BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS, APRIL 02, 2025 (SKNIS) – Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, today, April 02, 2025, reiterated his long-standing commitment to addressing crime and violence from a public health perspective through unity and collaboration, emphasising that only by coming together as a nation can Saint Kitts and Nevis effectively overcome these challenges.
Prime Minister Drew’s comments come on the heels of a historic milestone for the Federation, as Saint Kitts and Nevis has not recorded a single homicide so far this year – a significant achievement in the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and violence.
He reaffirmed that the resolution to the nation’s crime issues lies not in corrupt programmes or divisive political tactics, but in a collective effort across all sectors of society. He criticised previous failed attempts, particularly the “corrupt” peace programme under the former administration, and stressed the importance of moving away from partisan politics in the fight against crime.
“Putting in a corrupt system would only lead Saint Kitts and Nevis down a rabbit hole of almost total destruction, where you put people in a position to take over the country, instead of helping people genuinely and through programmes that can really help people to get a real second chance and a third chance if required. And so, I want to attribute the success to the whole of Saint Kitts and Nevis,” said Prime Minister Drew.
The prime minister acknowledged the crucial role played by all political parties, as well as the Christian community, the sporting community, youth groups, and ministries across the Federation. He also praised the efforts of law enforcement and other security forces and the ELEVATE initiative, and thanked Dr. Izben Williams for leading the regional discussion on addressing crime and violence from a public health approach.
He expressed deep appreciation for the hard work of the Citizen Security Task Force, encouraging them to continue their efforts in creating a peaceful environment. Prime Minister Drew also urged all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in the common goal of maintaining peace.
“So all of us are at the table. Opposition, government, all of us are at the table to make sure that we can get the result on the principle of dealing with crime and violence from a public health perspective, which is an all-hands-on-deck type of approach,” Dr. Drew said. “If we continue to do that, we’ll develop a very peaceful place, a very peaceful country. And that is what we should want, irrespective of your political affiliation.”
The prime minister underscored that the progress made in the fight against crime is a testament to the power of collaboration. He noted that even in the short time since taking office in August 2022,, there have been positive changes – changes that would not have occurred under the previous peace programme – highlighting the importance of the new public health-based approach.
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