Trinidad and Tobago Adopts Public Health Approach to Crime Prevention, Championing a Regional Vision Led by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew
Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, December 30, 2024 (PMO) – In a recent Press Conference on the cusp of declaring a State of Emergency, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has moved to adopt a public health perspective in their efforts to prevent crime.
This significant policy direction mirrors and affirms the regional vision for crime prevention championed by the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE).
The press conference, which was hosted by Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of National Security, Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and Acting Attorney General Stuart Young outlined the measures under the state of emergency, emphasizing the need to equip law enforcement with the tools necessary to protect citizens. Additionally, they acknowledged the crucial role of public engagement and societal sacrifices in addressing the root causes of crime. Acting Attorney General Young stated, “Police Service and the defense forces now have the powers under the regulations to do what they need to do to protect us.” He further emphasized that treating crime as a public health issue requires collective effort and societal adjustments—an approach reflective of the methodologies championed by Prime Minister Drew.
Prime Minister Drew’s advocacy for a public health approach to crime prevention has been a cornerstone of his leadership. Under his guidance, St. Kitts and Nevis has implemented policies that prioritize addressing the social determinants of crime, including poverty, unemployment, mental health, and education. Prime Minister Drew has consistently urged Caribbean nations to recognize crime as a systemic issue requiring holistic and proactive solutions.
“Security is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement,” Prime Minister Drew said at a recent event addressing crime. “It is a collective challenge that requires a united front—from governments to communities. By treating crime as a public health issue, we focus not only on enforcement but also on prevention and intervention, ensuring sustainable safety for all.”
Additionally, this approach was prominently discussed during the recently concluded CONSLE summit, where Prime Minister Drew highlighted the importance of adopting evidence-based strategies. These include:
Community policing initiatives to foster trust between law enforcement and citizens.
Enhanced support for mental health and social welfare programs.
Investments in youth engagement and education to deter involvement in criminal activities.
Regional data-sharing mechanisms to track and address cross-border crime.
Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to adopt this framework signals a growing consensus among Caribbean nations about the efficacy of this model. As Chair of CONSLE, Prime Minister Drew has played a pivotal role in shaping this discourse, advocating for regional collaboration to address crime as a shared challenge impacting all nations in the Caribbean.
St. Kitts and Nevis has already begun to see the fruits of this approach, with declining crime rates and strengthened community resilience. Programs initiated under Prime Minister Drew’s leadership, such as the Violence Interruption Program and expanded access to education and job training, have become templates for success that other nations can adapt.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis applauds Trinidad and Tobago for aligning with this transformative vision and reiterates its commitment to supporting regional partners in implementing innovative crime prevention strategies. This milestone reinforces the importance of regional unity in addressing complex issues that transcend borders.
