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Workers Representation on a National Scale
Collective Bargaining Representation
The union negotiates collective bargaining agreements on behalf of its members to ensure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. Shop stewards act as liaisons between the workers and the union leadership.
Legal Representation
Members have access to legal assistance for workplace-related issues, such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, and safety violations.
Grievance Resolution
The SKNT&LU supports members in resolving workplace grievances, advocating for fair treatment and due process.
Professional Development
The union provides opportunities for members to enhance their skills and career prospects through various educational programs.
Health and Safety Advocacy
A key focus is on promoting safer work environments and compliance with health and safety standards.
Social and Networking Events
Members can participate in events that foster community and provide networking opportunities.
Governmental Advocacy
The union lobbies for policies and legislation that protect and advance workers' rights and interests.
Job Security and Seniority Advocacy
Efforts are made to ensure fair practices regarding layoffs, promotions, and other job changes, often prioritizing seniority and performance.
Information and Resources
The union keeps members informed about labor rights, industry developments, and union activities through various communication channels.
Open Door Policy
Members have direct access to union representatives for guidance and support, with non-members also encouraged to engage with the union.
Workers Representation on a National Scale
The SKNT&LU represents workers at the national level on various committees, influencing policies and regulations affecting labor and employment.
Accra, Ghana, March 04, 2026 (SKNIS): Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, was today, March 04, 2026, formally welcomed to Jubilee House in Accra by the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, as part of his Official State Visit to the West African nation.
Upon arrival at Jubilee House, Prime Minister Drew was received with full military honours during an official welcoming ceremony hosted by President Mahama. The ceremony included a ceremonial parade mounted by the Ghana Air Force, symbolising the respect and friendship between the two nations.
Following the playing of the national anthems of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Ghana, Prime Minister Drew inspected the Guard of Honour before proceeding to official introductions with members of the respective delegations.
The formal welcome marked an important moment in the strengthening of diplomatic relations between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Ghana, underscoring a shared commitment to expanding cooperation in areas such as education, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Drew’s visit reflects the deep historical and cultural ties that connect the Caribbean and Africa, and highlights a mutual interest in building stronger partnerships for development and shared prosperity.
Following the ceremonial welcome, Prime Minister Drew and President Mahama held bilateral discussions at Jubilee House aimed at deepening cooperation and advancing new opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
The Official State Visit continues with a series of engagements designed to strengthen the relationship between Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of Ghana while fostering closer connections between the peoples of both nations.
Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, March 3, 2026 (PMO) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognized the continued recovery of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ tourism sector and projected stronger economic growth ahead, affirming the positive trajectory of the Federation’s economy under the leadership of the Drew-led Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
In its Staff Concluding Statement of the 2026 Article IV Mission, released on March 2, 2026, the IMF noted encouraging signs within the country’s economic outlook. The report states that the projected acceleration in 2026, of 2.2%, is expected to be supported by a continued tourism recovery.
This acknowledgement reflects the Government’s sustained and deliberate efforts to revitalize the tourism sector, enhance airlift and destination marketing, and strengthen the overall visitor experience following global disruptions in recent years.
Recent data and stakeholder engagements have already pointed to a strengthening tourism rebound. The St. Kitts Tourism Authority reported that as of April 2025 the Federation recorded 61,374 air arrivals, a 14 percent increase over 2024, while cruise passenger arrivals reached 690,244, continuing an upward trajectory.
In addition, the Government has made significant progress in securing and expanding airlift, recognizing that reliable connectivity remains the lifeblood of island tourism. Strategic agreements with major carriers, including expanded service from key markets, have helped restore confidence and improve access to the destination.
Tourism officials have also reported that hotel occupancy and visitor spending continue to trend upward, signaling growing international demand for the St. Kitts and Nevis tourism product.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, welcomed the IMF’s recognition, noting that the findings validate the Government’s strategic focus on economic stabilization, diversification, and sustainable growth.
“Tourism remains a vital pillar of our economy, and we have been deliberate in strengthening the sector while simultaneously diversifying our economic base,” the Prime Minister said. “The IMF’s acknowledgment of the recovery underway is an encouraging signal that our policies are bearing fruit.”
