Community Conversations Maintain Momentum as 90-Day Campaign Nears Completion 

As the first phase of the 90-Day Campaign Against Crime and Violence draws to a close, community engagement remains robust. On 27th November 2024, over 50 residents of McKnight gathered for a highly impactful Community Conversation facilitated by Alicia Collins, Family Counsellor at the Citizen Security Secretariat.

Held in partnership with the St. Kitts SDA Youth as part of their Unshackled Youth Wave 2024, the event exemplified the collaborative approach driving the campaign’s success.

Joining Ms. Collins was Pastor Clive Dottin, who brought spiritual insights to the discussions, reinforcing the importance of moral and ethical grounding in combating crime and violence. The Secretariat’s commitment to engaging faith-based and community organisations reflects Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew’s vision of holistic, society-wide solutions to reclaim communities from the grip of crime and violence.

A Unified Approach to Tackling Crime

Eartha Carey, Coordinator of the Citizen Security Secretariat, praised the event for its inclusivity and participation.

“The McKnight session was commendable and one of our largest Community Conversations to date,” Carey noted. “The high level of engagement among attendees—including young people, religious leaders, and a diverse cross-section of the community—speaks volumes about the power of a united approach in addressing our nation’s challenges.”

The campaign’s unwavering focus on collaboration has been a cornerstone of its effectiveness. By partnering with organisations like the St. Kitts SDA Youth, the Secretariat continues to foster meaningful dialogue and build community-driven solutions.

Preparing for the Next Phase

As the campaign’s initial phase wraps up, attention turns to analysing the data gathered from these community consultations. Under the leadership of Public Health expert and researcher Hance Richards, the analysis will form the foundation for the next steps in the government’s strategy.

The findings will be unveiled during the Beyond the 90 Days open forum, scheduled for 9 am on 5th December 2024 at the CUNA Caribbean Conference Centre in Fortlands, Basseterre. This presentation will not only mark the conclusion of the first phase but also set the stage for the next chapter in the Federation’s fight against crime and violence, guided by a public health framework.

Final Opportunity for Community Engagement

Residents in Conaree and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate in the final Community Conversation in the 90-Day Campaign, which will take place at 6 pm on 28th November 2024 at the Conaree Community Centre. The Secretariat urges the public to embrace this opportunity to join the dialogue and contribute to shaping safer, more cohesive communities.

The 90-Day Campaign has proven to be a transformative initiative, demonstrating that through a united and collective effort, St. Kitts and Nevis can lay the groundwork for a safer and more secure future.

Photo: A member of the McKnight community engages with Family Counsellor, Alicia Collins and Pastor Clive Dottin during Community Conversations on 27^th November, 2024.