St Lucia — Gun Facts, Figures and the LawStockpilesGun NumbersCivilian GunsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 PopulationThe estimated rate of private gun ownership (both licit and illicit) per 100 people in St Lucia is 2017: 3.401 Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World RankingIn a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 206 countries, St Lucia ranked at No. 1862 Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World RankingIn a comparison of the rate of privately owned guns in 206 countries, St Lucia ranked at No.1272 ImpactsDeath and InjuryTotal Number of Gun DeathsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn St Lucia, annual deaths resulting from firearms total 2015: 133 2014: 213 2013: 15 2012: 224 2011: 31 2010: 25 2009: 16 2008: 15 2006: 16 2005: 22 2004: 15 2003: 20 2001: 10 2000: 19 Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 PeopleTotal Number of Male Gun DeathsRate of Male Gun Death per 100,000 PeopleTotal Number of Female Gun DeathsHomicides (any method)Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn St Lucia, annual homicides by any means total 2020: 525 2019: 46 2018: 37 2017: 49 2016: 30 2015: 28 2014: 343 2013: 33 2012: 39 2011: 46 2010: 44 2009: 32 2008: 396 2007: 29 2006: 43 2005: 41 2004: 37 2003: 36 2002: 42 2001: 34 2000: 23 Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn St Lucia, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 2020: 28.325 2019: 25.16 2018: 20.34 2017: 27.08 2016: 16.66 2015: 15.63 2014: 19.07 2013: 18.59 2012: 22.08 2011: 26.21 2010: 25.27 2009: 19.97 2008: 24.446 2007: 18.25 2006: 25.65 2005: 24.79 2004: 22.64 2003: 22.25 2002: 26.21 2001: 21.43 2000: 14.65 1999: 10.67 8 1998: 9.37 1997: 8.7 1996: 8.1 1995: 11.0 Male Homicide Victims (any method)Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)Female Homicide Victims (any method)Gun HomicidesBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Suicides (any method)Blue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn St Lucia, annual suicides by any means total 2015: 83 2014: 143 2013: 15 2012: 10 2011: 8 2010: 4 2009: 13 2008: 810 2006: 2 2005: 4 2004: 8 2003: 10 2002: 1210 11 2001: 710 12 2000: 16 Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)Male Suicide Victims (any method)Rate of Male Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)Female Suicide Victims (any method)Gun SuicidesBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleMale Gun Suicide VictimsRate of Male Gun Suicide per 100,000 PeopleFemale Gun Suicide VictimsUnintentional Gun DeathsBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseBlue-superscript reference numbers which link to sources covering multiple years are only displayed beside the most recent year. Figures without a hyperlink can be found in the next reference above.ChartIn St Lucia, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total 2014: 03 2013: 0 2012: 0 2011: 1 2010: 0 Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleMale Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseRate of Male Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 PeopleFemale Gun Deaths from Undetermined CauseTransfersGun Trade and TraffickingFirearm ImportsSmall Arms Imports (US$) - CustomsChartThe annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to St Lucia is reported by Customs to be US$ 2021: 107,00018 2020: 130,000 2019: 189,000 2018: 137,000 2017: 156,000 2016: 132,000 2015: 26,000 2014: 117,000 2013: 55,000 2012: 77,000 2008: 177,000 2007: 127,000 2006: 51,000 2005: 44,000 2004: 28,000 2003: 60,000 2002: 23,000 Regulation of Arms BrokersIn St Lucia, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law19 End User CertificatesCustoms regulations in St Lucia do not include19 certification of the intended end user of any small arms or ammunition transfer, and/or a written declaration of its intended end use MeasuresGun RegulationFirearm Regulation - Guiding PolicyThe regulation of guns in St Lucia is categorised as restrictive20 Firearm LawGuiding gun control legislation in St Lucia includes the Firearms Act No. 9 of 200321 Firearm Regulation AuthorityGuns in St Lucia are regulated by the Commissioner of Police and the Minister of Security22 Restricted Firearms and AmmunitionIn St Lucia, civilians are not allowed to possess automatic firearms, modified and sawn-off rifles, imitation and homemade/craft firearms25 26 27 Regulation of Automatic WeaponsIn St Lucia, private possession of fully automatic weapons is prohibited25 Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault WeaponsIn St Lucia, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted under licence25 Regulation of HandgunsIn St Lucia, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence26 Law Regulates Long GunsIn St Lucia, civilian possession of rifles and shotguns is regulated by law28 Gun Ownership and PossessionIn St Lucia, only licensed gun owners29 30 31 28 27 