Since taking office, the Government has pursued a multi-pronged tourism strategy that includes:
Strengthening global marketing campaigns
Deepening partnerships with airlines and cruise operators
Investing in tourism infrastructure and destination upgrades
Enhancing service standards and workforce development
Promoting year-round events and niche tourism offerings
These measures form part of the broader Sustainable Island State Agenda, which seeks to ensure that tourism growth translates into meaningful opportunities for citizens and businesses.
The IMF’s projection of improved growth in 2026 underscores growing international confidence in the Federation’s economic management and policy direction, even as global uncertainties persist.
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis remains firmly committed to sustaining the positive momentum in tourism while accelerating efforts to diversify the economy, strengthen resilience, and position the Federation as a premier, future-ready destination in the Caribbean.
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, February 27, 2026 (SKNIS) — The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis welcomes the formal rescission by the United States Department of the Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of its 2014 Advisory concerning the Federation’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
The Advisory, originally issued on May 20, 2014, raised concerns regarding the abuse of the CBI Programme by certain foreign individuals. On February 24, 2026, FinCEN officially rescinded that Advisory. This development marks a significant milestone in the Government’s sustained and comprehensive reform of the CBI Programme over the past three years.
Importantly, this announcement comes as Saint Kitts and Nevis concludes its successful hosting of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM — a moment when regional leadership, cooperation, and collective progress are in sharp focus. The timing underscores the Federation’s strengthened standing not only regionally, but internationally.
Prime Minister and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, described the rescission as a moment of national validation.
“I am pleased with this excellent news. Over the past three years, we have strengthened due diligence, increased minimum investment thresholds, transformed the CBI Unit into a statutory body with proper oversight, implemented residency and biometric requirements, and led the establishment of a regional CBI regulatory authority. We committed to restoring integrity and international confidence in our programme, and that commitment continues to be recognised internationally. A significant cloud that once hovered over our CBI Programme has now been lifted.”
Since taking office in 2022, the administration led by Prime Minister Drew has undertaken sweeping reforms to modernise and fortify the CBI Programme. These reforms included increasing minimum investment thresholds and strengthening due diligence processes; introducing mandatory residency and biometric data requirements to enhance identity verification and traceability; and advancing the creation of a regional regulatory authority to ensure transparency, accountability, and enforcement across participating Eastern Caribbean states.
These actions formed part of a strategic roadmap initiated upon the Government’s assumption of office, aimed at securing the long-term sustainability and global standing of the CBI Programme. As early as 2023, international partners had begun to view the programme more favourably as a result of these significant reforms.
The rescission of the Advisory signals international recognition of the substantial progress made and affirms Saint Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to meeting and exceeding the highest global standards in investment migration governance.
The Government extends its appreciation to local and regional stakeholders, international partners, and the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis — both at home and in the diaspora — whose patience and support for the reforms have contributed to this achievement.
The FinCEN announcement reaffirms Saint Kitts and Nevis’ reputation as a trusted and responsible member of the international financial community, despite previous criticisms and mischaracterisations of the programme.
The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis remains resolute in safeguarding the integrity of its institutions and ensuring that the CBI Programme continues to operate with transparency, security, and the highest standards of due diligence
NIA CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS (March 05, 2026)- Final engineering designs for the Vance W. Amory International Airport expansion are nearing completion, signaling a transformative step in the Nevis Island Administration’s (NIA) strategy to increase airlift and elevate the island’s tourism industry.
Providing an update during his February 24 monthly press conference, Premier of Nevis and Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Mark Brantley, said the much-anticipated multi-million-dollar capital project is progressing following the receipt of key geotechnical data in recent weeks.
According to the Premier, the results of borehole testing carried out late in 2025 were received on February 05, clearing the way for consultants to complete the detailed design work required to advance the airport upgrade.
“Based on their own analysis of the report, our consultant, Perez Engineering, is in the process of finalizing the engineering designs specific to the upgrade of the existing runway, aprons, and proposed runway extensions toward the east and west. These boreholes were necessary so we could test the carrying capacity of the land in the area, and it will tell us what we need to do to ensure that we can cater to the aircraft that we want to cater to.”
