St. Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew addressed the Members of the Parliament during the National Assembly. While addressing the MPs he denounced the recent acts of crime and violence in the Federation.

During the ongoing session, the ministers noted that the government, over the last two years, created an environment that supports the positive development of the nation’s youth in various areas including the fields such as sports, education, farming and entrepreneurship.

Reportedly, the sitting of the National Assembly where Members of the Parliament (MPs) on the government benches gave critical updates within their respective ministries.

On Friday, August 02, 2024, sitting of the National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis, Prime Minister – Dr. Terrance Drew, reiterated the commitment of the government to address crime and violence in the society through the implementation of a comprehensive strategy that calls for, among other things, an all-of-society approach.

PM Drew said that the engagements have commenced with the major stakeholders in St. Kitts and Nevis, including the faith-based organisations and the business community, to sensitise them on the role, where they must play as part of the multi-sectoral response to address the criminal activities.

The Prime Minister further said that they are going to bring the society together, along with the government, opposition and those who are secular, who are religious, in sports and whatever other fields one is found in, they want all to be a part of this society approach. He also highlighted that the plans are advancing for the staging of a National Consultation on Crime and Violence.

There’s also another important aspect of the government’s immediate response, which is the introduction of a new department that will deal primarily with the citizen security.

He also explained the reason why are they dealing with it in this way which is because they believe that the solutions have to stretch over generations and the solutions have to be comprehensive and respond to the realities.

Drew mentioned that within the people there are always solutions. So they just have to bring the people together and allow the solutions to rise. Understanding the link between the violence and mental health issues, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is also expanding its mental health programme in the country.

As per the sources, an agreement was also 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.

It is an important project that 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.

PM Drew expressed that they all know 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, signalling the importance of his administration’s approach to address the crime and violence as a public health issue.

He took the opportunity of Friday’s national Assembly to extend the heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones impacted by the recent acts of gun-violence in the Federation.