The Government and people of St. Lucia have joined in condemning the brutal murder of Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow 'Sash' Sawh by an armed gang.

According to a statement, Sawh is recalled by fellow Agriculture Ministers across the region as one who made significant contributions at the Caricom level to the search for solutions to the region's agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors.

St. Lucia's Agriculture Minister Ignatius Jean remembers Sawh as one who clearly articulated the needs of the farming, fishing and livestock communities of Guyana and the Caribbean in the face of problems brought about by the new terms of world trade and globalisation.

"These and other high-profile killings in Guyana as in other Caricom states add to the growing concerns that Caricom Governments and citizens collectively share about the state of crime in our region," the statement said.

The St. Lucian Government and people offered condolences and pledged to continue to work with other Caricom governments and people to even more effectively coordinate efforts in the fight against crime across borders and between jurisdictions.