Prime Minister Philip J Pierre has described the country’s growing toll of road deaths and vehicular collisions as unconscionable, following a fatal accident in Vieux Fort that claimed the life of a 23-year-old man on Sunday night.
The victim has been identified as Viclann Joseph. The collision occurred on the night of Sunday, January 18, and remains under investigation.
Addressing the nation on Monday, January 19, Prime Minister Pierre said he spoke with “a heavy heart” as he extended condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
“I speak to you today with a heavy heart following reports of a fatal road accident last night in Vieux Fort,” the Prime Minister said. “While the full circumstances are still being confirmed, my thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends and community grieving this sudden and painful loss.”
He noted that the incident was part of a worrying and persistent pattern on the nation’s roads, stressing that behind every statistic is lasting human suffering.
“Tragically, this incident is yet another reminder of the devastating consequences of unsafe behavior on our roads. Over the past several years, the nation has experienced a deeply concerning pattern of frequent road accidents and avoidable fatalities. Hundreds of collisions have been recorded, many resulting in serious injuries and loss of life.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that while young drivers are often particularly vulnerable, road danger affects everyone.
“While young drivers are particularly vulnerable, often due to inexperience and poor judgment, this issue affects all road users. No age group, profession, or community is exempt,” he said.
He pointed to speeding, distracted driving, reckless overtaking, and driving under the influence as persistent behaviors placing lives at risk daily, making it clear that most tragedies on the roads could be avoided.
“Let me make it absolutely clear. Most road deaths are preventable. Most road deaths are preventable,” Pierre said.
Calling for a national shift in attitude, the Prime Minister urged Saint Lucians to stop excusing reckless behavior.
Said Pierre, “No appointment, no destination, and no moment of impatience is worth a human life. We must stop as a country making excuses for recklessness and behavior that can be avoided.”
Pierre outlined ongoing government efforts, including a national road safety campaign, strengthened traffic enforcement, and improvements to road infrastructure, but stressed that these measures alone are not enough.
“No campaign, no law, and no police presence can succeed without a fundamental change in personal behavior. Road safety begins with individual responsibility. Our drivers drive too fast and sometimes too recklessly.”
He appealed to all road users to play their part in preventing further loss of life.
“I therefore call on every driver, motorcyclist, pedestrian, cyclist, and passenger to obey the traffic laws,” the Prime Minister urged. “Respect speed limits, avoid alcohol and distractions when driving, ensure vehicles are roadworthy and exercise patience and courtesy on our roads.”
Prime Minister Pierre also framed road safety as a wider national issue, beyond traffic enforcement alone.
“This is not merely a traffic issue. It’s a public health issue,” he said. “It’s a public health concern, a national development issue, and a moral responsibility.”
He concluded with a call for collective action and personal accountability to ensure safer roads for all.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” Pierre said. “Let us commit collectively and decisively to change our behavior, protecting our young people and ensuring that our roads serve their purpose, to connect us safely, not to divide us through tragedy.