NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (April 28, 2021) — The Nevis Island Administration has implemented a new requirement effective 1 May 2021: persons seeking work permits or residency — or renewals of either — must present evidence of COVID-19 vaccination. The announcement was made by Premier Mark Brantley at his monthly press conference in Cabinet Room at Pinney’s Estate on 28 April 2021.
“We feel that this is a reasonable measure to take in the circumstances, just as persons seeking work permits and residency have to submit evidence that they are free of tuberculosis and syphilis. We are now requiring as of May 1st that they also confirm that they are vaccinated,” Brantley said. The Premier noted that Turks and Caicos Islands was taking a similar approach and that the non-national community already constitutes the highest percentage of persons who have taken the first vaccine dose, making him optimistic the requirement would not negatively impact most applicants.
For those unable to take the vaccine for medical reasons, a certificate from their medical doctor is required and they would be placed in the category of persons not allowed to take the vaccine. Brantley urged employers seeking to hire non-nationals to comply with the new requirements: “Employ local first and foremost, where you can, but if for any reason the skill set is not available and they require a work permit, invite these workers to comply with the new requirements that they must demonstrate that they are vaccinated against COVID-19.”