Opening Statement by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Terrance M Drew, at the Key Stakeholders Engagement on Citizen Security

“O land of beauty, our country where peace abounds.” These words, penned by the Late Kenrick Georges, echo the hopes and dreams of every Kittitian and Nevisian. They speak to the tranquility, harmony, and security that we, as a people, have cherished for generations. Yet today, these words ring hollow for many of us as we grapple with an insidious threat—gun violence—that threatens the essence of our beloved Federation.

Let us reflect for a moment on what peace truly means. Peace is more than the absence of war or conflict. It is a state of mind, a sense of security, and the freedom to live without fear. It is knowing that when you leave your home in the morning, you will return safely at night. But today, that peace is under siege. Our streets, once bustling with life and joy, are now too often the scenes of bloodshed and despair. The sound of gunfire seemingly seeks to replace the laughter of our children, as the fear of violence looms over our communities like a dark cloud.

This is not the Saint Kitts and Nevis we know and love. This is not the future we envisioned for our children. And this is not the legacy we will leave behind. As your Prime Minister, as a father, as a medical doctor, and as a citizen of this great nation, I am here to tell you that this situation cannot and will not continue. The violence must end, and it will end!

Over the past decade, we have seen a troubling rise in gun-related crimes, not just here in Saint Kitts and Nevis, but across the Caribbean. This epidemic of violence has claimed the lives of too many of our young men and women—lives full of potential, cut short by senseless acts of brutality. We have mourned the loss of sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends, and neighbours. Each life lost is a tragedy, a blow to our nation’s soul. EACH LIFE IS PRECIOUS.

As a father, I understand the fear that grips parents when their children step out of the house. My son, like many of your children, is growing up in a world where the threat of violence is a constant shadow. I share your anxieties, your sleepless nights, your prayers for safety. And I grieve with you for every family that has lost a loved one to this scourge of violence.

But grief alone is not enough. Anger alone is not enough. We must channel our emotions into action—decisive, coordinated, and sustained action. We must ask ourselves: What is responsible for these senseless and evil acts of violence? What are the solutions to this epidemic of crime? Who is responsible for solving this crisis? And most importantly, what can each of us do to make our communities safer?

Today, we gather as key stakeholders in this fight against crime. You represent the diverse sectors of our society—civil society organisations, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, advocacy groups, community-based organisations,religious organizations, political organizations and more. Your presence here is a testament to your commitment to building a safer Saint Kitts and Nevis. I thank you for that commitment, and I urge you to approach this dialogue with open minds and a shared sense of purpose. This is not a political issue , it is a national issue. It’s the only way to tackle it effectively.

Let me be clear: The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is fully committed to the fight against crime. We have made significant investments in our National Security apparatus, allocating the largest budget for security in our nation’s history. We are providing our police force with the resources, training, and technology they need to combat crime effectively. But let me also be clear: while the government can and will provide support, the responsibility for fighting crime lies primarily with our security  forces . They are the front line in this battle, and they must, and they will, step up their efforts to protect and serve the people of this nation. But they need our support.

Our police officers are not just enforcers of the law; they are protectors of our communities. They are the ones who walk the streets, who know the neighbourhoods, who interact with the people. They are the ones who must lead the charge against crime, with the full backing of the government and the community. And I say to our police officers today: we stand with you. We will support you in every way possible, but we expect you to rise to the challenge. The safety and security of our nation depend on your courage, your diligence, your integrity, and your commitment to justice.

To our security forces, I urge you to continue building relationships with the communities you serve. Community policing is not just a strategy; it is a philosophy that recognizes the importance of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect between the police and the public. When the community trusts the police, they are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement, to report crimes, and to provide valuable information that can prevent violence before it occurs.

In the coming days and weeks, you will see a significant increase in police presence in our communities. We have exponentially increased mobile and foot patrols in crime hotspots, and we have recently acquired  new vehicles to assist our security forces in their crime prevention activities. These measures are part of a broader 90-day campaign that will focus on immediate and short-term actions to combat violent crime, particularly gun-related crime. This campaign will also include medium and long-term strategies to ensure that the gains we make in the coming months are sustained for years to come.

