This small middle-income island in the Eastern Caribbean has seen over 30 murders so far in 2024.
Back in February, the (RSLPF) revealed the country had 75 homicides in 2023.
So far the government’s main response to this crisis has been increasing bureaucracy. But it has failed to present any solid military strategy to address this issue.
Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has reportedly assured he’s willing to do anything or receive any helpful advice to halt this violence.
Regardless, according to the US, UK, and Canadian governments, most visits to the country are trouble-free and the level of alert is the lowest possible.
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LATEST NEWS from St. Lucia:
St. Lucia has seen 30 murders in only 2024 – No solution in sight
St. Lucia is going through worrisome homicidal violence with more than 28 people being murdered in the first three months of 2024, Guy Joseph, deputy political leader of the United Workers Party (UWP) told reporters.
“This is a crisis situation, and we are not here gloating,” he said.
He also denounced that the government’s response was to designate three more ministers to bring this matter under control. But since then, crime has done nothing but increase.
“We are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for their salaries,” he said. “We need to realize that this government cannot manage the crime situation,” Joseph concluded.
Criminals in St. Lucia are “more organized than the government,” says official
The government has no crime plan. At least this is what opposition spokesman Lenard Montoute told reporters after learning the country reached its 30th homicide so far in 2024.
According to the official, the government wants to create another ministry to tackle crime. But his party disagrees.
“What we want is not necessarily new ministries or new ministers, what we want is the curbing of crime.”
“The Government does not have a plan for crime,” Montoute said. And “it appears at this time that the criminals are more organized than the government.”
The official called for a symposium where all political parties could offer useful solutions to this crisis.
Areas to Avoid
The US government doesn’t advise citizens against visiting any areas in Saint Lucia.
However, stay away from the neighborhoods of Chaussee Road, Leslie Land, and Wilton’s Yard, as well as Vieux Fort, as they have become ghettos with high rates of criminality.
Official Travel Advisories
US Travel Advisory
Regardless of what the local media reports, the US government considers that traveling to Saint Lucia is extremely safe. It only asks Americans to exercise normal precautions when visiting.
Canada Travel Advisory
Violent crime and gang-related violence have increased over the past year in Vieux Fort, St. Lucia.
Purse snatching and pickpocketing are a common practice during national festivities.
Also, there have been reports of solo female travelers being subject to harassment, verbal abuse and sexual assault.
PDA among the 2SLGBTQ1+ community is frowned upon. Harassment can happen.
Safety Tips for St. Lucia
Saint Lucia is still safe but some precautions should be taken.
- Don’t visit isolated areas by yourself, especially at night.
- Don’t flash your money.
- Don’t dress like a tourist; don’t make yourself a target.
- Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal.
- Refrain from purchasing drugs.
- Put on repellent as dengue fever mosquitoes are an issue.
- Keep in mind that hurricane season goes from June to November. So plan accordingly.
- Never swim alone; currents are dangerous.
- Female travelers should avoid opening their doors after dark.