Families deserve safety, says UWP candidate Rosh Clarke after Castries Shooting
CASTRIES, St Lucia (Unitedpac St Lucia News) — UWP candidate Rosh Clarke for Castries Central has issued a heartfelt call for unity and urgent action following Saturday’s brazen gun violence in the capital that left two people dead and four others injured in broad daylight.
The late-morning attack unfolded in the busy city center, sending shoppers and pedestrians scrambling for safety as gunmen opened fire. The deadly incident has sparked renewed outrage over the island’s spiraling crime crisis, which continues to grip communities with fear.
Clarke urges national response to violence
In a statement posted to his official Facebook page, UWP candidate Rosh Clarke described the attack as “a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.” He emphasized that the victims were not mere statistics but members of families and communities, leaving behind grief and trauma.
“Six people shot, two lives lost, and a community left to pick up the pieces,” Clarke said. “These are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters, and sons. They are our neighbours, our friends, and our community members. This is unacceptable.”
The United Workers Party candidate urged Saint Lucians to unite in condemning the violence and to demand immediate and decisive action from national leaders. “We should not stand idly by while our citizens are gunned down in the streets,” Clarke said.
Call to address root causes
Rosh Clarke also pressed for a long-term approach to tackling crime, stressing the need to invest in communities and create opportunities for young people vulnerable to gang culture and lawlessness.
“We need to address the root causes of this violence, to invest in our communities, and to provide opportunities for our youth,” Clarke noted. “As your candidate and future representative, I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure that our city is safe for all citizens.”
His comments echo growing calls across civil society for reforms and stronger security measures, as residents express frustration with what many view as an inadequate government response to rising crime.
Condolences and solidarity
Clarke extended condolences to the grieving families and expressed support for those recovering from injuries sustained in the Castries shooting.
“To the families of the victims, I offer my deepest condolences. May you find strength and comfort in this difficult time. To those who were injured, I wish a speedy recovery,” Clarke said.
He urged Saint Lucians not to be paralyzed by fear but instead to stand together in resilience. “Let us build a city and a nation where every citizen can live without fear of violence. We must do better,” he added.
A community shaken
Saturday’s killings mark another grim chapter in a year already scarred by violent crime, intensifying debate about the government’s ability to maintain law and order. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as businesses shut their doors and bystanders fled for cover.
The deadly attack was one of two shootings that rocked the capital on the same day. Earlier that morning, a broad daylight shooting in Castries also claimed a life, leaving residents reeling from back-to-back acts of violence.
The latest incident has rattled Castries residents, many of whom fear venturing into public spaces amid the escalating violence.
Political fallout
The wave of violence also forced the United Workers Party to postpone a planned national public meeting in Castries, citing safety concerns. Party officials said it would have been irresponsible to proceed given the grief and unease in the community.
The UWP postpones national public meeting came just hours after the shootings, underscoring how deeply the bloodshed has unsettled both residents and political leaders.
A call for resilience
As the island grapples with its latest tragedy, UWP candidate Rosh Clarke’s impassioned plea highlights both the urgency of the crisis and the political stakes in a constituency that remains deeply affected by crime.
Follow Unitedpac St Lucia News for continuing coverage on UWP candidate Rosh Clarke, the Castries shooting, and the nation’s unfolding crime crisis.
