St Kitts and Nevis records historic 76% reduction in Homicides in 2025 

St Kitts and Nevis has recorded a historic 76% reduction in homicides during the period of 2025. The number of homicides went down from 28 incidents recorded in one year to 7 incidents recorded in one year. The Minister of National security has confirmed that with a 76% decline in violent crimes resulting in death, the nation is on the right trajectory. 

The officials have also noted that this is the first time in two decades that St Kitts and Nevis has recorded such a low number of homicides in the nation. The development is, in part being credited to constant community action, involvement and support. 

Another crucial factor contributing to this welcome development is the nation’s changing outlook towards crime. Previously, combatting crime was focussed on policing and prevention But after Dr Terrance Drew took office, he advocated for crime to be seen from the lens of a public health concern.

The Prime Minister and his team presented a clear evidence based study in support of viewing crime as a public health concern. He said that like any other public health concern, it should be prevented, held interruptions, treated in the long run and healed from the root. 

In August 2024, St Kitts and Nevis Launched the the Citizen Security Initiative (CSI) bringing the country away from its previous enforcement-only model. The new response to violent crime in the country required whole communities to come together to make definitive and long term changes.

The initiative targets underlying root causes of violence in the country, including: unaddressed trauma, social disconnection, economic stress, and cycles of hopelessness. At the same time, the initiative seeks to strengthen public safety institutions in the country. 

The Citizen Safety Initiative was convened within the office of the Prime Minister, with the aim of systematically addressing crime with the support of

• Law Enforcement offices and Judicial institutions
• Public Health and Social Service Workers 
• Youth leaders and community workers
• Members from the Private Sector, Civil Society and Political offices of the country. 

All the members of the Citizen Security Secretariat have been working on the shared outcome of bringing reduction to violent crime in the country. 2025 was a successful year in this regard as for the first time in two decades, Homicides in the country have been recorded at a long time low.

Anthony Morris

Reporter at SKN News | [email protected] |  + postsBio ⮌

Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.