As gun violence grips Castries, UWP postpones national public meeting citing public safety and respect for victims.
CASTRIES, St Lucia — The United Workers Party (UWP) has announced the postponement of its highly anticipated national public meeting in Castries, citing escalating gun violence and security concerns as the reason for the decision.
The move follows a disturbing series of shootings that have rattled communities across the capital in recent weeks, including a broad daylight shooting in Castries that left shoppers scrambling for safety. These incidents have heightened public anxiety and fueled debate about the government’s handling of crime.
In a press release issued Saturday, the United Workers Party (UWP) said the decision was not taken lightly but was necessary given the proximity of recent homicides to the planned meeting venue. The party described the development as a sobering reminder of the growing state of lawlessness gripping the nation.
The full statement from the United Workers Party reads:
“The United Workers Party regrets to inform the public that we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to postpone our highly anticipated National Public Meeting that was scheduled to take place in the city of Castries.
This decision comes in response to a disturbing series of shootings that occurred within a 150-meter radius of the planned venue, a tragic reminder of the alarming state of gun violence in our country. These incidents have claimed lives and heightened fear in our communities, particularly in the heart of our capital.
In this moment of national mourning and uncertainty, we believe it would be both irresponsible and disrespectful to proceed with a mass gathering so close to the scenes of such recent and senseless violence. Our first duty must be to the safety and well-being of the people we serve.
Our public meeting was meant to be a beacon of hope, unity and solutions, but we recognize that the current climate demands reflection, empathy and urgent action. We will announce a new date in due course, once we have consulted the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and are satisfied that it is safe to do so.
We call on the Government to treat this crisis with the seriousness it demands. The people of Saint Lucia deserve to feel safe whether in their homes, on their streets, or at a public event.
Now is not the time for silence. Now is the time for leadership. The United Workers Party remains committed to doing our part and to building a Saint Lucia where every citizen can live without fear.”
The UWP emphasized that while the event was intended to be a platform for unity, solutions, and dialogue, the safety of citizens must remain paramount. The party said it will reschedule the meeting once it has consulted with law enforcement authorities and determined that conditions are secure.
The announcement comes amid rising frustration over the government’s ability to curb violent crime, which has surged in recent months and left many St Lucians on edge. Advocacy groups, community leaders, and opposition figures have been pressing for stronger action to restore public confidence in national security.
As the island grapples with one of its deadliest crime waves in recent memory, the UWP urged authorities to respond with urgency, arguing that St Lucians deserve to feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, and at public gatherings.
The press release underscores the mounting political and social pressure on Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s administration, which has faced criticism over its handling of public safety.
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