PM Drew’s Public Health-Crime Prevention Model Is Working; St. Kitts and Nevis Among Safest Islands in the Caribbean
Source: Erasmus Williams FB BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS — With the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis now ranked among the safest islands in the Caribbean, much of this success has been attributed to Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr Terrance M. Drew’s Public Health-Crime Prevention Model. “With safe communities and a relaxed […]
Black News 
Source: Erasmus Williams FB
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS — With the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis now ranked among the safest islands in the Caribbean, much of this success has been attributed to Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr Terrance M. Drew’s Public Health-Crime Prevention Model.
“With safe communities and a relaxed island lifestyle, St. Kitts and Nevis was ranked #6.”
Dr Drew has consistently stated that St. Kitts and Nevis’ multifaceted crime-reduction strategy emphasises a holistic, data-driven approach that treats violence as a public health crisis.
“This is not guesswork; this is science. We applied public health principles to crime and violence. We address prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation with the same rigour, while strengthening our justice system to send a clear message of accountability.”
Recently, Dr. Drew hosted a nine-member delegation from Anguilla in Basseterre to discuss his approach to tackling crime, which has been receiving regional and international recognition.
He emphasized that collaboration among ministries, communities, law enforcement agencies, and mental health professionals has been critical to the Federation’s success. Since implementing these measures in August 2024, St. Kitts and Nevis has recorded a 75 percent reduction in violent crime and the lowest homicide rate in more than 25 years.
In August 2024, Prime Minister Drew convened a crucial meeting with community leaders, social clubs, and non-governmental organizations to launch a multi-pronged approach to addressing growing concerns about violence and crime in St. Kitts and Nevis, framing them as critical public health issues.
The meeting, which brought together a broad cross-section of society, set the stage for a national consultation and a 90-day campaign focused on citizen security.
Dr. Drew stressed that the effort would require the involvement and cooperation of all stakeholders, including representatives from churches and religious institutions, political parties, sports associations, social clubs, private sector businesses, government technocrats, and other community-based organizations.
“Citizen security is paramount to our nation’s well-being,” he added. “Together, we can and must create a safer and more secure St. Kitts and Nevis for every resident.”
One initiative of the Citizen Security Task Force, established by the Prime Minister, was designated “A Day of Interruption” — a nationwide student intervention campaign against crime and violence.
Throughout primary and high schools across St. Kitts and Nevis, assemblies featured presentations from key individuals representing various sectors, including political figures, community leaders, influencers, and other distinguished persons.
