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The serene village of Brown Hill on Nevis has been shaken by yet another act of violence, as a young man becomes the latest victim of a fatal shooting. Authorities have officially confirmed the incident, marking it as the 31st murder in St.Kitts and Nevis since the beginning of the year, setting a disheartening record for the highest number of murders in a single year since 2011.

This recent tragedy is the second murder reported within the past week, raising concerns and deepening the sense of insecurity among citizens. Despite the escalating crisis, the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security have yet to address the nation on the recent spate or murders, leaving the public anxiously awaiting a response and concrete actions to address the surge in violence.

The alarming spike in murders has propelled St. Kitts and Nevis back into international headlines, as the country now finds itself listed among the nations with the highest per capita murder rates in both the Caribbean and the world. This stark contrast comes after years of relative success in crime reduction under the previous Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris-led Team Unity government.

Under the leadership of Dr. Harris, the country witnessed an average of around 11 murders annually between 2018 and 2022. The success in crime-fighting during this period was attributed to the implementation of innovative policies and programs, including the PEACE Programme and the Explorers Club, among other groundbreaking initiatives.

However, since the advent of the current administration led by Prime Minister Drew and the SKN Labour Party, the landscape has changed. Many of the previously successful crime-fighting programs, including the PEACE Programme and the Explorers Club, have been disbanded. This shift has raised questions about the government’s approach to public safety and crime prevention.

As citizens grapple with the impact of this tragic milestone, there is growing urgency for the government to address the nation, articulate a comprehensive plan to tackle the rising crime rates, and reinstate effective measures for the safety and well-being of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.