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition Genuine Reason Required for Firearm PossessionMinimum Age for Firearm PossessionGun Owner Background ChecksReference Required for Firearm LicenceIn St Lucia, third party character references for each gun licence applicant are not required19 Partner to be Advised or InterviewedIn St Lucia, licensing authorities are not required19 to conduct interviews with, or to advise an applicant's spouse, partner, or next of kin before issuing a gun licence Domestic Violence and FirearmsWhere a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in St Lucia does not stipulate19 that a gun licence should be denied or revoked Firearm Safety TrainingIn St Lucia, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required30 for a firearm licence Gun Owner Licensing PeriodIn St Lucia, gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for their firearm licence every number of years specified on the individual licence36 Limit on Number of GunsLicensed firearm owners in St Lucia are permitted to possess 1 firearm per valid possession permit30 Limit on Quantity, Type of AmmunitionLicensed firearm owners in St Lucia are permitted to possess any quantity of ammunition19 Firearm RegistrationCivilian Gun RegistrationIn St Lucia, the law requires17 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register Gun Dealer Record KeepingIn St Lucia, licensed firearm dealers are required17 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority Gun Sales and TransfersRegulation of Private Gun SalesIn St Lucia, the private sale and transfer of firearms is prohibited37 Regulation of Dealer Gun SalesLimit on Gun Dealer SalesIn St Lucia, the number and type of firearms which can be sold by a licensed gun dealer to a single gun owner is limited to one firearm per valid possession permit30 Waiting Period for Gun PossessionIn St Lucia, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined19 Regulation of Gun ShowsIn St Lucia, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated19 in law Storage and Transport of Guns and AmmunitionFirearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - PrivateFirearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - DealerFirearm regulations in St Lucia include30 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers Firearm and Ammunition Transport RegulationsRegulations in St Lucia do not include19 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit MeasuresInternational ControlsRegional AgreementsOrganization of American StatesOn 14 November 1997, as a member of the Organisation of American States (OAS), St Lucia adopted the Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA), a legally binding multilateral treaty of which the OAS is depository. The CIFTA Convention has since been signed and ratified40 41 by St Lucia Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and DevelopmentThe Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development, a diplomatic initiative aimed at addressing the interrelations between armed violence and development, was not signed42 by St Lucia. Arms Trade TreatyThe Arms Trade Treaty has been signed and ratified43 by St Lucia United Nations Firearms ProtocolThe United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has not been signed44 by St Lucia United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoAUNPoA CommitmentOn 21 July 2001, St Lucia committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects45 UNPoA National ReportingUNPoA National Point of ContactIn St Lucia, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated15 UNPoA International Assistance – DonorFunds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated15 by St Lucia to other UN Member States United Nations Small Arms RegisterAccording to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, St Lucia has not declared47 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports. United Nations MembershipIn the UN List of Member States, St Lucia has been a Member State of the United Nations since 197948 Wassenaar ArrangementThe Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list49 St Lucia as a Participating State BackgroundSustainable Development Goal ProfileAbout SDG 16The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 goals set by the United Nations to be implemented by all member states by 2030. Adopted in 2015, they outline a vision of development in which peace and security are an integral part.
SDG 16,50 which seeks to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,” includes targets and indicators focused on reducing violence (Target 16.1) and the proliferation of illicit arms (Target 16.4). The indicators – or measurement criteria – of these targets include the number of victims of intentional homicide (Indicator 16.1.1), the number of conflict-related deaths (Indicator 16.1.2), and the number of illicit firearms collected and traced (Indicator 16.4.2).
