Norbert Denounces Violence in Wake of Horrific Killing

A deadly shooting on February 11th has left the entire country frustrated and gripped with fear as a mother of three was the latest victim of a brutal attack. The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Alana Bernard, who was gunned down mere feet away from her Corinth, Gros Islet home. 

Crime Prevention Minister, Jeremiah Norbert, joined in expressing condolences to the family on Wednesday and called for swift action to bring the perpetrators responsible to justice.

“Such acts of violence are utterly unacceptable and they have absolutely no place in our society. I want to assure the public that we are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice swiftly,” said the Crime Prevention Minister in a virtual address on Wednesday.

Immediately following the shooting, messages of support for the grieving family flooded social media and the country’s airwaves. Bernard, a mother of three young children ages 8, 5 and 11 months, was remembered as a loving and kind woman.

The Minister says the government has put policies in place to ensure a repeat of Tuesday’s killing: “We are committed to implementing comprehensive strategies to prevent such tragedies in the future, including strengthening community policing and promoting public awareness about crime prevention. We are also providing support services for vulnerable individuals.”

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre on Wednesday morning joined in offering condolences to the family of the deceased. He encourages citizens to cooperate with law enforcement in helping bring the offenders to justice: “Saint Lucians, violence has no place in our society. We must not look away or remain silent as these senseless killings destroy families and threaten the peace and prosperity of our country. The perpetrators of these heinous acts must not find shelter in our homes or friendships, they must be brought to justice,” Pierre said in a social media post Wednesday morning.

Opposition Leader, Allen Chastanet, also shared his sentiments in the aftermath of the incident on social media: “My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. No family should have to endure this kind of pain. We have to do better, Saint Lucia. We owe it to each other to build a safer, more just society.”

Citizens are urged to make anonymous reports via toll-free hotline, 555, or on the RSLPF’s mobile app.