RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IS KEY TO BUILDING SAFER COMMUNITIES SAYS ATTORNEY-GENERAL WILKIN
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, June 08, 2026 (SKNIS): Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, emphasised the importance of restorative justice, mediation, and early intervention in addressing conflict and strengthening community safety during the opening of the Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training at Koi Resort on Monday, June 08.
The four-day training, which runs from June 08–11, brought together police officers, social development officers, probation officers, child protection professionals, social workers, community development officers, youth practitioners, human security professionals, and other justice sector officials.
In his remarks, Attorney-General Wilkin noted that conflict and harm often affect multiple aspects of society and cannot be addressed by enforcement measures alone.
“Enforcement remains essential. Accountability remains essential. Public safety remains non-negotiable,” he stated. “But increasingly jurisdictions are recognising that if we are serious about reducing offending, preventing escalation, supporting victims, and building safer communities, then we must also become better at addressing conflict before it becomes entrenched.”
The attorney-general described mediation as a vital tool for helping individuals understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility where appropriate, and work toward constructive solutions.
“At its heart, mediation is about something deceptively simple. It is about conversation,” he said. “Not easy conversations, not comfortable conversations, but structured conversations that allow people to be heard, to understand the impact of their actions, to take responsibility where appropriate, and to move toward constructive solutions.”
Mr. Wilkin noted that the training aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen people-centred justice in Saint Kitts and Nevis through initiatives supported by the Justice Action Coalition and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These include the development of a national restorative justice framework, support for community-based restorative justice pathways, youth engagement programmes, community justice grants, and other initiatives aimed at promoting accountability, restoration, and community resilience.
He also highlighted the unique strengths of Saint Kitts and Nevis as a small island state, noting that strong community connections can create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, restoration, and collective problem-solving.
“Our size in this regard is our strength,” he said. “We should not underestimate the strength that already exists within our communities and the role they can play in supporting safer and more cohesive societies.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to modern and effective justice approaches, Attorney-General Wilkin stressed that restorative justice complements traditional enforcement by helping to reduce reoffending, support victims, and address the underlying causes of conflict and harmful behaviour.
“It’s not about being soft on crime. It’s about being smart on justice,” he stated.
The Restorative Justice and Criminal Mediation Training forms part of broader national efforts to strengthen community resilience, promote positive conflict resolution, and expand access to people-centered justice across Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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