Acting Police Commissioner, Ronald Philip says the Police Force remains committed to crafting strategies aimed at steering youth away from deviant acts.

“Between 2014 and the present day, our island has mourned the loss of 334 young lives to murder,” disclosed ACP Philip.

Philip also disclosed that more males are losing their lives than females.

“Of that figure, 4% were female and 60% male. Shockingly, all of these individuals were 35 years old or younger. Whilst we note the gender disparity, this is unacceptable, and this phenomenon of youth violence must not be allowed to persist.”

Due to these statistics, the Acting Police Commissioner says the Force will be focusing on at-risk male youth in Saint Lucia. This year, Saint Lucia has recorded 32 homicides, most of which were males.

“It is imperative that a heightened emphasis should be placed on programs and activities aimed at addressing this issue of youth violence. Though not discriminatory, there is an urgent need to place a heightened emphasis on supporting our male population. The impact of youth violence remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies here.”

The Acting COP’s comments were made during the first session of the public consultations hosted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency on the theme: Youth in Violence.

Philip says he hopes the meetings can lead to the creation of effective policies for curbing youth involvement in violent crime.

“I hope that this initiative serves as one of the pivotal platforms for the formulation of youth-centred policies. When implemented effectively, these policies have the potential to enhance citizen safety and security, thus yielding positive implications for Saint Lucia's national security framework,” he said.