Joseph stated, “There was a drive-by shooting in Bocage and my information is eight people got shot. It's ranging between 5 and 8. I cannot confirm the numbers. But the information is in circulation, which means that the Labour Party still does not have a handle on the crime situation in Saint Lucia.”

The RSLPF responded swiftly, condemning the statement as “reckless” and “malicious,” emphasizing that no such incident took place. In a public release, the police said:

“These reports are unfounded, inaccurate, and completely false. Spreading such malicious and misleading information is detrimental to public order and causes unnecessary panic within the community.”

Authorities confirmed that there was no mass shooting, no multiple homicides, and no large-scale attack in the Bocage community, highlighting the dangers of spreading unverified information.

The RSLPF further criticized individuals who fabricate or circulate false crime reports online, warning that such behavior erodes public trust in law enforcement and unnecessarily frightens communities.

“We urge all citizens to immediately cease sharing unverified reports and to rely exclusively on official RSLPF channels for accurate and confirmed facts,” the statement said.

Observers say Joseph’s remarks were not only factually incorrect but politically irresponsible, creating unnecessary fear for the residents of Bocage.

Legal and public safety experts have noted that disseminating unverified reports of violent crime, particularly during an election period, could have serious social consequences.

The RSLPF reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accurate reporting, and public safety, stating that it will continue to provide timely updates on verified incidents as they occur.

Residents are being urged to exercise caution on social media and to avoid amplifying unverified claims, particularly those with the potential to incite panic or harm the community’s sense of security.