Her Excellency Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy said Saint Lucia has experienced a general reduction in the level of crime, particularly homicides, since its peak in 2011.

She cautions Saint Lucians not to be comforted by such successes, however. According to the Governor General, there is still too much senseless killing.

“Even while statistics suggest a downward trend, our homicide rate is still too high. There is still too much senseless death in our midst. Our streets must not be a place of ‘duck and cover’ but thoroughfares of good and meaningful transactions. We must be indefatigable in our efforts for Saint Lucia to become a place of peace.”

Her Excellency said reformation is necessary in the various departments of the island’s justice system, and detailed the steps that government has taken to create a more efficient justice system.

“Government has introduced a second High Court judge responsible for criminal matters so as to improve the capacity of the courts in handling cases,” Her Excellency explained. “A new Master has also been introduced within the Criminal Division of the High Court, and the Criminal Code is being reviewed to correct anomalies brought to light by the commencement of sittings of this Master. Meanwhile, the complement of staff at the Crown Prosecution Service has also been increased.”

Furthermore, a Witness Protection Bill is currently being drafted. It will be introduced this parliamentary session.