Trinidad and Tobago Embraces Public Health Approach to Combat Crime, Following PM Drew’s Vision

In a groundbreaking policy shift, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago announced the adoption of a public health approach to crime prevention. This decision, unveiled during a press conference led by National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and Acting Attorney General Stuart Young, signals a major step towards addressing crime in the southern Caribbean nation at its root. The move aligns with the regional vision championed by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who has been a vocal advocate for treating crime as a public health issue.

During the press conference, Trinidad and Tobago’s leaders highlighted the urgency of the situation, as a state of emergency was declared. The strategy will not only empower law enforcement but also focus on community engagement and addressing systemic factors contributing to crime.

Acting Attorney General Young explained, “Police Service and the defence forces now have the powers under the regulations to do what they need to do to protect us.” He also emphasised the societal sacrifices needed to embrace this new framework, mirroring Prime Minister Drew’s approach.

In what has been described as a “bloody year” for Trinidad and Tobago, an estimated 42.6% of the killings in 2024 were gang-related, and almost all are linked to organised crime, according to the police. The available data up to 30th December, 2024 put the country’s death toll at 623, the highest in the nation’s history. Among the victims were 10 children and 40 women.

Prime Minister Drew, Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE), has been at the forefront of this movement. His leadership has positioned St. Kitts and Nevis as a pioneer in adopting holistic crime prevention strategies. Under his guidance, the nation has moved to address the underlying social determinants such as poverty, unemployment, mental health, and education to create a safer society. This is supported by the newly established Citizen Security Secretariat which led the exceedingly successful 90-Day Campaign Against Crime and Violence in 2024. The campaign resulted in 66% decline in homicides in the final quarter of that year and a 20% decline in reported crimes.

“Security is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement,” Prime Minister Drew remarked at a recent event. “It is a collective challenge that demands a united front. By treating crime as a public health issue, we ensure that prevention, intervention, and enforcement work together for sustainable safety.”

This transformative model was a key focus during the recent CONSLE summit, where Prime Minister Drew outlined evidence-based strategies that are now being adopted regionally. These include:

• Strengthening community policing to build trust between citizens and law enforcement.
• Expanding mental health and social welfare initiatives to address root causes of crime.
• Investing in youth education and engagement to deter criminal involvement.
• Developing regional data-sharing systems to combat cross-border crime effectively.

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago’s decision to align with this methodology marks a turning point in regional crime prevention. It reflects a growing consensus among Caribbean nations that crime is not just a law enforcement issue but a public health challenge requiring collaboration and innovative solutions.

In St. Kitts and Nevis, the results of this approach are already evident. Programmes such as the Violence Interruption Program and expanded access to education and job training have contributed to declining crime rates and stronger communities. These initiatives, under Prime Minister Drew’s leadership, serve as a blueprint for other nations seeking sustainable solutions to crime.

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis issued a statement on 3rd January, 2025 commending Trinidad and Tobago for taking this progressive step and reaffirms its commitment to regional collaboration. By working together, Caribbean nations can create a future of shared safety and prosperity, demonstrating the power of unity in addressing challenges that transcend borders.