Days before one of the most cherished holidays for families across the globe, a brutal shooting on Marchand Boulevard claimed two lives, leaving tight-knit communities in Saint Lucia reeling from senseless violence. The first victim, 64-year-old Charmaine Pearl Ramsay, a 22-year veteran of the local police force and mother of five surviving children, was killed instantly in the Saturday night attack on May 9. A second victim, 38-year-old Sheston Duncan, succumbed to his critical injuries just hours later after being rushed to a nearby hospital.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Ramsay’s eldest son, whose identity has been withheld by authorities for personal security, spoke publicly with reporters to share his family’s overwhelming grief. Fighting back tears, he described his mother as a relentless, devoted parent who never once let him down throughout his 28 years of life. “I never imagined my mother would lose her life in that kind of way,” he told reporters. “For the kind of person my mother was, I never thought I would lose her to such violence.”
Ramsay, who spent more than two decades serving the community as a police officer, shaped her son’s entire upbringing through the values of honesty, accountability and unwavering support she instilled in him. Even in his adult years, she remained a constant, caring presence: cleaning his home, washing his clothes, and showing up for him in every challenge and milestone. When asked what he would miss most, he highlighted this unshakable commitment. “In every aspect of my life, my mother would always come and represent me no matter what it be,” he said.
The grieving son recalled the chaotic, terrifying moments after the shooting that still haunt him. He was at his own home nearby when he heard a volley of gunshots ring out across the neighborhood, but had no idea his mother was caught in the crossfire. It was only when he walked toward her home to check on her that a neighbor broke the devastating news. “When I go there, I see my mother lying there, lifeless already,” he said. “I feel like I was just losing my brains at the moment.” Still, he said he is clinging to his faith and the lessons his mother taught him to stay strong for the rest of his family. “I already gave my life to Christ, so I just consider I have to pray and let life take its course.” To this day, he says he cannot fathom any motive for killing his mother, who dedicated her life to protecting and supporting her community.
A close friend of Ramsay, who had planned a joyful Mother’s Day celebration with the victim just days before, shared her own heartbreak over the killing. The two had arranged to attend church together, then spend the evening dancing in honor of the holiday. “And look at how the lady pass away,” she said in disbelief. Like many residents, she is now calling for an immediate end to the wave of violence that has shaken the neighborhood. She warned that innocent bystanders—especially children—face constant risk as violent incidents continue to plague the area. After the shooting, fear has spread so widely that local parents are keeping their children home from school, she confirmed. “A mother called the principal and said she not sending her children to school because of what happened,” she said. In an emotional appeal to those behind the violence, she urged them to lay down their weapons. “All those who are doing violent things, stop it, please. Have mercy on everybody else because all of us have family.”
Top political leaders have also weighed in on the tragedy, condemning the brutal killings and pledging action to bring those responsible to justice. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who also serves as Parliamentary Representative for Castries East, released a formal statement via his official Facebook page expressing his deep sorrow over the deaths. “As Parliamentary Representative, I am deeply saddened by the homicides that occurred over the weekend. I extend sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” he wrote. Pierre confirmed that his administration has already held urgent talks with the leadership of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, and assured the public that authorities are working tirelessly to track down and prosecute the perpetrators. “These acts of violence are a matter of grave concern,” he stated. “The safety and security of our citizens remain a top priority of my Government.”