BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Dec 6, CMC -St. Kitts-Nevis has recorded a 19 per cent decline in crime following a 90 day campaign against crime and violence that had been launched on September 6 this year.
In addition, the twin island Federation recorded a 66 per cent decrease in firearm related homicides, according to the figures released at the national consultation on the findings of the campaign.
“These results are not coincidental. They reflect the power of unity and the determination of our people to tackle crime head-on. This campaign is a testament to what we can achieve when every segment of society is involved, working together for a safer and more secure Federation,” Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who is also National Security Minister told the consultation organised by the Citizen Security Secretariat.
According to the figures presented by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) crimes declined from 306 in the second quarter of 2024 to 247 in the third quarter, a 19 per cent reduction.
Additionally, firearm-related offenses have seen a meaningful drop, with 13 firearms seized so far this year. Notably, firearm-related homicides decreased dramatically, with the campaign period witnessing three such incidents compared to an average of three per month prior to the initiative.
“This is a 66 per cent reduction in firearm-related homicides, significantly outside the margin of error in statistical terms. This proves that society’s collective action can yield real results,” Prime Minster Drew said.
The campaign’s success was attributed to a combination of measures, including community consultations, youth-focused programs, enhanced collaboration with faith-based and non-profit organizations, and targeted interventions like the Elevate programme. The initiative also prioritized mental health support, educational outreach, and rehabilitation programs within the prison system to address the root causes of crime.
“We must move beyond short-term responses and establish sustained, evidence-based approaches to ensure long-term safety and security,” said Drew.
Task Force Coordinator Eartha Carey commended the active participation of communities, noting that consultations provided invaluable insights into the lived experiences of citizens. “The findings from this campaign are not just data; they are the voices of our people, illuminating the challenges and aspirations of our communities,” she added.
Prime Minister Drew, in his presentation, said there have been many previous attempts at addressing the national issue of crime and violence and that the reduction “was because you, the community, decided you would come together to deal with the matter, and so the community is responsible for the results.
“At the end of the day all of us want to live, work and flourish in a safer St. Kitts and Nevis, and so we have to make our approaches comprehensive, and universal, but they must be evidence-based as well so that we can resolve a lot of the issues with crime and violence,” Prime Minister Drew said.
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