In light of these targets and indicators, GunPolicy.org provides granular national data pertaining to homicides, gun homicides, conflict deaths, disarmament efforts, and marking and tracing. Homicides (any method)ChartIn St Lucia, annual homicides by any means total 2020: 525 2019: 46 2018: 37 2017: 49 2016: 30 2015: 28 2014: 343 2013: 33 2012: 39 2011: 46 2010: 44 2009: 32 2008: 396 2007: 29 2006: 43 2005: 41 2004: 37 2003: 36 2002: 42 2001: 34 2000: 23 Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)ChartIn St Lucia, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is 2020: 28.325 2019: 25.16 2018: 20.34 2017: 27.08 2016: 16.66 2015: 15.63 2014: 19.07 2013: 18.59 2012: 22.08 2011: 26.21 2010: 25.27 2009: 19.97 2008: 24.446 2007: 18.25 2006: 25.65 2005: 24.79 2004: 22.64 2003: 22.25 2002: 26.21 2001: 21.43 2000: 14.65 1999: 10.67 8 1998: 9.37 1997: 8.7 1996: 8.1 1995: 11.0 Male Homicide Victims (any method)Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)Female Homicide Victims (any method)Gun HomicidesMarking and TracingFirearm MarkingIn St Lucia, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is not required by law19 Firearm TracingIn St Lucia, state authorities do not carry out19 recognised arms tracing and tracking procedures Ballistic Record of Firearms and AmmunitionIn St Lucia, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not originally19 recorded in a register Global Peace IndexTo see where St Lucia ranks, select the Link icon to open an external web page at the Global Peace Index, and then click on St Lucia on the map or in the "Select Country" menu on the right of the web page |
Short References
- 1.
-
2018.‘Civilian Firearms Holdings, 2017.’ Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva,18 June. (Q13434)Full Citation
- 2.
-
2022.‘Calculated Ranking.’ Estimating global civilian-held firearm numbers..Geneva:GunPolicy.org,30 June. (Q15876)Full Citation
- 3.
-
2016.‘Inter-country Comparison of Mortality for Selected Causes of Death.’ WHO Mortality Data Base.Geneva:World Health Organisation,1 December. (Q13354)Full Citation
- 4.
-
2015.‘Number and Rate of Gun Deaths in 90 Countries (Número e taxas de mortalidade por AF segundo causa básica em 90 países do mundo).’ Violence Map: Deaths by Firearms (Mapa da Violência: Mortes Matadas por Armas de Fogo).Brasilia:Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales / Latin American Social Sciences Institute,1 January. (Q11896)Full Citation
- 5.
-
2020.‘Intentional Homicide Victims.’ dataunodc.un.org (web site).Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,1 January. (Q13355)Full Citation
- 6.
-
2019.‘Homicides and Homicide Rates 2000 to 2018.’ Homicide Monitor.Rio de Janeiro:Igarapé Institute,28 June. (Q13953)Full Citation
- 7.
-
2013.‘Homicide in 207 Countries - Saint Lucia.’ Global Study on Homicide 2011: Trends, Context, Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,26 June. (Q6355)Full Citation
- 8.
-
2011.‘Latin America and the Caribbean, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington, DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3817)Full Citation
- 9.
-
2017.‘Intentional Homicide Victims by Sex.’ Crime and Drugs Data.Vienna:UNODC,19 May. (Q13356)Full Citation
- 10.
-
2012.‘Suicide 2000-2009.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2012.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 July. (Q9206)Full Citation
- 11.
-
2011.‘Suicide.’ Report on Citizen Security in the Americas 2011.Washington, DC:Organisation of American States,1 January. (Q5680)Full Citation
- 12.
-
2005.‘Global Gun Deaths.’ NISAT Firearm Mortality Database 2005.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 January. (Q12)Full Citation
- 13.
-
2016.‘Calculated Rates - St Lucia.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,23 May. (Q8736)Full Citation
- 14.
-
2003.‘Firearm Import or Export Licence.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3295)Full Citation
- 15.
-
2018.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) - Implementation Support System.New York, NY:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,23 July. (Q1309)Full Citation
- 16.
