BASSETERRE ST KITTS 26 AUGUST, 2024: In January of this year (2024), the Peoples Action Movement (PAM) invited the government of St. Kitts and Nevis to discuss the issue of Crime, focusing primarily on the ELEVATE Program as an avenue for reform and rehabilitation. Regrettably, the PAM's efforts to convene such a meeting were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the organization persisted in urging the government to organize stakeholder dialogues to involve citizens in addressing this pressing issue that threatens our society.
Troubled by the continued escalation in the homicide rate and in particular the killing of a child and a female, the People's Action Movement (PAM) on Monday, August 19th, conducted a demonstration in Basseterre. Whilst the main objective of the demonstration was to denounce and bemoan the alarming escalation in homicides, the party’s leadership was troubled by the silence of the Labour administration and reiterated its appeal to the ruling Labour Party to accept its offer of collaboration and support in addressing this national challenge.
Continuing to be proactive, the party on Wednesday, August 21st, met with relevant stakeholders to garner their insights and collaborate on potential strategies to alleviate the rising crime rates. The PAM expressed profound appreciation to all stakeholders who participated in this forum, describing their participation as crucial and valuable.
The stark reality is that violent crime in the Federation has a pervasive impact on every citizen. St. Kitts and Nevis has documented a total of 26 homicides this year, averaging approximately 3 per month. These victims are from diverse demographics - women, children, men, entrepreneurs, artistes, and community activists.
Having been out-front on the call for a unified approach to crime solutions, the PAM was pleased to accept an invitation to and were represented at the government’s citizen-engagement forum on Friday, August 23, 2024. Political Leader, Mrs Natasha Grey-Brookes supported by the party’s two Deputy Political Leaders – Mr Azard Gumbs and Mr Lincoln David-Pelle made strong presentations at that forum.
“We firmly believe that through collective efforts as a nation, innovative, practical solutions can be devised to address the alarming crime issue. However, we have noted a serious omission from the conversation, that is a voice/entity representing persons who are/were involved in gang-related activities and who are now demonstrating a strong desire to make amends and to reform their ways,” observed Political Leader Grey-Brookes. She emphasized the importance of recognizing this key stakeholder group as essential to any discussion about solutions to crime. “Consequently, we urge the government to swiftly identify and utilize methods for the inclusion and engagement of this vital stakeholder group,” she appealed
The PAM remains steadfast in vigilantly monitoring the crime situation within our society. We are committed to presenting our perspectives on innovative solutions that can be implemented to combat this scourge. PAM will persist in advocating as necessary to ensure that the issue of crime remains a government priority, receiving the necessary resources for effective management and reduction of crime. Our dedication to this cause is unwavering, and we will continue to work tirelessly until we see a significant crime reduction.
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