With the number of homicides now at a concerning 19, National Security minister, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has announced sweeping new measures that he, and national security agencies, hope will hobble criminals and reduce the number of homicides and gun related crimes.
On Wednesday in an address to the nation, would move firmly to address the “willful violence that has resulted in the unacceptable number of homicides” in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“The National Security Council, which I lead, has not become numb. As a result of the carefully crafted policies of this Council, we are seeing a rate of 50 percent detection on homicides for the year, an increase over last year.
“This is admirable, but, for me, not good enough. Not only should we detect, charge and prosecute the destructive criminals, but we have to prevent their nefarious actions,” said Prime Minister Drew.
He continued: “This is why the focus in our National Security Council meeting earlier today was suppression. Suppression is preventing the inception of crime, or preventing expansion of criminal activity. Let it be known, the National Security Council has agreed to a drastic change in suppression activities.
“I am warning everyone, from today onward there will be constant vehicular checks and searches. There will be constant searches of the homes of gang members, their partners and affiliates. Illegal tints on cars will be removed. We will be relentless in our suppression of criminal activities. 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 our streets.”
His address followed the news of the murder of Sandra Roberts, 54, of New Road. The businesswoman was gunned down by masked assailants near her home at just before 8pm on 23rd July.
Four people have been detained by police in connection with this latest homicide.
Dr. Drew, meanwhile, appealed to the public for their “patience, understanding and cooperation” as national security forces work to end the run of “gangsterism and violent crime”.
These increased patrols and searches will be carried out by the police and army, however, it was disclosed that these agencies will be receiving the full support of the Joint Security Operation Tactical Team (JSOTT).
The country’s national security agencies are well funded and equipped to execute the mandate given to them to bring the rate of crime down and disband organised criminal groups. Upon coming to office, the National Security ministry was allocated $65.6 million. This budget was increased to $74.6 million in 2023 and $79.3 million in 2024.
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