CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS FAVOUR TEAM UNITY’S CRIME PREVENTION AND SOCIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES, NATIONAL POLL FINDS

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, August 09, 2019 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The crime prevention strategies that have resulted in an unprecedented period of calm and peace in St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as the social assistance programmes that are enriching the lives of ordinary citizens and residents, continue to resonate well with the people of the twin island Federation.

That’s according to the findings of a national poll conducted by respected and renowned Jamaican pollster, Mr. Don Anderson.

The poll, which saw some 820 persons from all 11 constituencies being interviewed, concluded that the majority of persons are satisfied with the Team Unity administration’s work in reducing crime and violence.

A press release issued by Mr. Anderson on Thursday, August 08, on the results of the poll which was conducted in St. Kitts and Nevis over the last two weeks stated that, “The country on the whole is very supportive of the strategies that have been put in place to deal with crime and violence.”

It added that 66 percent of all persons interviewed in St. Kitts and Nevis are fully aware of the specific crime fighting/crime reduction and social intervention programmes recently put in place by the Team Unity government.

“81% of these persons are firmly convinced that these new crime fighting initiatives will bear fruit. Over and above this, 62% feel that the efforts are already reaping success, a factor which is contributing to a greater sense of peace of mind within the country,” Mr. Anderson stated.

These crime initiatives include the successful roll out of the Explorers Youth Club initiative, Teens and Police Support (TAPS) programme in primary and high schools, as well as efforts facilitated by Crime Reduction Specialist Dr. Neals Chitan to better prepare grade six students for transition into secondary schools thereby reducing dropout rates in the early years of secondary schools and consequential vulnerability to gang life.

Moreover, the national survey found that Kittitians and Nevisians are also highly appreciative of the Government’s Poverty Alleviation Programme, which provides a $500 monthly disbursement to households earning less than $3,000 per month.

According to the findings of Mr. Anderson’s poll, “64% of all persons interviewed believe this is a good programme and will continue to support it.”

Nearly 4,000 beneficiaries have received support from the well-managed and executed Poverty Alleviation Programme since its inception in December 2018

The press release went on to say that both the crime initiative and the Poverty Alleviation Programme “have won the support of persons irrespective of party affiliation,” and added that, “The awareness and acceptance of these two programmes have been highest in some of the Labour-held constituencies.”