Public pressure mounts as Marcella Johnson condemns SLP government over crime
GROS ISLET, St Lucia (May 20, 2025) — United Workers Party (UWP) endorsed candidate for Gros Islet, Marcella Johnson, has issued a scathing condemnation of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) government following the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Rakim Romlelle Joseph on Monday night in White Rock, Grande Riviere.
In a Facebook post published Tuesday morning, Marcella Johnson expressed outrage over the persistent rise in homicides across the island, while accusing the SLP-led government of failing to deliver a coherent national strategy to combat crime. Her statement comes amid mounting public unease about the escalation of deadly violence in communities like Gros Islet.
“Last night, a young 25-year-old man was killed in Grande Riviere, Gros Islet. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s just another sign of how bad crime has gotten in St. Lucia,” she wrote. “I’m not saying this government caused the crime, but they have to take responsibility for not having a real plan to deal with it.”
Rakim Romlelle Joseph’s death has since been confirmed by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force as St Lucia’s 27th homicide for 2025. The shooting occurred around 10:50 p.m. on May 19. Police say a second male victim was injured during the attack and remains hospitalized. Investigations are ongoing.
Marcella Johnson’s reaction points to growing frustration with the government’s approach to national security. She accused Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s administration of lacking a defined crime-fighting strategy. “Their so-called efforts to fight crime have been all over the place, no clear direction, just bits and pieces thrown together,” she added.
The UWP Gros Islet candidate also took direct aim at the Minister of Crime Prevention, a position introduced under the current administration. “Not one solid policy or action to stop the violence,” she wrote. “So far, that position has been nothing but talk, or should I have said silence?”
Johnson went further by questioning the government’s priorities, accusing officials of being more focused on promoting entertainment events than on saving lives. “This SLP-led government seems more interested in throwing Jazz festivals, Carnival, and parties. All fun and games, but that’s not going to keep our young people safe or stop the violence that’s tearing families apart and hurting our economy.”
Marcella Johnson’s stance reflects the broader narrative emerging from the opposition UWP, which has repeatedly accused the SLP-led government of being reactive rather than proactive in the face of rising violence. “We want to focus on real prevention and deal with the root causes, not just put a band-aid on the problem,” she stated.
Her message culminated in a firm call for urgent leadership: “It’s time for a government that actually steps up and does what’s needed to keep St. Lucia safe. No excuses. Action!”
The UWP Gros Islet candidate’s statement follows a string of deadly incidents in northern St Lucia. Just days earlier, Jeremiah Precius was fatally stabbed in Ti Morne, Union, marking the 26th homicide of the year. That was followed by the fatal shooting of Rakim Romlelle Joseph in White Rock, Gros Islet, which pushed the national tally to 27.
Both killings have intensified scrutiny on the government’s handling of the crime wave. Community leaders, civil society groups, and political commentators are increasingly calling for concrete policy action, strategic enforcement, and better social support systems to address the root causes of violence, including youth unemployment, gun access, and gang activity.
As the island grapples with its latest tragedy, many view Marcella Johnson’s remarks as a direct challenge to the ruling Saint Lucia Labour Party government’s credibility on crime and a preview of the intensifying political debate as election season approaches.
Unitedpac St Lucia News will continue to monitor reactions and developments related to St Lucia’s security crisis and political response.