Premier Brantley also noted that the project’s survey phase has progressed significantly. The consultant’s land surveyor spent two weeks on the island in February completing the remaining surveys, including a comprehensive topographic survey of the proposed aerodrome.
He explained that the work will facilitate completion of the overall design package, including an updated site plan and the final alignment and features of the airport’s surrounding road network.
Land acquisition for the project is also largely complete, with negotiations concluded in most areas, payments made, and the government already taking possession of the majority of the required lands. This has enabled preliminary site activities such as land clearing, borehole drilling, and surveying.
“You may also see some work being done if you drive by the area because a physical office for the project management team is currently being established. This will be located in a building just across from the airport.”
While construction will eventually impact airport operations, the Premier indicated that planning is underway to minimize disruption during the early stages of the project.
“What I’ve been told is that we will have operations continuing once we can do that safely and then at some point we will have to suspend operations because the existing runway will have to be shored up, it will have to be reinforced ,and so clearly we’ll have to suspend operations. Bear in mind that a lot of the construction that’s happening will not be directly affecting operations until later in the development. For example, when we’re doing the road realignment that should not affect operations at the airport.”
Premier Brantley also addressed questions about airline engagement, explaining that formal negotiations with carriers will begin once construction timelines are finalized.
“We have made contact but we have not started negotiations. Once we get going and we have clear timelines I think it’s a better time to speak, bearing in mind that the project suggested project timeline that we’re told is 18 to 24 months. So we should have ample time to negotiate during that period of time.”
Financing for the estimated US$45 million project has already been secured through the Government of Taiwan. However, the Premier noted that the administration is awaiting a required loan guarantee from the Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis before funds can be disbursed.
“The Taiwanese have committed funding…They have asked for a guarantee from the federal government. We have, of course, extended that request to Prime Minister [Honourable Dr. Terrance] Drew and the Federal Government. I would just want the people of Nevis to understand that the only reason for the guarantee is because Nevis does not have the international standing to go and borrow on its own, and so we require a guarantee. But the responsibility for repayment lies 100% with Nevis.
“So that is all we need right now is a signature to allow us to move forward. And I reiterate that this is no imposition on St. Kitts whatsoever. Every loan that the Federal Government has guaranteed for Nevis has been the responsibility of us, the NIA, and the people of Nevis to pay back.”
The airport expansion project is expected to generate employment during the construction phase while positioning Nevis for increased visitor arrivals once completed. Greater air traffic will also create new opportunities at the airport terminal and within the island’s wider tourism sector.
Basseterre: St. Kitts, Wednesday, March 04, 2026: The 2025-26 fifth form cohort of the Dr. Denzil L. Douglas Secondary School (DLDSS) on Wednesday March 04 engaged in a symposium geared towards preparing them for life after secondary school. The symposium, held at the Solid Waste Management Corporation Conference Room, convened under the theme Stepping Forward: Identity, Skills and Confidence for What’s Next.
Mrs. Everlene Huggins – Forbes, Head of the Guidance and Counselling Department, DLDSS clarified the purpose of the symposium.
“The Fifth Form Symposium is an annual initiative by the Guidance and Counselling Department aimed at assisting our students as they are on the cusp of transitioning beyond high school. This year’s theme is Stepping Forward: Identity, Skills and Confidence for What’s Next. We [DLDSS GC Department] choose this theme because we understand that students need to recognize that beyond academics there are other skills that are necessary for that would assist them in their holistic development.”
Mrs. Huggins – Forbes explained that the event is designed to engage students in discussions surrounding personal branding, digital footprint and reputation, building confidence and the benefits of transferable skills.
“These discussions are intended to help students understand how their behaviours, choices, attitudes, and personal development influence the opportunities that are available to them as they leave high school.”
Ms. Andreana French, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas Secondary School Principal, offered unwavering support for the initiative and communicated,
“The topic, ‘You are the Product’ resonates with me. At DLDSS, my staff and I always try to instill in our students that their attitudes, their beliefs and their actions play a key role in the product that they create. It is my hope that at the end of session one, the students understand how their attitudes affect them.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 5th March 2026)-Parents, guardians and other well-wishers recently gathered at Cradles Learning Centre located in Fortlands, Basseterre to witness the official unveiling of a “Future World Influencers!” wall, a colourful display featuring dozens of individual face photographs of students enrolled at that early childhood school.
