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Government authorises law enforcement officials to take back the streets

Contact: Shannon Lebourne

Tuesday 7 December 2010 –  The Government of Saint Lucia says it will take bold and decisive steps to confront criminal elements in the society.

The statement which comes in the wake of violent and deadly gun crimes this past weekend follows a meeting of the Ministerial Task Force on Crime which was chaired by the prime minister on Monday.

Government`s Press Secretary Darnley Lebourne says the authorities are committed to dealing with increasing incidents of crime head on.

“Government has noted the events of the past weekend, which threaten to once again raise the ugly spectre of crime in our society. These developments along with other occurrences are being monitored and reviewed by the Police and the Ministerial Task Force on Crime and Security. Government is determined to meet these elements and their collaborators head on and with bold and deliberate actions. The police have been directed to undertake whatever actions were necessary to bring the situation back under control and to take back the streets from criminal elements.

“The Prime Minister has reassured them that they had the full backing of Government to pursue criminals wherever they were. Government will not allow a few selfish and devious minds to dictate our lifestyle and to negatively impact the image of Saint Lucia. The reputation and respect of this nation must be preserved at all cost. Government assures all peace loving Saint Lucians that it will deal with all threats to our nation’s security and stability in a decisive and determined manner.”

The press secretary says government and the police have decided to implement specific measures to deal with the rise in crime on the island.

“Government agreed that the resources of the police would be augmented in order to enable them to discharge those measures. It was also agreed that these measures were to be sustained over an extended period to ensure that citizens and visitors alike were safe in their homes and in going about their business.

“ The government of Saint Lucia will not allow rogue elements in our midst to shift our national focus on the task at hand, that of rebuilding Saint Lucia. This is a task that should remain foremost in the minds of all patriotic Saint Lucians. All Saint Lucians are therefore called upon to join in partnership with the government and police as we move to eradicate the scourge of crime, whilst we remain focused on the task of rebuilding our nation following the ravages of Hurricane Tomas.”

Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with and support the police as they embark on various operations in the fight against crime.

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