will not be allowed to hold the country hostage.

Pierre made the statement on Saturday shortly after two deadly shootings rocked the capital Castries, leaving two men dead and several other people injured.

“Today, our city was shaken by cruel and senseless acts of gun violence, which claimed the lives of two citizens. To the families and friends who are now grieving I extend my deepest condolences,” the Prime Minister said.

Pierre said he also convened an immediate meeting of the National Security leadership.

“These brazen and reckless acts will not be allowed to continue. I fully understand the fear and anxiety that many are feeling and I share that concern. But let me be absolutely clear, we will not allow criminals with nothing to lose to hold this country hostage. Together with determination and unity we will restore safety and protect our people.

The police report that the first incident occurred around 10 a.m. (local time) near a taxi stand.

Jamie Williams, 25, was fatally shot, with stray bullets striking unsuspecting bystanders and triggering scenes of panic as people scrambled for safety.

Hours later, gunfire rang out once again, claiming the life of Takim James, better known as “Tako” or “Tako Bell.”

The daylight attack again sent people running in terror, with reports of more bystanders, including children, caught in the crossfire.

According to the St Lucia Times the police have since apprehended a suspect linked to one of the shootings.

The incidents took place in the aftermath of Opposition Leader Alan Chastanet voicing concern about crime.

On Thursday in a televised address to the nation, he sharply criticised the government’s handling of public safety.

He described the Pierre-led administration’s approach to crime as “soft”, accusing it of failing to meet the urgency of the situation.

Chastanet also lamented the toll crime is taking on the country, highlighting the fear it spreads as well as the strain on already limited public healthcare resources.

“Every shooting, every stabbing, every violent crime sends victims to our hospitals, consuming limited medical supplies…,” he said.

He accused the government of failing to take a decisive stance on crime and evading its responsibility to protect citizens.

“What is most concerning of all is the silence – the silence from the highest levels of government when our people cry out for safety. The silence when evidence disappears… the silence when asked about their plan to fight crime. This silence is complicity,” Chastanet said.

The former Prime Minister went on to outline his own plan to combat crime – recommendations, he said, that remain open for implementation by the current administration.

His proposals included delivering modern equipment to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force along with the requisite training, reinstating the K9 Unit, procuring scanners and restoring the 1200 Camera CCTV network.

He also recommended implementing mandatory vessel monitoring systems, requiring polygraph tests for police and customs officers, fast-tracking court cases, and establishing a dedicated CSI unit to safeguard evidence and prevent crucial material from going missing.

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