St. Kitts and Nevis Supports Anguilla in Shaping Public Health Approach to Crime

The Citizen Security Secretariat has extended its expertise to Anguilla, offering insights into tackling rising violent crime through a public health framework. Earlier this month, Hance Richards, Research and Data Analysis Officer at the Secretariat, engaged virtually with Anguilla’s Governor, Julia Crouch, and Community Planner Hyacinth Bradley to explore solutions beyond traditional law enforcement.

The discussions followed a July 2025 visit to the Federation by an Anguillian delegation, during which officials examined the Federation’s community-based strategies to reduce crime and violence. Richards emphasised prevention, early intervention, and addressing root causes such as unemployment, substance abuse, youth disenfranchisement, and limited access to mental health and counselling services. Data-driven decision-making and regional intelligence sharing were also identified as essential tools in countering violent behaviour.

Anguilla’s Minister of Education and Social Development, Shellya Rogers-Webster, praised St. Kitts and Nevis for presenting a unified, non-partisan approach to crime prevention. She noted the “remarkable alignment” among officials in St. Kitts and Nevis, where ministries and departments work collectively on policy direction and strategy. Rogers-Webster further highlighted the Federation’s recent success, including a significant reduction in murders over the past year, attributing it to evidence-based programmes and community engagement.

Anguilla’s collaboration with St. Kitts and Nevis reflects a growing recognition across the region that the fight against crime requires not only policing but also social investment, education, and robust support systems for vulnerable communities.

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