PRESS RELEASE
St. Kitts and Nevis Reports 19% Crime Reduction Following Successful 90-Day Campaign
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced the impressive results of its 90-Day Campaign Against Crime and Violence, an initiative aimed at addressing crime through a public health perspective. Launched on 6th September 2024 by the Citizen Security Secretariat, the campaign achieved a 19% reduction in reported crimes and an extraordinary 66% decrease in firearm-related homicides.
Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Terrance Drew, lauded the collective efforts of communities, law enforcement, and stakeholders in achieving these results.
“These outcomes showcase what we can achieve when the entire society unites against crime. The significant reduction in firearm-related homicides is a testament to the power of collaborative, evidence-driven strategies,” said Dr. Drew.
Statistical data provided by the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force highlighted a decline in reported crimes from 306 in the second quarter of 2024 to 247 in the third quarter. Furthermore, the seizure of 13 firearms this year has contributed significantly to public safety efforts.
The campaign’s achievements were underpinned by community consultations, partnerships with civil society, and targeted interventions such as the Elevate programme. This initiative focused on youth development, education, and skills training while addressing root causes of criminal behaviour.
Coordinator of the Citizen Security Secretariat, Eartha Carey highlighted the importance of involving citizens in the process:
“The insights gained from consultations reflect the lived realities of our people. Every statistic represents real lives and aspirations for a safer future.”
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is committed to maintaining the momentum generated by the campaign. Preventative measures, mental health support, and rehabilitation initiatives remain at the forefront of its long-term strategy.
Prime Minister Drew emphasised the importance of sustained efforts: “This campaign is just the beginning. To create a lasting impact, we must institutionalise these strategies and ensure they continue to deliver results for the safety and security of our citizens.”
The 90-Day Campaign’s innovative approach positions St. Kitts and Nevis as a leader in addressing crime through community-driven, holistic solutions. The Government plans to present its strategies and results at the upcoming Third CARICOM Symposium on Crime, sharing best practices with regional counterparts.
