In a significant step towards addressing crime and violence in St. Kitts and Nevis, the government launched a groundbreaking 90-day initiative in September 2024, targeting delinquency and crime through a public health approach. On 5th December, key stakeholders gathered at the Solid Waste Management Corporation Conference Room to review the campaign’s preliminary findings, setting the stage for long-term solutions to the Federation’s social challenges.
The initiative was designed to approach crime as a multifaceted public health issue, drawing from focus groups, interviews, surveys, and data collection across St. Kitts and Nevis. Diverse groups, including youth, women, religious organisations, and marginalised communities, came together to share insights into the root causes of crime, barriers to effective solutions, and potential mitigants.
Root Causes of Crime: A Family-Centred Focus
Hance Richards, a public health and national security expert, presented the findings which highlighted family breakdown as the leading cause of criminal behaviour. Lack of parental engagement and inadequate socialisation within families were identified as significant contributors to delinquent behaviours.
“We recognise that family is the most significant root cause,” Richards explained. “Many reported that parents don’t have enough time to interact with their children due to work, and there is less discipline and communication.”
He stressed the need for greater attention to family structures, advocating for community-led solutions, where schools, families, and communities take primary responsibility for shaping solutions, with the government playing a secondary role.
Richards also discussed barriers to crime prevention, such as limited community activities and peer pressure. “A lack of recreational spaces and activities leaves young people idle, increasing the likelihood of deviant behaviour,” he noted. The campaign identified the need for more youth-focused community initiatives to counteract the influences of negative peer pressure.
The Family and Community Link
The findings from the 90-Day Campaign echoed research from a USAID study conducted in December 2023, which linked weak family structures to an increased risk of gang affiliation and violence. Richards explained that children growing up in unstable family environments were more likely to seek belonging in gangs, which in turn escalated the risk of severe criminal outcomes, including murder.
The report indicated that addressing these foundational issues could prevent future violence and reduce the probability of youth becoming involved in criminal activity.
“When the family is strong, children are less likely to turn to gangs or criminal behaviour,” Richards emphasised, calling for comprehensive family support and education programmes.
Empowering Communities for Long-Term Change
Family Counsellor attached to the Citizen Security Secretariat, Alicia Collins, stressed the importance of active community participation. Despite initial scepticism, communities across the Federation began to recognise the value of contributing to the solutions.
She recalled the heartfelt words of a teenager in one of the focus groups: “This is the first time I’ve been asked what I think should change.” Collins highlighted that creating spaces for dialogue was key to fostering trust and participation.
Young people, especially young men, played a leading role in the campaign’s community focus groups, demonstrating a shift in youth engagement. Many boys took on leadership roles in discussions, with girls supporting their efforts. This shift was symbolic of the positive potential of youth when given the opportunity to contribute to change.
Towards a Safer Federation
The findings from the 90-Day Campaign reflect a strong community-centred approach to crime prevention, where the collaboration of various sectors, including schools, families, and community organisations, is vital for creating lasting solutions. As the government begins to analyse the collected data, it aims to develop targeted strategies that will address the root causes of crime and violence and provide sustainable solutions for the Federation.
The involvement of diverse stakeholders, from community members to government bodies, underscores the importance of a unified approach to crime. As Richards pointed out, “Crime is not a government issue alone. It’s a collective problem that requires collective action.”
Looking ahead, the government intends to use the insights gained from this campaign to strengthen the Federation’s crime prevention strategies, ensuring that families, communities, and schools work hand-in-hand to create a safer and more prosperous environment for all.
Photo: Public Health Researcher, Hance Richards
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