St. Kitts and Nevis’ Preventative Crime Strategy Gains Regional Attention as CARICOM–UN Partnership Advances
Basseterre, St Kitts, May 21, 2026 (PMO): Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, highlighted the growing regional recognition of St. Kitts and Nevis’ preventative approach to crime reduction, as he addressed the official launch of the CARICOM–UNDP Diagnostic Document and CARICOM–UN Action Framework, May 21, emphasizing that sustainable solutions to crime and violence require broader societal intervention beyond traditional law enforcement measures.
Addressing regional representatives, United Nations officials, security stakeholders and national partners, Prime Minister Drew reflected on the Federation’s journey in rethinking and reshaping its response to crime and violence. He noted that while law enforcement and judicial interventions remain critical pillars of national security, lasting solutions demand a more comprehensive strategy that addresses the underlying social, psychological and environmental conditions that often precede criminal activity.
Speaking from his own experiences as a medical doctor and Minister of National Security, Prime Minister Drew explained that his approach has been heavily influenced by understanding crime through a public health lens, an approach that has increasingly informed national policy in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I’m simply saying that that alone is not the answer, and invariably, when law enforcement and the judicial system really get involved is at the end of a long process of bringing somebody to that point,” Prime Minister Drew stated. “The prevention aspect is the aspect that is not being explored sufficiently in the Caribbean.”
The Prime Minister explained that implementing this strategy required bringing together multiple stakeholders, including health professionals, educators, social development agencies, community and political organizations, the private sector and security agencies under a collaborative national framework.
This integrated approach mirrors ongoing work within St. Kitts and Nevis through initiatives such as the Citizen Security Secretariat (CSS), which continues to strengthen partnerships and develop data-driven interventions focused on reducing violence and building stronger communities. Government-led campaigns and programs have increasingly emphasized prevention, early intervention and community engagement as part of a broader citizen security strategy.
Prime Minister Drew noted that the Federation’s efforts have yielded measurable results. “We started to put the methods to work, and so we saw a significant drop in crime and violence, not just major crime, but we saw a drop across the board. Major crime had fallen by between 75 to 80%,” he said.
The Prime Minister further stated that the visible outcomes of the strategy have begun attracting interest from across the region, with other Caribbean countries seeking to understand elements of the Federation’s model and its implementation.
He welcomed the growing collaboration between CARICOM and the United Nations, describing the launch of the Diagnostic Document and Action Framework as a significant step in institutionalizing preventative and evidence-based approaches across the region.
“And so now to see that CARICOM is now becoming, I would say, attuned to this approach, and to see United Nations is now partnering in a very significant and serious way,” he stated.
Prime Minister Drew said the initiative provides renewed optimism for the Caribbean’s future security landscape and expressed confidence that a coordinated regional approach can fundamentally change outcomes for future generations.
“I can safely say that I feel much better that the next decade, when it comes to crime and violence in the Caribbean, will be much better than the previous decade,” he said.
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