Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Justice, National Security, Constituency Development and People Empowerment, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, says the Government of Saint Lucia continues to advance a multi-level approach to citizen security and justice reform aimed at strengthening law enforcement, improving the efficiency of the justice system, and addressing the social conditions that contribute to crime.

Speaking at Monday’s pre-Cabinet press briefing, the Prime Minister outlined a series of ongoing measures designed to modernise the justice system, enhance public safety, and support long-term violence prevention through what he described as a whole-of-society approach.

The Prime Minister continues to note that the Government’s strategy operates at two levels, immediate enforcement and justice reform, alongside long-term social intervention and prevention.

On the justice and enforcement side, the Prime Minister pointed to continued investments in police manpower, mobility, equipment, and operational support, while noting ongoing engagements with the hierarchy of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force to strengthen enforcement efforts and public safety responses.

He further outlined several measures aimed at strengthening the administration of justice, including continued strengthening of forensic capabilities, enhancing witness protection mechanisms, revisions to the Evidence Act, and amendments to the Criminal Code.

The Prime Minister also referenced the operationalisation of the Swift Justice Court to help reduce the backlog of matters before the courts and the continued development of the Hall of Justice project, to improve the overall efficiency of the judicial system. 

“We cannot address crime through enforcement alone,” Prime Minister Pierre stated. “The justice system must be strengthened from investigation to prosecution, but we must also place greater focus on prevention, conflict resolution, and the social conditions that contribute to violence.”

The Prime Minister stressed that addressing crime requires a whole-of-society response involving families, schools, communities, law enforcement, social institutions, and Government working together to reduce violence and strengthen social stability.

He noted that the Government’s broader crime prevention strategy extends beyond policing and legislation to include targeted intervention among vulnerable families and at-risk youth through mentorship, education retention programmes, after-school engagement, youth and sports clubs, and expanded social support systems. 

“Crime affects every aspect of national life,” the Prime Minister said. “We must continue teaching our young people how to communicate, how to resolve conflict peacefully, and how to exercise emotional control before situations escalate.”

The Prime Minister further pointed to ongoing investments already announced in the 2026/2027 Budget, including the training of 160 new police recruits, continued upgrades to police infrastructure, and expanded support systems for vulnerable communities. 

He acknowledged that reforming and modernising the justice system will take time, but stressed that serious and tangible steps are already being implemented across critical sectors.

The Prime Minister further noted that while the Health and Security Levy was established to support investments in healthcare and citizen security, the demands facing both sectors significantly exceed the revenue generated through the levy alone.

Despite those realities, the Government continues to make targeted investments to strengthen public safety, improve healthcare delivery, and modernise key national institutions.

“This is not something that will be resolved overnight,” Prime Minister Pierre added. “But progress is being made, and the country is seeing sustained investment in security, justice, healthcare, and social protection.”

The Prime Minister stressed that the Government’s approach to justice reform and citizen security is deliberate, strategic, and focused on building safer and more resilient communities across Saint Lucia.