NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS STRENGTHENS PRISON LAWS TO BOLSTER NATIONAL SECURITY

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, May 15, 2025 (SKNIS): The Honourable Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Garth Wilkin, on Thursday, 15 May 2025, expressed strong support for the Prison (Amendment) Bill, 2025, during the sitting of the National Assembly, describing the legislation as a critical measure in the government’s broader plans to reduce crime and protect public safety across the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The amendments, which update the Prison Act, Cap. 19.08 – originally enacted in 1956 – are part of the government’s comprehensive strategy to safeguard public safety, maintain order, and preserve the peace that communities in Saint Kitts and Nevis now enjoy. The updated law addresses increasing worries about smuggling dangerous contraband into correctional facilities including controlled substances, mobile phones and related items. and weapons. The continuous presence of these items creates persistent safety risks for correctional officers alongside inmates and the general population.

The Prison (Amendment) Bill, 2025 implements key provisions which raise fines for smuggling contraband from EC$1,000 to EC$50,000. The law extends the longest prison sentence from six months up to ten years. The new Bill expands prohibited items to cover mobile phones and SIM cards in addition to knives and controlled substances like cannabis and pharmaceutical drugs which criminals frequently use in their operations.

The newly amended Section 23 specifies that individuals who attempt to introduce prohibited items into prison, or help with their trafficking, will receive increased penalties. Section 24 now criminalises the smuggling of illicit tools commonly used by criminal groups, such as mobile phones and sharp objects.

Attorney General Wilkin stated that the National Defence Council proposed the amendments after determining an urgent need for stronger legal measures to combat the modern challenges created by contraband smuggling. The Bill eliminates outdated enforcement loopholes which previously restricted punishment and law enforcement.

“Madame Speaker, the Sustainable Island State Agenda makes it clear that we cannot grow as a nation unless we are secure. Law and order is the foundation of development,” said Attorney General Wilkin. “No investor wants to bring their money in a country where crime is out of control. No parent wants to raise children in fear. This is why crime reduction is not just a security issue – it is also an economic issue, a public health issue, and a development issue…

That is why today’s Bill matters. It fits directly into our overall plan to reduce crime, protect families, and create a peaceful future. When we close the gaps in our prison laws, we help stop criminal networks from operating in the shadows. We protect the public, support our security officers, and keep control where it belongs – in the hands of law-abiding citizens,” AG Wilkin added.

The Prison (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was successfully passed in Parliament on May 15, is a clear reflection of the government’s commitment to upholding security and the rule of law in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

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