The Minister’s comments come as the nation breathes a sigh of relief over the sentencing of Eugene St. Romain for the 2002 murder of 12-year-old Verlinda Joseph. Poyotte says law enforcement officers are working to ensure justice is served to all grieving families.
“I am of the view that with the improved equipment that the police have to carry out their duties, justice should be swifter. The forensic lab is a very important tool in assisting the police in carrying out their duties,” Poyotte explained.
The Pierre Administration says it's placing a focus on adequately equipping its law enforcement apparatus with vehicles and firearms. This, the administration says, will increase the police’s capacity to respond to crime. Another aspect of improving national security is training law enforcement personnel.
“This year, Saint Lucia was responsible for…the Council for Social Development. We have been able to secure a lot of support for the police in the area of training. We are confident that in the coming months, we will see our police officers, who are fully trained and equipped, will handle a lot of cases with some level of diligence,” the Minister said.
The RSLPF has made recent arrests for the shooting death of 23-year-old Mikus Prescott. Two men are charged formally for the November 24 killing.
“On Thursday, November 30, 2023, Officers attached to the Major Crimes Unit preferred charges against twenty-four (24) year-old Shermack Tal for having committed the offenses of Murder and Attempted Murder. Twenty-one (21) year-old Giovanni Augustin was charged with Attempted Murder. They were escorted to court on Monday, December 4, 2023, where both were remanded in custody until Thursday, January 11, 2024,” the RSLPF said.
Law enforcement has also arrested and charged a suspect allegedly involved in the October 9th killing of popular producer Dayne, “G6” Felix.
“On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Officers attached to the Major Crimes Unit arrested twenty-one-year-old (21) Octavius Francis of Ti Rocher, Micoud on suspicion of Murder. On Saturday, November 18, 2023, Octavius Francis was charged for the Murder of Dayne Felix,” the RSLPF disclosed.
The Home Affairs Minister says the success of the RSLPF is owed to the recent investment by the government. At present, the 2.5% levy goes towards healthcare and national security.
