[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n December 10, Police Commissioner Severin Monchery issued the following statement: “We at the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force have reviewed our plans and our strategies and from all indications it appears that we have not been able to meet some of our intended targets. As a result we are putting in place new plans; new strategies. These strategies will be more head on, they will be more aggressive and they will be targetted.”
This declaration, he said, was in response to increasing illegal activity by criminals who seem to have declared war on the citizenry. “I want, at this point, to thank my hard-working officers for their efforts over the past month. But to those criminals out there, who it appears have declared war on our citizens and by extension the RSLPF, what I will say to you is that the RSLPF will continue to ensure the safety and security of Saint Lucians.”
The commissioner’s pronouncements come at a time when the island has recorded a sharp increase in the number of robberies—many at business establishments—as well as a spate of shootings. Directly addressing those involved in criminal activity, Monchery warned: “The Criminal Code of Saint Lucia creates provisions for the level of force to be used in different circumstances and if you create the atmosphere and situation for force to be used, we will surely use it as necessary, even if we have to move to the highest level permitted by law.”
An increase in patrolling officers was also among the stated changes. “We’ve called back six officers from Saint Kitts,” Monchery revealed. “I’ve also called back officers from leave. This morning at least 60 police officers reported back to work. From the deputy commissioner of police down, many will be on the streets, night and day.”
In a desperate effort to curb escalating levels of violent crime in 2010, the police undertook Operation Restore Confidence. At least six individuals were fatally shot. Although resultant inquests found the shootings were not unlawful, they were regarded by some as extra-judicial killings and contrary to a human rights treaty with the United States, at the time a major supporter, financially and otherwise, of the local police. It didn’t help that Kenny Anthony had, in opposition, claimed to have seen a police death list of “persons deemed to be criminals”. Upon returning to office Anthony initiated the now famous IMPACS investigation. A large portion of its findings were read out on TV by the prime minister who also confirmed that the US had suspended all assistance to the local police until there had been “a credible judicial resolution”.
Said a stern-faced Monchery this week: “Notwithstanding there may be side effects of that whole IMPACS issue, police officers are being asked to act professionaly at all times and not to permit themselves to be hindered in the performance of their duties. Once you are performing your duties within the laws of the land, there is nothing to be afraid of in terms of IMPACS or anything else.”
He went on: “I continue to say to my police officers that I want them to act professionaly at all times, respect fundamental rights and freedoms and ensure that when performing their duties they respect the law.”
At the start of 2018 the police set themselves the task of keeping the homicide rate below twenty-five. In 2017 the island recorded 60 homicides. At time of writing the number killed this year stands at 42, the last victim being mother of two Nadia Wells of Morne DuDon, killed on Monday evening. She was 42. So far, no arrests.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Wayne Charlery, who is responsible for crime and intelligence management, indicated at Monday’s press conference, “We’ve been investigating 40 homicides, excluding one police shooting. Thus far, we’ve been able to solve 17 of those cases.”
Asked to define “solved”, Charlery said it referred to instances involving the arrest and charging of a suspect, and taking him before a court. The cited 17 persons processed are at this time on remand at the Bordelais Correctional Facility awaiting trial for murder.
As for Monchery, he ended his press conference with this Christmas message: “The time has come for us to deal not only with crime on the streets and crime in the ghettos, but also with crime across Saint Lucia. So, whether you be in high office, whether you be a law enforcement officer, whether you be politician, pastor, teacher, priest, the law will apply to everyone.”