But let us not forget that crime is not just a policing issue; it is a societal issue. It is rooted in a complex web of social, economic, and cultural factors that must be addressed if we are to achieve lasting peace. That is why your government is committed to a holistic approach to crime prevention—one that includes not only law enforcement but also education, community engagement, and social services.

Last year, CARICOM held a regional symposium where Heads of Government, including myself, recognized crime as a public health issue and our very own Dr Izben Williams was the keynote speaker as he has been studying the issue in our societies for many years . We resolved to adopt a public health approach to violence prevention, one that is evidenced based and scientific in the approach of dealing crime and violence and promoting the well-being of all citizens. This approach involves identifying the risk factors that lead to crime and violence —and implementing interventions that can mitigate these risks. The reason why a public heath approach is being taken is because violence is a disease and must be treated as such. 

In Saint Kitts and Nevis, we are already taking steps to implement this public health approach. We are expanding our educational and vocational training programmes to provide young people with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. We are investing in mental health services to support those who are struggling with trauma, addiction, or other issues that can lead to violence. And we are working to strengthen family and community ties, recognizing that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of a safe and peaceful society. To this end we will establish a new department of Government that will be called the department of citizen security that will coordinate and ensure the wholistic implementation of the this new approach.

Our 90-day campaign will include a series of National Consultations on Violence and Crime as a Public Health Issue. These consultations will bring together stakeholders from all sectors of society to discuss the root causes of crime and to develop collaborative solutions. A number of initiates and activities will be a key part of the 90 day campaign. 

But these initiatives will only succeed if we have the support and participation of the entire community. That is why I am calling on every citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis to take an active role in this fight against violence and crime. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a business owner, or a community leader, you have a role to play in making our nation safer.

To the parents of this nation: talk to your children about the dangers of violence and the importance of making positive choices. Be aware of what they are doing and who they are associating with. Provide them with the love, guidance, and support they need to stay on the right path.

To the teachers and educators: continue to inspire and educate our young people. Teach them not only academic skills but also the values of respect, empathy, and responsibility. Help them to see the value of their lives and the potential they have to contribute to society.

To the business community: you have the power to make a difference by investing in our youth. Provide job opportunities, mentorship, and training programmes that can help young people build successful careers and stay out of trouble. Support community initiatives that promote safety and security, and be a partner in our efforts to create a safer Saint Kitts and Nevis.

To our faith-based organisations: you are the moral compass of our society. Continue to preach the values of peace, love, and forgiveness. Provide support to those who are struggling and help to heal the wounds of those who have been affected by violence.

And to the members of our security forces: again, you have our full support, but with that support comes great responsibility. We expect you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect for human rights. We expect you to be vigilant, proactive, and relentless in your pursuit of justice. And we expect you to work hand-in-hand with the communities you serve to build trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Let me be clear: WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. The fight against crime is not just the responsibility of the government or the police—it is the responsibility of every citizen of this nation. We must all do our part to create a safer, more peaceful Saint Kitts and Nevis.

But despite the challenges we face, I am optimistic about our future. I believe in the resilience, strength, and spirit of the people of this nation. I believe that together, we can overcome this scourge of violence and build a brighter, safer future for our children. We overcame slavery , colonization and of course we can and will overcome this.

Let us not forget that the majority of our people are law-abiding citizens who want nothing more than to live in peace and harmony. Let us not allow the actions of a few to define who we are as a nation. Instead, let us come together as one people, united in our determination to build a better future.

The government is also exploring innovative crime prevention initiatives to address the root causes of violence and create a safer environment for all citizens. We are enhancing our collaboration with international partners, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, to strengthen our border security and crack down on the illegal importation of firearms. We are also working closely with CARICOM member states to share intelligence and resources in the fight against transnational crime.

Technology plays a crucial role in modern crime prevention. We are strengthening our Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) network through partnerships with the Government of China (Taiwan) and The Cable to achieve island-wide surveillance. This expanded network will provide our law enforcement agencies with real-time data, enabling them to monitor and respond to incidents more effectively.

We believe in equipping our police officers with the best possible training to ensure they are prepared to handle the complexities of modern law enforcement. Officers have been exposed to advanced training opportunities in Serial Number Restoration, Crime Scene Investigation and Management, Police Leadership, and more. We have sent officers to the Regional Security System (RSS), as well as to Taiwan, Latin America, the USA, and the EU for specialized training.

