In response to the unprecedented crime crisis and surge in violence across St. Kitts and Nevis, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Terrance Drew, has announced the strict enforcement of curfew and loitering laws concerning minors.
The Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) will intensify efforts to ensure that children under the age of sixteen are not found loitering on the streets after 10 p.m.
The enforcement comes under Section 15 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of Saint Christopher and Nevis, which empowers police officers to intervene if minors are found wandering without a valid reason during late hours.
The police are authorized to take such minors into custody until they can be safely released to their parents or legal guardians.
This measure, according to the RSCNPF, is crucial for protecting children from potential dangers during late hours.
Parents and guardians are also reminded of their responsibility to supervise their children. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to $500, although penalties will only be imposed after a formal caution.
The law broadly defines “street” to include all public spaces, reinforcing the wide scope of the regulation.
The RSCNPF urges parents, guardians, and the wider community to cooperate in upholding these laws to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s youth during this critical time.
Parents here in Antigua and Barbuda also need to be charged fines—meaning both mothers and fathers.
Parents needs to do their parts into making sure the curfew is abided. Police needs to patrol to ensure the curfew is abided. Youths needs to understand the importance of this curfew and whybit needs to be abided by.