Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre has reaffirmed the Government of Saint Lucia’s commitment to strengthening national security, advancing justice sector reforms and continuing investments aimed at addressing crime through a balanced and holistic approach.

Speaking during the Pre-Cabinet Press Briefing on Tuesday, May 26, Prime Minister Pierre acknowledged growing public concern surrounding crime and violence in the country while urging mature national dialogue and collective action.

“I’m very concerned. I continue to be concerned, and I’m sure all politicians, all well-meaning politicians, are concerned,” the Prime Minister said. “But it’s complex. So let’s not believe we’ll get answers on the talk show. The answers to the problem will not come on any talk show. It won’t come on any Facebook page or any Facebook rant. Yes, it can come by being mature, sitting down as a country and discussing, and that’s what I’m willing to do.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks come as Government continues implementation of several initiatives aimed at improving public safety, strengthening the justice system and modernising law enforcement and correctional operations.

Government recently announced continued progress under the Swift Justice Project and the Criminal Backlog Reduction Court, which was officially opened on March 19, 2026 to accelerate the handling of older criminal matters before the High Court. Approximately 100 matters were disposed of between February and May 2026 as part of efforts to reduce delays within the criminal justice system.

Additional measures include the expansion of virtual court operations at the Bordelais Correctional Facility, upgrades to court infrastructure, including the refurbishment of the Soufriere Courthouse, and the ongoing development of Saint Lucia’s first National Crime Prevention Policy, focused on early intervention, youth engagement, and community-based violence prevention.

Prime Minister Pierre also defended the importance of the Health and Security Levy in supporting the country’s crime-fighting and public safety efforts.

“Every police force needs more resources. But the fact is, we have to be realistic about what we can do and what we cannot do,” the Prime Minister stated. “The health and security levy of two and a half per cent raised $40 million last year. There have been cries to stop it, but no one has said where we will get the revenue to deal with the issues.”

The Prime Minister further outlined the Government’s continued investment in personnel and institutional support across the security sector.

“It’s a holistic approach that we take, and we are going to continue,” he said. “Right now, we are about to recruit 80 new officers. We’ve just recruited some people for the fire service and at Bordelais Correctional Facility. So we are going to continue doing it, but it’s challenging.”

Government maintains that crime prevention and public safety require a whole-of-society response that combines effective law enforcement with prevention, rehabilitation, institutional strengthening and sustained community partnership.

Prime Minister Pierre said the Government of Saint Lucia remains committed to continuing reforms and investments necessary to improve public confidence and support safer communities across the country.