BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, August 02, 2024 (SKNIS) – During the Friday, August 02, 2024, sitting of the National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis, Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing crime and violence in our society through the implementation of a comprehensive strategy that calls for, among other things, an all-of-society approach.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew said engagements have commenced with major stakeholders in St. Kitts and Nevis, including faith-based organisations and the business community, to sensitise them on the role they must play as part of the multi-sectoral response to addressing criminal activity.
“We are going to bring all of society together; government, opposition, those who are secular, those who are religious, those who are in sports and whatever other fields you are found in, we want you to be a part of this all-of-society approach,” Dr. Drew said, while highlighting that plans are advancing for the staging of a National Consultation on Crime and Violence.
Another important aspect of the government’s immediate response is the introduction of a new department that will deal primarily with citizen security.
“The reason why we are dealing with it this way is because we believe that the solutions have to stretch over generations; the solutions have to be comprehensive and respond to the realities, Madame Speaker, and we know that within the people there are always solutions. So we just have to bring the people together and allow the solutions to rise,” the prime minister said.
Understanding that there is a link between violence and mental health issues, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is also expanding its mental health programme in the country.
In this regard, an agreement was signed on July 30, 2024, with the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to launch the Mental Health Service System Enhancement Project in the Federation. This important project looks to strengthen the offerings and accessibility of mental health services by reducing the gaps in the prevention, screening, early detection and treatment of mental health disorders.
“We know that mental health is linked to the issue of violence and is linked to the issue of drug abuse, and so all of these are being looked at,” Prime Minister Drew said, underscoring the importance of his administration’s approach to addressing crime and violence as a public health issue.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew took the opportunity of Friday’s National Assembly to extend heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones impacted by the recent acts of gun-violence in the Federation.
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