The launch event took place following the school’s morning devotion ceremony on Monday 2nd March 2026, designed to highlight the potential of the young learners collectively from the nurseries and classrooms.
Among the parents in attendance was Kerecia Simmonds, who in speaking with reporters, described the project as both surprising and encouraging.
“I was actually shocked and I’m like ‘Wow’, this is something new. I’ve never seen this kind of thing happening…actually. It is interesting. I appreciate the fact that the students are being showcased. Everyone gets to see what is happening,” she said.
Simmonds added that being invited to participate in the moment made the experience even more meaningful for parents.
“More importantly, I like the fact that we were invited as parents, so we are part of what is happening at the school so I enjoyed that the most,” she commented.
When asked about the importance of the parent-child relationship within the school environment, Simmonds stressed that parents play a critical role in their children’s educational development.
“It is very important because, as we know, there are several stakeholders when it comes to education; not only the children and teachers but the community and most importantly the parents, and as parents we need to be involved in what’s happening with our children’s everyday life,” she noted.
School co-owner Cyril Ible Frederick, who operates the private learning centre alongside his wife Beverly ‘Teacher Bev’ Ible Frederick, explained that the unveiling was designed to further involve parents in the school’s activities while highlighting the aspirations attached to each child.
“Well, as you can see, we had this before…but this year we decided to get the parents more involved and let them see that their kids, from a simple picture that they are the future influencers as they call them now, ‘Power Brokers’; whatever you want to say and so we decided to just have a little different but extra [showcasing] so to speak… morning devotion and then come in and unveil the wall so that parents could see how the children looks on the wall,” Frederick explained.
He said the response from parents who attended the ceremony appeared positive, noting “Well, from the parents that were here, I think they were excited,” he added.
Ible Frederick also outlined the school’s interpretation of the term “Future Influencer.”
“Well, you know, an influencer is someone that’s going to shape how things are in the future. They are going to be leading; some are going to be shaping it, some are going to be leading the shape as it occurs. You know, so in other words, some will be inventors that’s going to be shaping the future, some are going to be the doctors who are going to be using some of those inventions, some of the lawyers, some of the firefighters, those are the persons that are going to dictate whether the world continues to be as it is, change for the better…those are the influencers for the future,” he said.
Another parent, Pooja Thakur (who originally hails from India), who has a three-year-old enrolled at the school, described the programme as a positive influence on young children.
“I think it’s a brilliant concept, brilliant. I am so happy that I am here in St. Kitts and I have a wonderful school for my child,” she said.
Thakur said she has already seen how the school’s activities have influenced her son’s interests.
“As Mr. Ible was telling, like you know the influencers when you were asking what influence they are putting on the kids. There are firefighters, the fire truck is coming in [to visit the school], the police officers are coming in, people from different professions are coming in to influence the kids. So my son, he aspires to become a firefighter because he is too much obsessed with the fire truck. And he is just three years old who aspires. I don’t remember I used to aspire being so young to become something so yes they are doing a very good
job,” she highlighted.
She also shared an example of how lessons learned at school have begun to shape her child’s behaviour at home.
“One thing that I have noticed I would like to talk about since the last two to three weeks is if something like the milk spills out or the water or the juice drops; even a drop if it falls so what he does he knows the cleaning cloth. He goes without disturbing me, he picks it up, he cleans it and says ‘Mama, mama I wiped it.’ So he is helping me,” Thakur said.
She added that the experience reinforced the importance of early childhood development.
“This age is very important. It is foundation. If they are shaping the kids from now, I guess they are going to be great persons,” she said.
Parents also noted that the school makes deliberate efforts to keep them involved in daily activities through projects, events and updates shared through digital platforms.
Ible Frederick said parental involvement remains a key part of the school’s view point.
“It’s very important. You know, at Cradle’s Learning Centre we try to involve our parents in as many activities, but actually the activities are there for them to participate and we encourage the participation,” he said.
He also highlighted the school’s learning values.
