St. Kitts and Nevis to Convene Symposium on Violence
Premier Reveals Invitation from Prime Minister to Address Escalating Gun-Related Homicides
Premier Brantley announced during his monthly press conference on Thursday, August 22, that he has received an invitation from the Prime Minister to a symposium convened on Friday, August 23, and that this symposium marks the start of a 90-day period when the focus of the government will be on addressing violence in the country.
According to SKNIS, the federal government’s information service, the meeting will bring together a broad cross-section of society, including community leaders, social clubs, and non-governmental groups, aimed at setting the stage for a national consultation and a 90-day campaign focused on citizen security.
The invitation to participate in the meeting follows Premier Brantley’s televised address to the nation on Wednesday, August 21, in which he called for an all-of-society approach to tackle the issue of gun-related homicides and emphasized the need for government to solicit the input of opposition parties in finding a solution.
Premier’s Address to the Nation
“My address to you this evening comes not from a place of blame or political grandstanding. It comes from a place of deep pain and a burning desire to raise my voice in the rescue effort for my country. At this time and in this situation, our country demands that each and every patriot rise up to defend it from this scourge that has now gripped us. All must be invited to the table with their ideas and solutions. None must be left out. Government and Opposition, church and Chamber, schools and civil society…ALL must be invited to the table to come up with a comprehensive plan to address violence in our society once and for all.”
“Our Prime Minister and his Cabinet cannot and will not solve this problem alone. St. Kitts and Nevis now needs every able-bodied man and woman to man the ramparts and defeat this enemy that threatens to engulf us all…The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of National Security must extend his hand across the political aisle and seek consensus and active assistance from the Opposition.”
Premier’s Ideas for Consideration
The Honourable Brantley put forth several ideas for consideration by the Prime Minister, who has responsibility for National Security in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the St. Kitts and Nevis government is taking a collaborative approach to addressing the issue of violence in the country, with a symposium and 90-day campaign aimed at bringing together a broad cross-section of society to find solutions.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the symposium?
A: The symposium is aimed at setting the stage for a national consultation and a 90-day campaign focused on citizen security, and will bring together a broad cross-section of society to discuss the issue of violence.
Q: Who will participate in the symposium?
A: The symposium will feature community leaders, social clubs, and non-governmental groups, among others, and will be attended by the Premier, Prime Minister, and other government officials.
Q: Why is the government taking a collaborative approach to addressing violence?
A: The government recognizes that violence is a complex issue that cannot be solved by one group alone, and is seeking input and participation from all sectors of society to develop a comprehensive plan to address the problem.