Castries, Saint Lucia – In a rare display of political unity, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet have both denounced the recent murder of 27-year-old Alana Bernard, a mother of three, who was fatally shot near her residence in Corinth, Gros Islet, on Tuesday evening. This incident has ignited widespread outrage and calls for collective action against escalating violence in the nation.
Prime Minister Pierre expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, urging citizens to reject violence and support efforts to restore peace. He emphasized that Saint Lucians should be “outraged” by the “horrific news” and must not ignore the rising violence. “Violence has no place in our society,” Pierre declared. “We must not look away or remain silent as these senseless killings destroy families and threaten the peace and prosperity of our country.” He called for justice, stating that perpetrators “must not find shelter in our homes or friendships; they must be brought to justice.” Pierre also highlighted the importance of national unity in denouncing crime and upholding the law.
Opposition Leader Chastanet shared his grief in a social media post, describing the incident as heartbreaking. “I’m heartbroken by the tragic loss,” he said. “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.” Both leaders extended their condolences to Bernard’s family and loved ones.
The murder of Bernard, who leaves behind two daughters, aged 8 and 5, and an 11-month-old son, has not only devastated her family but also sparked a broader conversation about the safety of women and the effectiveness of the justice system in Saint Lucia. Reports suggest that Bernard was scheduled to appear in court the day after her death in connection with a sexual assault case, raising concerns about potential links between her pursuit of justice and her untimely demise
In the wake of this tragedy, women’s rights advocates have intensified their calls for systemic reforms. They emphasize the need for robust protective measures for women who come forward with allegations of abuse, ensuring they are safeguarded against retaliation. The incident has also prompted discussions about the allocation of resources towards crime prevention and victim support services, with activists urging the government to prioritize these areas to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation into Bernard’s murder continues, her family and the wider community are calling for swift justice. The collective outcry underscores a growing demand for concrete actions to address the root causes of violence and to implement effective strategies that ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.