“We are an innovative school. We don’t go by the norms…We do a lot of things to basically let the child’s personality come out,” Ible Frederick stated.
He added that the school places emphasis on early stimulation and experiential learning, including field trips and outdoor activities that allow children to explore beyond the classroom.
“And so early stimulation in every class. That’s why we go for walks and we go for tours because the world is not just in the school, the world is outside,” he said.
As gathered, the Future World Influencers wall, displayed at the school, stands as a visual reminder of the aspirations that the educators and parents hold for the children of Cradle’s Learning Centre children whose journeys, they hope, are just beginning.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Monday 5th March 2026) – “Trinidad and Tobago or any other country being invited to a meeting [in the US] does not fragment CARICOM at all.”
That was the response, in part, from Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of St.Kitts-Nevis Dr. Terrance Drew when he addressed question from a reporter during the press conference for the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Governments of CARICOM held on Friday 27th February 2026 at the St.Kitts Marriott Hotel.
He was at the time responding to queries about whether the regional body was facing division amid reports that some member states were preparing to meet with the United States President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar seen during the arrival of CARICOM Heads of Government to the Opening Ceremony of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on Tuesday 24th February 2026 at the St.Kitts Marriott Dome in Basseterre, St.Kitts (CARICOM Photo)
The question was posed by a journalist from CBC Barbados pointed out during the line of questioning that “…we know that next week, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Guyana, are invited to meet with President Trump. Prime Minister Drew, is CARICOM today experiencing an unprecedented level of fragmentation?”
In response, Dr. Drew rejected the suggestion of division within the regional bloc.
“Thank you for your question. CARICOM is not experiencing any levels of fragmentation,” he said.
He further explained that the structure of the regional organization allows for individual foreign policy decisions by its member states.
“I think that this meeting demonstrates our commitment to CARICOM as a strong organization. CARICOM does not have a homogeneous, I would say, or a single foreign policy. That is left up to sovereign states. CARICOM might seek to coordinate, but each state, as was mentioned before, has the opportunity to determine what would be its foreign policy agenda,” he stated.
He added that CARICOM is not designed as a political union.
“If you look at CARICOM, CARICOM is not a political union and one has to also understand what CARICOM is about. And so, Trinidad and Tobago or any other country being invited to a meeting does not fragment CARICOM at all,” Dr. Drew said.
He continued: “As was mentioned before, the fact that different persons within CARICOM or different states within CARICOM can have relationships that span the whole spectrum of relationships in terms of country to country and so forth, that can actually enrich CARICOM, but it does not fracture CARICOM.”
The CARICOM Chairman also maintained that there was no evidence to support claims of division.
“There is no instance or evidence that this is fracturing CARICOM. Are there some differences? Yes, but fracturing, I think, is a very, very strong word at this particular time,” he added.
The reporter followed up with another question on regional unity, quizzing on the topic about at what point does collective positioning on major geopolitical issues, especially when it is happening within the region override national interests.
Dr. Drew responded that national interests remain central to each member state.
“I think every country acts within its national interests at any given point. I don’t know if you are referring to something else, but I don’t think anything at all would overwrite anybody’s national interest,” he said.
Returning to the earlier concern about unity within the regional body, he reiterated his position.
“But I think I come back to the heart of your question. Is CARICOM being fragmented as a result of any of this? Not at all. I think this is giving CARICOM the opportunity to look at this and look for areas in which it can strengthen itself,” Dr. Drew said.
“And these things were discussed at multiple levels but I can say CARICOM is committed to remaining as a unit, as an entity, as a viable entity for moving the Caribbean community forward, and this is not a sign of fragmentation at all,” he added.
At the close of the press conference, the CARICOM Chair also addressed the media, acknowledging that while the region faces challenges, leaders remain committed to working together.
“Your questions were relevant and your question is seeking to get the best information that could be had with respect to a number of issues and challenges that are affecting the community,”he said.
“I am not going to pretend here, and I’m sure you’re not pretending, that there are not challenges. There are challenges. I’ve never hit that and we have never hit that and we will never, ever hide that,” he stated.
“However, coming out of this meeting, acknowledging those challenges, we have worked together to ensure that we can confront them in the best manner possible,” the Chair added.
