SKN PM TAKING CENTRE STAGE!

the diaspora nationals of St Kitts and Nevis.

The Prime Minister's trip also included hosting a diaspora meeting, which gave St Kitts and Nevis nationals living in the US the opportunity to meet and interact with him. The initiative was well received by the people, who appreciated the chance to connect with him during the trip.

Overall, the Prime Minister's participation in the 5K walk event and the diaspora meeting showed a commitment to engaging with the St Kitts and Nevis community living abroad. It also highlighted the importance of building strong ties between St

Heads of Government.

The symposium promoted dialogue and regional action aimed at violence reduction and crime prevention, under the theme “Violence as a Public Health Issue – The Crime Challenge”. Dr. Drew, the federation’s Minister of Health and Minister of National Security, delivered remarks as CARICOM’s Lead Head on Health on 17th April.

Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, recently attended the World Bank and IMF spring meetings in Washington DC. During his trip, on 15th April, he took the opportunity to participate in a 5K walk event hosted by the St Kitts and Nevis National Association in Washington DC. The event brought together St Kitts and Nevis nationals living in the area; and they had the chance to meet with the Prime Minister and his team.

Accompanied by several highranking officials from St Kitts and Nevis, including the Permanent Secretary (AG) in the Prime Minister’s Office, Naeemah Hazelle, and the Chargé D’Affaires Ad Interim at St Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Washington DC, Shanelle Simmonds, the Prime Minister's attendance at the 5K walk event was seen as a positive initiative by

Kitts and Nevis and its diaspora community.

Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew travel itinerary then took him to Trinidad to attend a Regional Symposium on “Violence as a Public Health Issue – The Crime Challenge”. The two-day meeting on April 17 and 18 took place at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain and was be hosted by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, and was attended by other CARICOM

The conventional approach to addressing crime and violence from a social prevention and criminal justice perspective, has been the traditional method for a number of years. However, this approach had resulted in escalating levels of crime and violence which have been an ongoing concern of CARICOM Heads of Government for several years.

Given CARICOM’s deep concern about the unprecedented levels of crime, Heads of Government resolved to increase focus on the determinants of crime by taking a public health approach, which would first identify the causal factors and preventions where possible, followed by interventions.

This Regional Symposium emphasised a holistic system approach, particularly a whole-ofGovernment and whole-ofsociety approach, involving and collaborating with all relevant agencies, organisations, and sectors at different levels, including civil society, business, community, families, and individuals. The topics discussed over the two days included: Violence and Health in the Region; Crime and Violence: A

Public Health Approach; Mental Health; Transnational Organised Crime; Using Litigation to Protect Gun Violence – Global Action on Gun Violence; Trans-Border Crime; Education and Youth, Domestic Violence; Economic Inequalities as the Driver of Crime and Violence; Community approaches- Restorative Justice; Sports and Mediation; and the Judicial Perspective- Legislation and Juvenile Justice Reform.

Once the CARICOM Regional Symposium on “Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue” had concluded it was hailed as a success by the Prime Minister Dr. Drew. The symposium, resulted in a Declaration by Heads of Government on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue which included: a comprehensive overhaul of the criminal justice system, the strengthening of regional forensic capabilities and collaboration, and the immediate and effective implementation of the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of taking an evidence-based approach to tackle crime and violence, citing the need for research and data analysis to effectively address the issue. The Declaration also included: an agreement to ban assault weapons in the region, except for security forces and sporting competitions, and an agreement to stand with Mexico on its legal action against US gun manufacturers and retailers. The Declaration emphasised the need to empower and engage young people as positive content developers to offset the negative impact of social media and promote public awareness and education campaigns in communities that challenge harmful beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that contribute to crime and violence.

Sources: https://www.ieyenews.com/prime -minister-drew-joins-caricomheads-regional-symposium-intrinidad-tobago/ http://thelabourspokesman.com/ prime-minister-dr-drewconfident-that-outcomes-of-theregional-symposium-on-crimeand-violence-in-the-caribbeanwill-bear-fruit/ https://sknnews.com/saint-kittsnevis/pm-terrance-drew-attends5k-walk-at-washington-dc323812935/