Attorney General Wilkin Promotes Collaborative Partnerships at UN Crime Prevention Commission

The Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney General of Saint Kitts and Nevis, addressed the 34th Session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) in Vienna, Austria, on May 19, 2025. His address focused on the unique challenges faced by small island developing states (SIDS) in tackling transnational crime and highlighted the need for strengthened international partnerships to bolster their justice systems. He emphasized the “serious capacity constraints” that hinder effective responses to threats like drug and gun trafficking, calling for collaborative efforts and technical cooperation to address these limitations and ensure sustainable progress. This plea for collaboration underscores the interconnectedness of global security and the shared responsibility in combating transnational crime.

Attorney General Wilkin detailed the significant legislative strides made by Saint Kitts and Nevis in reforming its justice system. Since October 2022, the Federation has tabled 83 pieces of legislation, passing 72 into law. These legislative efforts represent a comprehensive approach to modernizing the legal framework, including the implementation of acts focused on plea negotiations, judge-alone trials, voluntary bills of indictment, and the prevention of justice interference. These reforms aim to streamline court procedures, ensure judicial integrity, and enhance the efficiency of the justice system. This proactive legislative agenda highlights the nation’s commitment to strengthening its institutional capacity and responding effectively to criminal activity.

The Attorney General reported a notable decline in serious crime over the past seven months, attributing this positive trend to the implemented legislative reforms and institutional changes. However, he cautioned against complacency, stressing that sustained progress requires long-term investment in institutional capabilities. This includes investments in professional training for law enforcement and judicial personnel, the modernization of case management systems for greater efficiency, and the establishment of victim-centred services to ensure support and redress for those affected by crime. This emphasis on long-term investment acknowledges the ongoing nature of crime prevention and the need for continued development and adaptation of justice systems.

Attorney General Wilkin extended a direct invitation to UN Member States and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to partner with Saint Kitts and Nevis, urging collaborative strategies and knowledge sharing to build robust systems capable of adapting to the ever-evolving nature of crime. He advocated for technical cooperation and the exchange of best practices to assist small island developing states in overcoming capacity limitations and strengthening their responses to transnational criminal threats. This call for partnership reflects the understanding that international cooperation plays a vital role in effectively combating transborder criminal activities.

Beyond addressing transnational crime, the Attorney General also highlighted Saint Kitts and Nevis’s progress in combating corruption, highlighting the activation of the Integrity Commission and the establishment of the Special Prosecutor’s Office. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to fostering transparency and accountability within its institutions. He declared a shift in the national culture, emphasizing a growing condemnation of corrupt practices. This signifies a positive change towards greater integrity and ethical governance within the Federation.

In closing, Attorney General Wilkin reiterated Saint Kitts and Nevis’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 16, focusing on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions. He underscored the government’s dedication to fostering a justice system that safeguards individual rights, ensures accountability, and contributes meaningfully to the global pursuit of sustainable development. He positioned Saint Kitts and Nevis as a proactive participant in regional and global justice reform efforts, showcasing its legislative initiatives and calling for regional and international solidarity in addressing these shared challenges. This commitment to SDG 16 reflects the nation’s recognition of the interconnectedness of justice, peace, and sustainable development.