To further bolster our security forces, the government has acquired new drones. These drones will enhance our surveillance capabilities around the clock, allowing us to monitor large areas more efficiently and to detect and respond to criminal activities in real-time. We have also reintroduced our K-9 unit as part of tools to fight crime.

In partnership with the United States Regional Maritime Awareness Capability (RMAC) team, we are in the process of establishing a Coastal Radar System. This system will provide critical surveillance of our coastal areas, helping to prevent illegal activities such as drug trafficking and unauthorized maritime entry. The technical survey results have already been completed, and we look forward to implementing this advanced security measure in the short term.

We recognize the importance of engaging our youth in positive activities. The Security Forces United Football Club recently held its second annual Summer Football Camp, targeting young adults. This two-week camp, conducted by international football coaches and supported by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Taiwanese Government, and the local private sector, provided our youth with valuable skills (including conflict prevention and resolution), discipline, and mentorship.

To strengthen our law enforcement capacity, the recruitment process for new police officers has begun. We are actively seeking individuals who are committed to upholding the law and serving their communities with integrity and dedication.

The Saint Kitts and Nevis Defence Force continues to lend vital support to the police in our fight against crime. Joint patrols and operations will continue and have been increased. Our soldiers are engaged in ongoing training courses to build their capacity, ensuring they are ready to assist in maintaining law and order. Additionally, the recruitment process for new recruits is underway. This afternoon, we will witness the graduation ceremony for over 40 Sea Cadets who have successfully completed the 2024 Summer Sea Cadet Programme, marking a significant milestone in their development.

In addition to strengthening our security forces, we are addressing the root causes of crime by tackling issues related to substance abuse. The Cabinet has approved a new National Drug Policy, developed by the National Council on Drug Abuse and Prevention. This policy, reviewed by the Institutional Strengthening Unit of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission within the Organization of American States (OAS), will serve as a national education, guidance, and management tool for the treatment and care of persons suffering from addiction and substance abuse. This comprehensive approach will help to reduce the impact of drug-related crime and support the rehabilitation of those affected by substance abuse.

As part of our commitment to supporting those affected by substance abuse, we are pleased to announce the construction of a new Outreach Centre. This vital facility has already passed the procurement stage, and construction is set to begin in January 2025. The Outreach Centre will serve as the headquarters for the National Drug Council and will also function as a treatment centre for persons afflicted with drug addiction and abuse. This centre will be a beacon of hope for many, offering a safe space for rehabilitation and recovery, and further solidifying our efforts to address drug-related issues in our communities.

But as I have said before, the success of these initiatives depends on the active participation of the entire community. We must all work together to create a culture of peace, respect, and responsibility. We must all take ownership of the safety and security of our communities.

To the young men and women of Saint Kitts and Nevis: you are the future of this nation. Your potential is limitless, and your contributions are invaluable. Do not let violence, crime, or negativity define your path. Instead, seize the opportunities before you and pursue your dreams.

To the families who have lost loved ones to violence: I know that no words can ease your pain, but I want you to know that we are committed to ensuring that no more families have to endure the same heartache. We are determined to bring those responsible to justice and to prevent further tragedies.

And to the perpetrators of violence: know that your actions have consequences. We will not allow you to terrorize our communities or destroy the lives of innocent people. We will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will ensure that justice is served. To this end we have increased penalty for firearm possession , we will pass legislation for judge only trial to bring criminals to justice and we will outlaw all gangs in St. Kitts and Nevis meaning that if you are a part of a gang you will go to jail.

Let us remember that Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small nation with a big heart. We are a nation of strong, resilient, and compassionate people. We have faced challenges before, and we have always risen above them. This challenge is no different.

Together, we will reclaim our streets, restore peace to our communities, and build a safer, stronger Saint Kitts and Nevis for future generations. Let us move forward with determination, with hope, and with the firm belief that we can and will overcome this scourge of violence. Let us fight to preserve every life AS EVERY LIFE IS PRECIOUS. 

Thank you, and may God bless Saint Kitts and Nevis. I look forward to our discussions today.