In 2021, St. Lucia registered 74 murders, a record at that time. The increase in 2022 to 76 murders means that the country has broken its homicide record for a second consecutive year, and led to calls from the United Workers Party for Prime Minister Philip J.

St. Lucia, like several other Caribbean nations, has struggled with a significant increase in violent crime over the last few years, primarily driven by illegal firearm trafficking and gang-related activity. In 2023, the island recorded a record-high of 75 homicides, and as of late 2024 and 2025, the numbers have remained at concerning levels, often exceeding 70 deaths per year. For a population of roughly 180,000 people, this represents a very high per-capita murder rate. It is important to note, however, that the vast majority of these killings are concentrated in specific neighborhoods away from the main tourist zones, such as certain areas of Castries and Vieux Fort, and rarely involve visitors. The government has implemented various "Suppression of Crime" acts and increased police patrols to address the issue. For tourists, St. Lucia remains generally safe if standard precautions are taken, but the local population has been vocal about the devastating impact of this "gun culture" on their communities and the island's international reputation as a peaceful honeymoon destination.