The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is witnessing a remarkable transformation in public safety, with official data revealing a dramatic 78% reduction in homicides during 2025. This significant achievement stems from the government’s pioneering implementation of a public health approach to crime prevention, which has fundamentally reshaped the nation’s security landscape.
According to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the current year has recorded only six homicides—a stark contrast to the 28 cases documented throughout 2024. This impressive decline positions the small Caribbean nation favorably against larger Western Hemisphere counterparts in terms of violent crime reduction. Law enforcement authorities have additionally confiscated 20 illegal firearms this year, while overall reported crime decreased by 11% at the end of 2024 compared to the previous year.
Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Terrance Drew, celebrated these developments during his recent Budget Address on December 16, 2025. He reflected on the nation’s progress from once being labeled ‘the murder capital of the world’ to now achieving the most substantial homicide reduction in two decades. The Prime Minister emphasized that this turnaround demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative governance and community engagement.
The groundbreaking public health strategy addresses crime through scientific methodology, focusing on underlying social determinants including poverty, unemployment, mental health challenges, and educational disparities. This holistic framework encourages society-wide participation and promotes proactive solutions rather than purely reactive measures.
Central to this success is the Elevate program, which has provided former gang members and at-risk individuals with practical opportunities to develop skills, secure employment, or launch businesses. Prime Minister Drew highlighted that these initiatives have transformed previous offenders into productive economic contributors, while maintaining that sustainable peace requires continued collective effort without resorting to corrupt practices.
The national security leader extended gratitude to security personnel for their dedicated service and acknowledged citizens for their ongoing participation in crime reduction efforts, underscoring that community involvement remains essential to maintaining this positive trajectory.