BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — AS citizens and residents of the Federation continue to seek answers to the recent surge in criminal activities across the country, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has called for calm as new measures are implemented.
This appeal comes as his administration is in the process of rolling out new plans to tackle the growing problem, which continued over the weekend and culminated on Tuesday evening.
In recent weeks, St. Kitts and Nevis has seen a number of business establishments, particularly those owned by Asians, targeted by thieves. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in homicides, with three occurring within the last five days—the latest incident happening mere hours after Commissioner of Police James Sutton issued a statement.
“We therefore cannot tolerate the willful violence that has resulted in the unacceptable number of homicides over the last two decades in our Federation, and particularly the loss of life over the past few days and months,” noted the Prime Minister in a national address last evening (Jul. 24).
The Federation has recorded 19 homicides this year. Expressing condolences to the families affected, Dr. Drew assured that his administration would do everything possible to bring justice to these families. “We have lost our way as a society,” he added.
“In the past five days alone, we lost three of our citizens to gun violence. On behalf of the government, the people of this Federation, and my family, I express our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the victims as you grieve. Rest assured that this administration will do everything it can to bring justice for your families, Dr Drew said.
He issued a strong warning to those involved in criminal activities, noting that new measures will be implemented to address the problem.
“I am warning everyone from today onwards, there will be constant vehicular checks and searches. There will be constant searches of those homes of the persons involved in criminal activities,”,” Dr. Drew announced.
The removal of illegal tints is another area of focus for law enforcement agencies, along with patrolling known hotspots. The Prime Minister emphasized that these efforts are part of a relentless drive to “suppress criminal activities within the Federation.”
“These are the measures that are necessary to not only locate the persons involved in destructive criminal activities, but remove their firearms and weapons off the streets. I therefore appeal to the general public for your patience, understanding and cooperation as we do what is necessary to arrest the scourge of gangsterism and violent crime,” Dr Drew appealed.
Dr. Drew urged.
Those involved in criminal activities can no longer feel comfortable in their homes, gathering spots, or while moving around in the Federation, the prime minister stated.
