Tackling will attempt to bring all sectors to the table to tackle root causes of crime

GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Justice will seek to present an approach that identifies the root causes of crime followed by an attempt to bring everyone to the table to determine how other ministries, public institutions, and community partners can play a role in addressing the underlying causes of crime on the island.

The initiative, described on Wednesday by Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling as an “olive branch,” aims to bring all relevant parties to the table and strengthen cooperation in addressing the issue of crime and crime prevention. The Minister acknowledged that she cannot force others to the table, but an attempt will be made.

The approach follows observations shared during the Governor’s Symposium, where it was noted that crime prevention is not the responsibility of the police alone. As such, the Ministry of Justice and the Police Force will look at developing a framework to identify where stakeholders can contribute and how resources can be aligned to make prevention efforts more effective.

The plan will invite participation from government entities such as the Ministries of Education and Public Health, Social Development and Labor, as well as community organizations and civic groups. The intention is to foster shared responsibility for addressing the social conditions that often contribute to criminal behavior.

The Minister emphasized that while the Justice sector is often seen as the “end of the line” when it comes to crime, many of the solutions lie at the front end, in areas such as education, youth development, health, and community engagement. Through this new initiative, the Ministry seeks to formalize that understanding and build stronger partnerships to ensure sustainable results.

This inter-ministerial spirit of cooperation is already visible in several ongoing projects. The Ministry of Justice is currently working alongside the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of VSA on the development of a national Child Safety Code. In addition, collaboration with the Ministry of Education has played a key role in shaping the 2026 Crime Fund policy plan, which has required extensive coordination to ensure that funded programs are both safe and effective for schools and youth.

The Minister acknowledged that finalizing the Crime Fund policy plan has taken longer than expected, as efforts were made to refine project proposals and secure sufficient input from partners. However, these discussions have reinforced the importance of structured collaboration as a foundation for lasting impact.

Going forward, the Ministry intends to use the new crime response plan as a platform for inclusive dialogue and action. Engagement sessions will be held with ministries, statutory bodies, community organizations, schools, and private sector partners to define their contributions. Focus areas will include youth safety, prevention programs, school-based support, neighborhood interventions, and the use of data to guide future decisions.

The Minister of Justice underscored that even as she extends an open invitation for collaboration, her own work will continue with the resources currently available. The plan would reflects a clear understanding that crime prevention cannot succeed in isolation and must instead be treated as a shared national responsibility.

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