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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