The Soufrière Unity March, organised by the Soufrière Regional Development Foundation and its partners, was held under the theme “Stronger, Safer Together.”

The march began at the Soufrière Square and travelled through Bridge Street, W. Quinlan Street, Church Street and Henry Belmar Street before returning to the Square.

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and Department of Crime Prevention were among the institutions supporting the initiative.

Organisers positioned the march as a starting point rather than a single response to crime, placing emphasis on individual responsibility, support for young people and resolving disputes before they escalate into violence.

The initiative comes amid continued national concern about violent crime and renewed discussion about the combination of policing, prevention, education, employment and community intervention required to address it.

A certificate recognition ceremony following the march also highlighted the connection organisers are making between crime prevention and economic opportunity.

Participants who completed a Business Certificate Programme and Plumbing Course were recognised for their achievements.

The skills component reinforces an increasingly important element of the crime-prevention discussion: providing people, particularly young people, with practical opportunities that can improve their economic prospects.

The Soufrière initiative therefore combined the call for peace with a wider message that public safety requires participation from families, communities, businesses, institutions and law enforcement.