Another successful Better Opportunity Fair took place on Saturday, 30th August, 2025, at The Lawn, Saddlers Village, drawing a steady and engaged turnout as the Citizen Security Secretariat (CSS) promoted safer communities through a public-health approach. The full-day event, held from 10am to 4pm, united residents, government departments, civil society groups and private sponsors to offer services, information and practical support aimed at reducing crime and improving wellbeing across the federation.
At the heart of the day were the Secretariat’s outreach and listening activities. Head of the Citizen Security Secretariat, Eartha Carey, accompanied by Research Analyst Hance Richards and representatives from partner agencies, conducted systematic walkthroughs of the fairgrounds and neighboring communities and spoke one-to-one with attendees and residents. Carey said the personal interactions were central to the fair’s purpose: “The one-on-one conversations we held allowed us to hear people’s concerns directly, signpost services and begin practical problem-solving on the spot. This face-to-face engagement builds trust and helps us deliver safety as a public-health outcome,” she said.
Practical support and information formed the backbone of the fair. Booths from the University of the West Indies Open Campus, MASA, Elevate, the Rotary Club, Aspire, the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association, the Inland Revenue Department and the Ministry of Social Development offered guidance on education, skills development, financial matters and social services. Free health screenings were available throughout the day, with healthcare workers advising on chronic disease prevention and healthy living measures — a clear reflection of the CSS message that safer communities depend on healthier communities.
Entertainment and family activities ensured the event was welcoming to all ages. DJ Ronnie Rascal provided musical entertainment, while Queens Quick Bites supplied food and refreshments. Children’s attractions, including bouncing castles and family-friendly activities, helped make the fair accessible to families and encouraged broader community participation.
The latest fair built on the momentum of previous editions, which attracted similar support and benefitted from corporate and local sponsorship. Sponsors for the Saddlers edition included SKELEC, The Cable, Island Electronics & Appliances and Vallie’s Tent Rental Services; their backing helped the Secretariat offer a wide range of free services and activities on the day.
Research Analyst Hance Richards, supported by volunteers from the Ministries of Education and Social Development, recorded feedback from attendees during the walkthroughs and one-to-one conversations, noting recurring themes such as demand for youth employment programmes, expanded mental-health support and improved local safety measures. The CSS plans to use this community intelligence to shape upcoming programming and to prioritise interventions that residents identify as most urgent.
The Secretariat used the occasion to remind the public that civic participation is essential to reducing crime and violence. Officials appealed for continued public involvement in CSS events and initiatives, stressing that national safety is a collective responsibility requiring cooperation from families, community groups, police, social services and government agencies.
Organisers also reminded residents that the Sandy Point edition of the Better Opportunity Fair was postponed as a precaution ahead of Hurricane Erica earlier this month; a new date will be announced in due course. CSS urged supporters to watch official channels for updates and to continue engaging with outreach activities in their communities.
Meanwhile, a national survey on crime, violence and community safety remains ongoing. Members of the public are asked to contribute their views to inform policy and local interventions; the survey is entirely anonymous and can be completed by visiting the Citizen Security Secretariat Community Survey. The Secretariat emphasised that broad participation is vital if the survey is to reflect the federation’s varied experiences and priorities.
CSS teams have already begun follow-up referrals for residents who requested further assistance, and partner agencies committed to scheduling workshops and information sessions in the coming weeks. The Secretariat has signalled that insights gathered at Saddlers will directly inform the planning of future events and targeted community interventions.
The Better Opportunity Fair series continues to demonstrate the value of combining practical services with community listening and public-health messaging. By bringing agencies and citizens together in Saddlers, the CSS reinforced its approach that safer communities are built not only through enforcement, but through prevention, opportunity and health — and it appealed to every resident to play their part.
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