Prime Minister Stephenson King says the imposition of a curfew and obtaining external assistance from friendly governments are options his government will consider should the crime situation worsen in St Lucia.

"I am now even now contemplating that if our efforts and that of the police do not bring about a reduction, we shall see external assistance whether from the British, the Americans, the Canadians or the Israelis to assist us in dealing with this situation," King said in a radio broadcast.

"We will seek help both in terms of technical cooperation, financial support where necessary and even if it means manpower support, as the type of criminal activity that is taking place in St Lucia at this time calls for a high level of expertise," the Prime Minister added.

King said that the while government would not hesitate in imposing the curfew it would have to first consider the implications of imposing a curfew.

"We believe that the spate of criminal activity in our communities is a source of serious concern, and at the last OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) heads meeting I placed on the agenda the issue of crime, and it was because I recognise that not only St Lucia, but most of the Caribbean islands face as a result of economic instability, and the challenges presented by the global environment.

"So for us in St Lucia we consider this our number one priority," King said, noting that meetings have been held with the police hierarchy "to see how we can collaborate to give the necessary support to each other".