PM Terrance Drew leads Task Force on Citizen Security meeting to ensure crime free St Kitts and Nevis

The Task Force on Citizen Security held a productive meeting on Friday, 20^th September, 2024 to exchange significant dialogues on the 90-day campaign aimed at curbing crime and violence from a public health perspective.

While sharing the details of the meeting, PM Terrance Drew stated that the task force is committed to involving all of members of the society with a vision to create programs and policies for the holistic shaping of the people of the nation.

“The Task Force on Citizen Security met today to further its work on dealing with violence from a public health perspective and to discuss the 90-day campaign,” noted Prime Minister Terrance Drew.

The Prime Minister stated that violence cannot be tackled solely through the lens of criminal justice. Instead, it must be addressed with comprehensive social programs and proactive policies as solutions for citizen security.

While giving a reminder to the youth of the nation, PM Terrance Drew stated that their lives are precious. He stated that this 90-day campaign will feature numerous activities for them as well in their efforts to prevent delinquent behaviour among young people.

The Prime Minister noted that youth face many challenges that make them particularly vulnerable to crime, violence and victimization. Therefore, it is necessary for every child to remember that, by virtue of their age and learning abilities, they are the key agents of change who can create a better future and have great ability to advocate on behalf of themselves and their communities.

“To the youth of our nation, a reminder that your lives are precious. Let us all work to preserve life,” noted PM Terrance Drew.

While emphasising the importance of this campaign and such meetings, PM Terrance Drew stated that crime and violence are not just law enforcement issues but also a public health concern that has been affecting the well-being of the entire community.

He stated that it is not just an individual but a collective fight where all the citizens are required to come together and address the increasing crime and violence in the country.

Recently, the Prime Minister Terrance Drew addressed the nation on the 41^st anniversary of its Independence and highlighted the troubling rise in gun related crimes over the past decades. He stated that the true independence comes with the understanding that freedom carries with it a profound responsibility.

Therefore, he noted that the fight against crime and violence is not just the responsibility of the government or the police but of every citizen of the nation to do their part to create a safer and more peaceful St Kitts and Nevis.