The Government of Saint Lucia will establish a National Security Council. The council is charged with the responsibility of executing the recommendations made at a recent crime symposium, and aims to reduce crime in Saint Lucia.

The crime symposium was spearheaded by the Ministry of National Security. Representatives from various sectors throughout the island participated.

National Security Minister Hon. Hermangild Francis explained that the recommendations made at the symposium, will be addressed once the council has been implemented. It was decided that the National Security Council will have the prime minister as its head.

“I’ve written to the Leader of the Opposition to include a representative on that body. We also talked about having a National Security Plan and that will be one of the mandates of the council.”

Also on the agenda is addressing the absence of parenting strategies. According to the minister, the youth is often blamed for their actions however, he explained that parents play a role in the proper grooming of children.

Hon. Hermangild highlighted other initiatives to be undertaken by the incoming council.

“We want to implement a project where we can re-educate parents. There are some parents who, we have found in our investigations, are the same ones assisting youngsters in hiding their ill-gotten gains.”

Alcohol and marijuana use were also subjects of discussion. The minister said given the abuse of substances by the youth, it is imperative that a policy on usage is implemented. Efforts are also expected to go into revamping the Boys Training Center to ensure holistic rehabilitation.