Speaking at the Saint Lucia Labour Party’s Youth Rally in Dennery on Sunday, Crime Prevention Minister Jeremiah Norbert delivered a strong condemnation of the violence, stressing that lawlessness will not be tolerated.

“Yesterday hit differently; we have a few young people in this country who believe that they are emboldened, who can take to the streets, and that there are no laws for them. Saint Lucia is a country of law and order. We have a responsibility to not only denounce it but to take action,” he declared.

Norbert emphasized that the police have been given both authority and resources to respond decisively.

“You have the full support of this Labour Party Administration but within the law,” he said, adding that public safety is paramount, especially in busy community spaces.

“This was a street busy with people going to the market to get produce; we are going to do everything to prevent acts like this in the future.”

The minister also urged communities to acknowledge their role in crime prevention, pointing out that perpetrators are often well-known within their neighborhoods.

“Those individuals…are people’s sons and cousins; those of us, when they come among them, we know who they are and what they have done,” he said.

Norbert called on young people to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government rather than turn to crime.

“This Labour Party has provided too many opportunities for young people for you to be engaging in this kind of activity. This country is not a criminal playground,” he stressed.

He assured the public that action will follow his words, promising increased police visibility in the days ahead. “In the coming days, you’ll see the increased presence of police. The police have our full support,” Norbert affirmed.