Basseterre, Saint Kitts, April 08, 2026 (SKNIS): The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the nationu2019s healthcare system with the reinstatement of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programme at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC).
Prime Minister and Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, in a statement released today, April 08, 2026, expressed strong support for the initiative, describing it as a strategic response to the ongoing shortage of locally trained nurses.
u201cIt is with great pride and a deep sense of national purpose that I lend my full support to the reinstatement of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programme at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College,u201d said Prime Minister Drew. u201cThis initiative represents a timely and strategic response to one of our most pressing public health challenges, the persistent shortage of locally trained nurses in the Federation.u201d
The prime minister emphasised the importance of building a sustainable, homegrown healthcare workforce, noting that while the nation values the contributions of foreign healthcare professionals, long-term resilience depends on local capacity.
u201cHealthcare is a fundamental right, and a robust nursing workforce is central to delivering on that promise,u201d he stated. u201cIt is imperative that we invest in building a homegrown workforce u2014 nurses who understand our communities, our culture, and our unique health landscape.u201d
Dr. Drew underscored that the ADN Programme is a forward-thinking solution that complements existing educational pathways. u201cThe ADN Programme is not a step backward; it is a pragmatic and forward-thinking solution,u201d he said. u201cIt offers a competency-based, patient-centred pathway that has historically produced skilled, confident, and compassionate nurses across our region.u201d
The government anticipates that reinstating the Associate Degree in Nursing Programme will increase the annual output of qualified nurses, reduce reliance on overseas recruitment, and create meaningful opportunities for young people.
u201cMy government is firmly committed to strengthening our healthcare infrastructure, and this proposal aligns with our National Health Policy and our vision for universal access to quality care,u201d Dr. Drew noted.
Prime Minister Drew also acknowledged the collaborative efforts that made the initiative possible, commending the Ministry of Health, nursing leadership, the St. Christopher and Nevis Nurses and Midwives Council, and other stakeholders.