Unified Regional Crime Strategy: A Call to Action

Introduction

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, in his capacity as Chairman of the Regional Security System (RSS) Council of Ministers, delivered a compelling and deeply resonant address at the 2025 RSS Council of Ministers Annual Meeting held on April 4, in St. Kitts and Nevis. His remarks underscored the urgent need for integrated national and regional strategies to confront modern security challenges, emphasizing that “all the dots must connect” and “our safety is intertwined.”

The Success of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Public Health Approach

Speaking to a gathering of regional ministers, security chiefs, and international partners, Prime Minister Drew pointed to the success of St. Kitts and Nevis’ public health approach to crime prevention—a strategy that has already yielded encouraging results, including a significant reduction in homicides. “It is almost six months now, and we have not had one,” he noted, describing it as “the best results we have seen in decades.”

A Coordinated and Holistic Approach

The Prime Minister credited this success to a coordinated and holistic approach involving all arms of society. “If I were to leave one message here this morning,” he said, “it is that all the dots must connect if we are to get a handle on the security situation in the region. It means at home, they must connect, and they must connect to our regional partners and our international partners for us to be successful.”

Framing Crime as a Public Health Crisis

Framing crime not merely as a legal matter but as a public health crisis, Prime Minister Drew emphasized the need for prevention, education, rehabilitation, and what he termed “community immunity.” He highlighted the Federation’s home-grown 90-Day Citizen Security Campaign as a leading example of this approach. “This was not just another initiative—it was an all-hands-on-deck effort. This model works—not because it is uniquely ours, but because it is rooted in science… because it builds not just fences, but bridges.”

A Call to Regional and International Action

Dr. Drew’s message extended beyond national borders to the wider Caribbean and its international allies. “I will stress again—our shared security is all of our concerns,” he declared. “As we confront evolving threats from cybercrime to youth disenfranchisement, from transnational trafficking to climate-induced insecurity, let us be guided by one unshakable truth: our safety is intertwined. The calm of Castries touches the peace of Kingston. The stability of Bridgetown strengthens the resilience of Basseterre. And the security of Basseterre advances the security of the US Virgin Islands and others.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prime Minister Drew’s address emphasized the need for a unified regional crime strategy, one that is rooted in a public health approach and involves the coordination of all arms of society, regional partners, and international allies. The success of St. Kitts and Nevis’ public health approach to crime prevention serves as a model for the region, and it is imperative that other leaders take heed and act decisively to address the evolving security challenges facing the Caribbean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the main focus of Prime Minister Drew’s address?
A: The main focus of Prime Minister Drew’s address is the need for a unified regional crime strategy to address the evolving security challenges facing the Caribbean.
Q: What approach has St. Kitts and Nevis taken to address crime prevention?
A: St. Kitts and Nevis has taken a public health approach to crime prevention, which has yielded encouraging results, including a significant reduction in homicides.
Q: What is the significance of the 90-Day Citizen Security Campaign?
A: The 90-Day Citizen Security Campaign is a home-grown initiative that serves as a leading example of a public health approach to crime prevention, emphasizing prevention, education, rehabilitation, and community immunity.