The United Nations Development Program says that challenges to citizen security can be solved in a sustainable manner, through a multi-sectoral and people-centred approach.

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has commenced a series of national citizen security dialogues with nation counterparts in Saint Lucia. Representatives of community-based and faith-based organizations and the Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security contributed to the dialogue.

According to the Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP Barbados and the OECS, Lara Blanco, while the region boasts high political stability, accountability and effective governance, there remains a growing concern that certain factors have not been adequately addressed.

She said the challenges to citizen security in the region result in adverse consequences to public, social, political and economic order.

“The Government of Saint Lucia and its institutions are faced with pressing demands to respond to complex matters, and at the UNDP we have corroborated that these challenges can be solved in a sustainable manner, through a multi-sectoral and people-centred approach," Ms. Blanco said. "Our discussions will play a critical role in defining how we as UNDP Barbados and the OECS can bring global best practices and knowledge to the Government of Saint Lucia and other OECS member states to reverse current trends.”

Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Sen. Hon. Victor LaCorbiniere, applauded the new approach, and stated that the objective of the dialogue is to involve all citizens in the adoption of solutions and best practices.

“It integrates the participation of all citizens in their security and the security of the state, and requires adherence to human rights and human rights values, the rule of law and the fundamental rights enshrined in our respective constitutions," he explained. "The state and all of its agents must be accountable for their actions and their decisions at all levels including the political level.”