St Kitts and Nevis: PM Terrance Drew addresses nation on upsurge of gun violence in Federation

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: The Prime Minister and the Minister of National Security of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew has recently addressed his fellow nationals regarding the rise and upsurge of crime and violence in the country, especially ‘Gun violence” during his National Address conference held on yesterday (Tuesday) 6th June 2023 at 3:30 pm.

According to the updates, Prime Minister Terrance Drew reached out to the residents and citizens of St Kitts and Nevis via official social media and government radio channels, such as ZIZ, Freedom FM, VON Radio and Winn FM.

He addressed his fellow Kittians and Nevisians while expressing his concerns and distress regarding the nation’s continuously increasing crime and violence rate.

In addition, while delivering his opening remarks, PM Drew noted, “Hello citizens and residents, our Federation has been shaken by the upsurge of gun violence and the majority of which is linked to gang crimes.” He mentioned that gun violence crimes had been highly concentrated in the community of Central Bastia, which is a matter of national distress and concern.

Prime Minister of the Twin Island Federation, who also serves as the Minister of National Security – Terrance Drew, has called this matter a national issue which must be addressed and resolved shortly before further damage.

In this context, he noted, “As Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, I express my deepest condolences and sincere regrets to the families of those who have succumbed to violent crimes.”

Furthermore, while extending his remarks at the conference, he also outlined that the communities of St Kitts and Nevis are also concerned about the issue. He stated, “Each life is precious; every endeavour should be made to preserve innocent lives and maintain the safety and security of our people.” He added that the nation must come forward and put efforts together to reduce crime.

In his message to the resident of the Caribbean nation, Prime Minister Terrance Drew said, “I, therefore, appeal to the General public to cooperate with the security and armed forces.” Then, he stated that the security force is set to implement a number of measures to control and reduce gun violence and crimes in the nation, which are given below:

– Increase security presence in the communities of St Kitts and Nevis through various methods.
– Further engagement of national and international security experts to work along with the federal forces.
– Strengthening the intelligence and capabilities of the security forces.
– Expansion of the CCTV infrastructure island-wide.
– Enhancement of evidence-gathering capabilities to ensure that the criminals and perpetrators are brought to justice.

Additionally, he mentioned that the high command of the police force had scheduled a press conference to be held tomorrow to provide more information and details on these initiatives to the nation’s general public. “The cabinet has also agreed to table legislation in the national assembly to increase the penalty for illegal firearms offences from 15 to 25 years in prison,” added the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister of the Caribbean nation has ensured the people that the security forces and Government of the country will leave no stone unturned in working collaborating in the obligation to preserve law and order in the federation. “Our streets must remain safe so that the citizens of our country can live in peace and tranquillity,” Prime Minister said.

During the end, PM Drew addressed the perpetrators and stated, “Your Government believes in providing a second chance to our citizens and residents who have fallen a fall of the law. However, it cannot be a second chance to repeat the criminal activity.”