Last Updated on July 22, 2024, 2:02 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Basseterre, St. Kitts: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew held an urgent meeting with the leadership of the Police Force to review and construct strategies to deal with the increase in crime. The meeting was held on July 21, 2024.
Considering the recent increase in gun violence, PM Drew and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Glenroy Blanchette, called an emergency meeting with the High Command of the Police and Defence Force to address this critical issue.
The meeting that took place at the Police Headquarters was essential in reviewing the homicides and constructing strategies to suppress this vital issue.
The Prime Minister expressed his concern over the surge in the gun-related incidents, stressing over the commitment of the government to ensure the safety of the citizens.
Expressing his concern, he stated that the protection of the citizens of his nation is paramount and will make the necessary resources available to the security forces in order to curb this threat and restore the peace of the community.
“Since I was elected Prime Minister, I have spared no resource to deal with this very complex issue,” PM Terrance Drew noted.
In the meeting, the High Command of the Police and Defence Force presented an analysis of the latest incidents, identifying the patterns and potential causes. The discussion focused on immediate and long-term measures, including increased patrols, strategic deployments, enhanced intelligence operations, and community engagement initiatives.
PM Drew further mentioned that the government is preparing for the next step, which is the national consultation on crime and violence based on the principles of public health.
For the first time the Surgeon General of the United States declared that gun violence is a public health crisis in that country, demonstrating that this is a hemispheric problem that goes beyond the orders.
Notably, the government and security forces will continue to work consistently for the security of the citizens.
“As united people we can beat this scourge that has been affecting us for decades,” expressed PM Dr Terrance Drew with belief.
The meeting concluded with the government’s commitment to ongoing assessments and adjustments to the strategy to ensure its effectiveness.
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.
