St. Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew will convene a meeting with the community leaders, social clubs and non-governmental groups on Friday, August 23, 2024.
The Meeting marks the beginning of a multi-prolonged approach to address the growing concerns related to violence and crime in St. Kitts and Nevis.
According to PM Drew it is as critical as health issues. He expressed that for many years, he has been an advocate for a whole society approach to deal with crime and violence as a national issue. He referred that this issue cannot be dealt effectively as a partisan political matter.
As a National Security Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew declares that he has invited several organisations, including all political parties on both St. Kitts and Nevis to a National Stakeholders meeting on Friday, 23rd August.
The meeting is a preliminary engagement and aims to set stage for the national consultation during the 90-day campaign. The meeting will be dedicated to focus on citizen security and the long-term implementation of dealing with violence and crime from the perspective of public health, which is also an initiative by CARICOM.
The occasion will be used to address the upsurge in gun violence. Prime Minister said that they and all the citizens must vehemently condemn the crime and violence, as it has no place in the society.
PM Drew emphasised that the effort will also require the involvement and cooperation of all stakeholders, considering the representatives from the church and religious institutions, political parties, sports associations, social clubs, private sector businesses, government technocrats and other community-based organisations.
The 90-day Campaign and National Consultation is conceptualised to include a series of initiatives and actions that are designed to address the root causes of violence and promote the long-term peace and security in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Prime Minister Drew said that the challenge of violence and crime in the Federation is not just a law enforcement issue, but a public health crisis that affects every facet of the society. He added that they must adopt a whole-of-society approach to combat these issues and that begins with ensuring that every voice is heard in the planning process.
It is not just a government initiative, it is a national effort and they all must be a part of the solution.
The meeting will serve as a platform for stakeholders to share their suggestions and insights, which will be instrumental in guiding the focus and success of the upcoming national consultation and campaign.
Prime Minister Drew is committed to engage as leaders of all registered for political parties and other key groups in the effort, which ensures that the response to violence and crime is inclusive and comprehensive.
Dr. Drew reiterated the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving the goal, as the government works to foster a safer environment for all citizens and residents.
He added that the Citizen Security is paramount to the nation’s well-being. PM said that together they can and must create a safer and more secure St. Kitts and Nevis for every resident.