The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) is urging the public to help ensure a safe and peaceful Carnival 2026, highlighting significant reductions in several major categories of crime while announcing heightened security measures for the festive season.
In a statement made on July 16, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr Mashama Sealy said the latest crime statistics demonstrate encouraging progress in the force’s efforts to improve public safety.
“Crime statistics from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force for the period 1st January 2026 to July 10th 2026, compared with the corresponding period in 2025, show a 23% reduction in burglaries, a 5% reduction in robberies, a 21% reduction in drug offences, a 21% reduction in stealing from persons and a 19% reduction in sexual offences,” she said.
Dr Sealy also pointed to the force’s continued efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets.
“The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has also intensified operations aimed at removing illegal firearms from communities,” she said.
She disclosed that between January 1 and July 10, officers recovered 39 illegal firearms, together with a substantial quantity of ammunition and firearm components.
“These recoveries reflect the force’s sustained efforts to remove illegal firearms from circulation and prevent violent crime before it occurs,” she added.
With Carnival celebrations now underway, the RSLPF has activated its comprehensive Carnival security plan to protect both residents and visitors.
“With Carnival celebrations approaching, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force has activated its Carnival security plan to ensure residents and visitors can enjoy the festivities in a safe and secure environment,” Dr Sealy said.
She explained that officers will maintain a highly visible presence across the island through increased foot and mobile patrols, enhanced traffic management operations and strategic deployments along parade routes, at major event venues and within communities.
“Dedicated response teams will also be positioned to respond quickly to incidents, while police operations will continue throughout the Carnival period to deter criminal activity and maintain public order,” she said.
According to Dr Sealy, the decline in several key crime categories reflects the combined efforts of law enforcement and the wider public.
“The reductions we are seeing in several major crime categories show what can be achieved through the hard work of our officers and the continued support of you, the public,” she said.
As festivities continue, she appealed to revelers to celebrate responsibly and help preserve Carnival’s reputation as one of the island’s premier cultural events.
“As we prepare to celebrate Carnival, I ask everyone to make safety a priority, respect one another, avoid confrontations and make responsible decisions,” Dr Sealy urged.
“If you choose to drink, do so responsibly, look out for your family and friends and follow the directions of police officers and event officials.”
She assured the public that officers will remain on duty throughout the celebrations.
“Our officers will be on duty throughout the celebrations to protect residents and visitors and to ensure everyone will enjoy Carnival safely,” she said.
Dr Sealy concluded by encouraging Saint Lucians to ensure the festival is remembered for its positive qualities rather than criminal activity.
“Carnival is one of Saint Lucia’s proudest traditions. Let us do our part to ensure it is remembered for its music, creativity and culture and not for violence or disorder.”