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Government officials and community leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to a multi-pronged strategy to address crime and violence in St. Kitts and Nevis, highlighting reintegration programmes, youth engagement initiatives, and a public health approach to prevention.
Senator Isalean Phillip, Minister of Social Development & Gender Affairs, Youth Empowerment, Ageing & Disabilities, and co-chair of the Citizen Security Task Force, emphasised the Ministry’s central role in reintegrating incarcerated individuals and strengthening communities through development initiatives.
Speaking on the evolving methods of law enforcement, Senator Phillip remarked, “Policing is taking a bit of a softer approach to re-engage with the community and rebuild trust, which is, I think, very important and contributes to the increased rate of solving some of the crimes that we’ve seen.”
She lauded community policing strategies, including partnerships between police liaison officers and the Ministry of Education, which are addressing a concerning rise in youth drug use—an issue exacerbated by the decriminalisation of cannabis. The Minister pointed to the National Intervention Team’s school programmes as a proactive step.
“Drug abuse was number four in terms of the top-rated root causes for crime and violence… I think schools have been reporting increased use amongst young people. But thanks to the National Intervention Team and programme through TAPS, the community policing officers are in the schools and are rolling out that programme,” she said.
Family Counsellor at the Citizen Security Secretariat, Alicia Collins, highlighted the Secretariat’s focus on early intervention and healing. “We see families reaching out to us, they’re asking for support in the homes… ‘I have suffered from a lot of trauma that I’ve never gotten the chance to heal from. How can I not pass on this trauma to my children?’” she shared, describing a shift in public openness toward counselling and mental health support.
Collins further outlined the Secretariat’s restorative justice efforts, community mediation, and reintegration support aimed at reducing repeat offences and building stronger family units.
Sergeant Charmaine Audain, who leads the National Intervention Team, provided insight into programmes connecting law enforcement and youth through cultural and sports activities, including police camps, clubs, and school visits.
“We’re also involved with bringing back the prison ambassador for youth… We have an ongoing Easter camp with over 150 children, learning drills, history, and discipline,” said Audain. “We have reinstated the Teens and Police Services programme to bridge gaps with our high school students since February. Most of the high schools, even private ones, are involved.”
Citizen Security Secretariat Coordinator Eartha Carey acknowledged the crucial support of stakeholders in advancing the national strategy against crime. She described the recently concluded 90-day campaign as “a catalyst for national dialogue and action” and announced new initiatives, including early childhood engagement programmes and Better Opportunity Fairs set for May to July. These fairs, in partnership with the police, will offer career readiness training, parenting support, and skills development for at-risk families.
“Looking ahead, we will return to our communities… gathering updated statistics and continuing to provide support where it’s most needed,” Carey said. “This is a long-term commitment… all hands on deck.”
Local public health researcher Hance Richards delivered a compelling presentation framing crime and violence as a public health epidemic—comparable to diseases like COVID-19, dengue, and yellow fever. He advocated for preventative strategies that target the “social, economic and psychological pathogens” behind criminal behaviour.
“We have lost 412 individuals to violence in the past two decades,” Richards noted. “That’s nearly a generation… primarily young men.”
He linked community violence to trauma, academic struggles, mental health challenges, and increased suicide attempts among youth, stressing the importance of early intervention and sustained support.
“Public health deals with everyone… crime and violence, be it domestic or otherwise,” Richards said. “We started the 90-day campaign and visited communities island-wide. Some participated, some didn’t—but we gathered feedback that joblessness, family issues, and peer pressure were major drivers.”
Calling for continued financial and community backing, Richards urged citizens and organisations to assist at-risk youth. “You don’t have to be a millionaire to support a child. Make sure they have their books, their clothes… You can make a big difference.”
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