Prime Minister Drew questioned the common understanding of ” citizen security” at the roundtable conference.
Prime Minister Terrance Drew, recently at a media roundtable, discussed the main objectives of the Citizen Security Secretariat on October 8, 2024. The project was first announced in August 2024. The Government of St Kitts & Nevis threw light on the creation of a Citizen Security Secretariat during this meeting.
The project marks an important change in the nation’s approach to public safety and overall well-being.
Prime Minister Drew questioned the common understanding of “citizen security.” Directed towards the residents of the nation, he stated, “Citizen Security means more than just dealing with violence and crime.” Social security is a wide approach that will provide everyone with safety and quality of life.
He explained that citizen security isn’t just about law enforcement. Reflecting basic needs like water, food, access to education, and a strong democratic system are the things that secure the person.
PM Drew pointed out that the government is constantly making efforts to give a new meaning to the old outlook on national security. The old view of national security only focused on violent crime-related and state-centric Protection.
The government’s making of the Citizen Security Secretariat shows that it is taking action to fight against social problems.
Meanwhile, the Citizen Security Secretariat will draw attention to the safety and well-being of the residents. It will address various social issues like basic rights of the people, healthcare, education, poverty, income support, and more.
The project is also working to come up with a more complete and wide-ranging security plan.
Dr. Drew added that the term ‘citizen security’ is also gaining global recognition. The United Nations and other international organisations advocate for this and often use it in their policy.
He also stated that creating a safe and secure environment for all citizens, residents, and visitors of St.Kits and Nevis is a tough task that creates constant challenges. The government has to face the running of safety.
This project is also a part of a 90-day campaign against violence and crime led by the Citizen Security Task Force. The initiative reflects the opportunity to have discussions focusing on the day-to-day life of citizens.
The government of St Kitts and Nevis wants people to come forward and talk about crime and violence with the help of this campaign. This will allow them to get an overview of residents’ perspectives. It will help them find the root causes of these crimes, and they can take certain measures to address the problem.
Notably, it would require consistent results in teamwork that would rely on the performance of the promoters and other stakeholders. Although challenges may arise, the government will remain committed to creating a safety net for all citizens.
