The bill gives domestic effect to the treaty signed by CARICOM member states on July 6, 2017, establishing a common system for the arrest and surrender of individuals wanted for prosecution or to serve custodial sentences across the region.

In his presentation, Prime Minister Pierre underscored the regional urgency of addressing crime, which he said has been framed as more than just a justice issue.

“The crime pandemic seems to be a curriculum problem. Heads of government have debated. In fact, there have been at least two conferences held on the issue of crime. Crime has been described as a public health issue, Mr. Speaker,” he stated.

Minister with responsibility for Crime Prevention, Jeremiah Norbert, pointed to the government’s recent legislative actions as part of a broader response.

“We came here and we made an amendment to the Firearms Act to ensure that we stiffen the penalties for firearm-related offenses. And that is because we realise that there is a problem, Mr. Speaker. We also debated the suppression of escalated crime and the Criminal Records Rehabilitation of Offenders Act,” Norbert said.

Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet, however, criticised the government’s handling of crime prevention, questioning both the effectiveness of the Ministry of Crime Prevention and the rationale for its existence.

“It is becoming our norm. And the fact is that it's not just about the homicides anymore. And we heard from a very uniquely named ministry, crime prevention, of which I didn't hear the members speak about crime prevention on this bill. Not one thing. I'm not any wiser today about why the minister was appointed than I was two years ago when he was appointed,” Chastanet argued.

The bill is expected to advance Saint Lucia’s alignment with regional efforts to combat cross-border crime, enhance security cooperation, and ensure swifter justice across CARICOM jurisdictions.