St. Kitts and Nevis hosted a high-level regional meeting with United Nations officials and regional stakeholders to advance the development of a comprehensive diagnostic and action plan. The plan aims at addressing crime as a systemic challenge across the Caribbean.
The CARICOM-UNDP Diagnostic Document and CARICOM-UN Action Framework titled – “A Regional Approach to Addressing Crime, Violence, Resilience and Human Security in the Caribbean,” was officially launched on May 21, 2026 during a two-day engagement at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
Considering this, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew shared a video of him on his official social media handle and stated that over the last several years, they have worked to change the conversation and, more importantly, change the approach in St. Kitts and Nevis. They have strengthened law enforcement while also investing in:
- prevention
- community intervention
- mental health
- social support, and
- evidence-based solutions
PM Drew added that the results have shown that when they tackle issues at the root and not only at the surface, then transformation is possible. He was encouraged to see CARICOM and the United Nations placing greater emphasis on a comprehensive and preventive approach for the region.
He stated that this work is bigger than politics. It is about protecting the people, strengthening the communities and creating a safer future for the next generation of Kittitians, Nevisians and the wider Caribbean. And for the same, the work continues.
Also, this high-level regional forum brought together government leaders, regional institutions, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen collaboration and advance a shared vision for reducing crime and violence through prevention-focused, people-centred and public health approaches.
The initiative by St. Kitts and Nevis Government recognises that crime and violence are deeply interconnected with broader social and economic issues, including inequality, youth vulnerability, unemployment and community instability. Further, the framework seeks to promote long-term, sustainable solutions rooted in resilience-building, social protection and inclusive development.
Over the course of the two-day programme, participants engage in high-level dialogue, technical discussions, and regional consultations focused on strengthening prevention strategies, enhancing institutional partnerships, mobilising financing, and developing coordinated regional responses to improve citizen security and human development across the Caribbean.
As Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Drew reaffirmed his support for regional collaboration and preventative approaches that seek to reduce crime statistics and to strengthen communities and improve societal wellbeing across the region.