We have too many homicides being recorded - ACP Crime

Saint Lucia, as of today, May 18, has recorded 23 homicides, fueled mostly by gun violence.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police, George Nicholas, this is too many.

Saint Lucia ended its deadliest year in 2021 with a record-breaking 65 homicides, surpassing 2016 when 60 homicides were confirmed by December 31.

"We have too many homicides being recorded for our little population," ACP Nicholas told Police Insight host, Zachary Hippolyte Tuesday evening.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) recorded a low solve rate in 2021 and has been heavily criticized by various sections of the public.

However, ACP Nicholas has defended the commitment of the RSLPF’s investigators to ensuring that justice is served.

He referenced the recent arrest made after a male individual was arrested and charged for the murder of Yana Auguste seven years after her death.

“Once a homicide occurs, you have to respond, and when you respond, you have to pursue any leads you are getting at the time. And sometimes, before you can complete that investigation, you have to respond to another. But cases are not forgotten,” the senior police officer said.

“Sometimes you reach a point where we no longer have the capacity to go any further.”

It is at this point ACP Nicholas says the RSLPF then seek assistance from regional and international agencies.

“And that too sometimes takes a while,” he declared.

The RSLPF, he says, is doing the best it can with the limited resources available.

Prime Minister Philip J Pierre during his Budget presentation announced plans to provide much-needed support to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

This includes the construction of holding facilities, the construction of the Halls of Justice, renovations to a number of police stations around the island and the procurement of police vehicles, to name a few.