Joint Statement on Meeting to Discuss Crime - Prime Minister and Private Sector |
JOINT
STATEMENT ON A MEETING TO DISCUSS CRIME BETWEEN
THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR HELD
AT THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER ON
TUESDAY, JANUARY 09, 2001 Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, on
Tuesday, January 09, 2001, met with representatives of the St. Lucia Chamber of
Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, the St. Lucia Hotel & Tourism
Association, the St. Lucia Industrial and Small Business Association, the St.
Lucia Employers’ Federation, St. Lucia Manufacturers Association, the Ministry
of Tourism and the Police to discuss crime. The private sector representatives expressed concern over
recent incidents of violent crime, the atmosphere of fear these may create and
the likely impact on doing business in St. Lucia, particularly with respect to
the tourism industry. They
called on the government to make a strong statement on crime and to take
immediate action to send clear signals to the lawless elements that such
incidents will not be tolerated. The Prime Minister updated the meeting on the various
measures – both in the immediate and long term - being pursued by the
Government of Saint Lucia to deal with crime.
These included the immediate establishment of a new Rapid Response Unit
attached to the Gros Islet police station comprising three new vehicles and ten
persons clothed with the appropriate police powers and authority, the
establishment of a National Anti Crime Commission, the newly revised and updated
Criminal Code currently being printed, the establishment of a new Evidence Act,
the improvements being made to the court system, police reform and modernisation
initiatives, legislation prescribing stiffer penalties for drug and gun related
crimes, and the construction of a modern correctional facility. The meeting agreed that the police needed to be more
visible, particularly in areas where persons loiter. Various other suggestions were considered including an offer
by the Prime Minster for the government to pay for an audit of the security
arrangements at hotels on the island. The meeting agreed too, that it was necessary for government and the private sector to continue to dialogue on the issue. January 10, 2001 |
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