-
2022.‘Exported values (2002-2021).’ Trade Map.Geneva:International Trade Centre (ITC),31 August. (Q16040)Full Citation
- 17.
-
2003.‘Firearm Dealer Licence.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3293)Full Citation
- 18.
-
2022.‘Imported values (2002-2021).’ Trade Map.Geneva:International Trade Centre (ITC),31 August. (Q16041)Full Citation
- 19.
-
2003.‘Firearms Act.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q4159)Full Citation
- 20.
-
1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation
- 21.
-
2003.‘Firearms Act.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3280)Full Citation
- 22.
-
2003.‘Regulations.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3300)Full Citation
- 23.
-
2014.‘Gun Rights in National Constitutions.’ Marco Rubio Says Second Amendment Is Unique in Speech to NRA.Miami, FL:Miami Herald (PolitiFact Florida),29 April. (Q8507)Full Citation
- 24.
-
2013. ‘U.S. Gun Rights Truly Are American Exceptionalism.’ Bloomberg (USA). 7 March. (N422) Full Citation
- 25.
-
2003.‘Prohibited Weapons and Ammunition.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3281)Full Citation
- 26.
-
2003.‘Interpretation.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3282)Full Citation
- 27.
-
2003.‘Prohibition Against Possession Without a Licence.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3296)Full Citation
- 28.
-
2003.‘Estate Gun Licence.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3290)Full Citation
- 29.
-
2003.‘Firearm User Licence.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3291)Full Citation
- 30.
-
2003.‘Application for and Grant of Licence.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3283)Full Citation
- 31.
-
2003.‘Revocation.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3289)Full Citation
- 32.
-
2003.‘Antique Firearm Collector Licence.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3292)Full Citation
- 33.
-
2003.‘Sporting Firearm Licence.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3294)Full Citation
- 34.
-
2003.‘Prohibition Against Acquisition etc. by Persons Under 18 years.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3299)Full Citation
- 35.
-
2003.‘Prohibitions in Relation to Licences.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3302)Full Citation
- 36.
-
2003.‘Duration of Licence.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3301)Full Citation
- 37.
-
2003.‘Restriction on Sale of Firearm or Ammunition.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3298)Full Citation
- 38.
-
2003.‘Prohibition Against Carrying a Firearm or Ammunition in Public Place.’ Saint Lucia Firearms Act No.9 of 2003.Castries:House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia,20 January. (Q3297)Full Citation
- 39.
-
GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Penalty for Unlawful Firearm Possession.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 22 January. (G93) Full Citation - 40.
-
1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials / CIFTA.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York, NY:Organization of American States / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 November. (Q3244)Full Citation
- 41.
-
1997.‘Inter-American Convention against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Explosives, Ammunition and Other Related Materials (CIFTA): Signatures and Ratifications.’ Organization of American States, Department of International Law.Washington, DC:Organization of American States,14 November. (Q3262)Full Citation
- 42.
-
2006.‘Geneva Declaration.’ Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development.Geneva:Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence and Development Secretariat,7 June. (Q7162)Full Citation
- 43.
-
2013.‘Towards Entry Into Force.’ Arms Trade Treaty.New York, NY:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,2 April. (Q7226)Full Citation
- 44.
-
2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York, NY:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation
- 45.
-
2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York, NY:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation
- 46.
-
2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation
- 47.
-
2011.‘National Reports on Small Arms Exports.’ United Nations Register of Conventional Arms - Transparency in the Global Reported Arms Trade.New York, NY:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,21 October. (Q14)Full Citation
- 48.
-
2013.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York, NY:United Nations General Assembly,7 April. (Q290)Full Citation
- 49.
-
1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation
- 50.
-
2017.‘Relevant Targets & Indicators.’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.New York NY:United Nations Statistics Division,6 July. (Q14093)Full Citation
- 51.
-
2020.‘Arms Seized, Found, and Surrendered, by Type.’ Illicit Arms Flows Data.Vienna:United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,7 January. (Q14056)Full Citation