The vital role of civil society in building safer, more resilient Caribbean communities was the focus of a joint summit hosted by the United Nations and the Citizen Security Secretariat (CSS) at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on 5th November, 2025.
During her address, CSS Coordinator Eartha Carey described the meeting as “a timely and critical discussion” on strengthening the shared responsibility for citizen security and community development. She outlined the Secretariat’s mandate to coordinate a multisectoral response to crime and violence, uniting government agencies, civil society, international partners, and local communities.
“The Citizen Security Secretariat was established to drive a coordinated, multisectoral response to crime and violence,” Carey stated. “Our aim is to bring together government agencies, civil society, international partners, and communities to implement sustainable strategies that prevent violence before it occurs, support rehabilitation, and strengthen trust among citizens and institutions.”
Carey highlighted five core priorities of the Secretariat’s work — strengthening collaboration, supporting data-driven policy, enhancing community engagement, advancing prevention-focused initiatives, and promoting opportunities for youth and vulnerable groups.
She commended Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew for his leadership in adopting a public health approach to crime prevention in September 2024, following consultations with public health experts including Dr. Izben Williams. Carey explained that this shift represents a bold recognition that violence, much like disease, must be addressed through prevention, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
“This approach acknowledges that crime is not solely a matter for law enforcement,” she said. “It is a manifestation of broader social, economic, and psychological challenges that must be addressed at their root.”
The summit, themed ‘Your Role, Your Community: Civil Society as a Pathway to a Better Future,’ brought together representatives from government ministries, civil society organisations (CSOs), and regional UN agencies. It formed part of a wider UN sub-regional initiative promoting civil society engagement as a pillar of citizen security across the Eastern Caribbean.
Carey underscored that CSOs are indispensable partners in advancing citizen security. “They connect communities to institutions, amplify marginalised voices, and provide direct support to youth, families, and vulnerable groups,” she said. “When CSOs are strong, communities are stronger and safer.”
Over the past decade, Caribbean nations such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have experienced a rise in gun-related crimes, undermining community life and economic stability. Carey noted that these realities reinforce the need to move beyond reactive policing towards prevention-based, community-driven solutions.
She encouraged participants to actively engage in the sessions, which featured discussions on civic responsibility, inclusion, and partnerships between governments, CSOs, and development agencies. “Our success depends on collaboration between government, civil society, and the wider community,” she concluded. “Together, through shared responsibility and active participation, we can reduce violence, strengthen community bonds, and expand opportunities for all.”
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