He also pointed to the participation of regional leaders at the summit as evidence of unity.
“The fact that all the full members showed up, the fact that they were part of the discussions and the deliberations, significant decisions were reached, showed that there is no fragmentation, but I would say more togetherness, even though there are challenges that we are facing at this particular time,” he said.
Dr. Drew concluded by further highlighting the region’s shared objectives.
“And the CARICOM will continue to work for the well-being of all of the people in the region. All of the leaders are committed to that. We’ll continue to work for stability, and we’ll continue to work to do our part to make this world a better place,” he said.
As the world prepares to observe International Women’s Day on March 8, the 2026 theme – “Give to Gain”- calls on societies to embrace generosity, collaboration and shared responsibility in advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls.
Traditionally, this occasion highlights the achievements of women in leadership, business, science, public service and community life. These accomplishments deserve recognition and celebration. Yet, alongside the progress that has been made, there are sobering realities that cannot be ignored.
Recent police reports detailing the separate nine-year imprisonment sentencing of two men; both charged with unlawful carnal knowledge with one of them at six (6) counts along with one (1) count of procuring drugs to perform a miscarriage have once again brought into sharp focus the vulnerabilities faced by young girls within our society. These cases serve as a stark reminder that while we celebrate the achievements of women, we must also confront the threats that undermine the safety and dignity of girls long before they reach adulthood.
If the theme “Give to Gain” is to have true meaning, then society must give something far more fundamental: protection, vigilance, and a collective commitment to safeguarding our young girls.
The safety of children has never been the responsibility of parents alone.
Caribbean societies have long embraced the concept that “it takes a village to raise a child.” That philosophy must extend beyond nurturing and education; it must include protection. Communities must become vigilant guardians against those who prey on vulnerability.
Too often, warning signs exist long before tragedies unfold. Too often, people suspect wrongdoing yet hesitate to intervene. In a small society where many know each other, silence can become complicity. When we fail to speak up, we fail the very children who depend on the adults around them to shield them from harm.
The painful memories of lives lost remind us why vigilance matters.
In June 2025, the Federation mourned the tragic death of 15-year-old Janelika Romney, who was kidnapped and stabbed to death, with an elderly man charged in connection with the crime. Her loss remains a wound in the national conscience -a reminder of how quickly innocence can be shattered.
The 2017 May/June missing person turned homicide case of 17-year-old Leanna Napoleon was also a dark troubling matter for our country as three males included her older brother with charged with the crime.
Of note, the start of this month of March marked eight years (1st March 2018) since, the nation was shaken by the horrific double murder of the Finch sisters -19-year-old Naomi and 20-year-old Jimmyliah of Keys Village. Their deaths remain etched in public memory as a symbol of how violence can abruptly extinguish young lives filled with promise.
And beyond the headlines are countless other girls and women whose stories are not always told publicly – victims of sexual abuse, exploitation and assault who must live with the trauma long after the news cycle has moved on.
These realities demand that we reflect deeply on what it truly means to celebrate women.
To “give to gain” must mean more than symbolic gestures or annual tributes. It must mean giving attention to the safety of girls in our homes, our communities, our schools and our workplaces. It must mean giving courage to speak when something seems wrong. It must mean giving support to victims who need compassion rather than silence.
When we protect our girls, we give them the opportunity to gain the full experience of life-to grow in safety, to enjoy the innocence of childhood, and to pursue their dreams without fear.
Every girl deserves the chance to become the woman she is capable of being. Every girl deserves a future defined by opportunity rather than trauma.
On this International Women’s Day, let the Federation recommit itself to the safety and dignity of women and girls. Let us strengthen the village mentality that once defined our communities- the understanding that every child matters, whether she is our daughter, our neighbour, our student, or simply a young life within our care.
Because when society gives protection, vigilance and compassion, we all gain a safer, stronger future.
Basseterre, Saint Kitts, February 25, 2026 (PMO) – History was made last evening, February 24th, at the Opening Ceremony of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as all leaders of the full Member States gathered in one place, the first time in over a decade that such full attendance has been recorded.
The milestone moment unfolded in Saint Kitts and Nevis under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, who described the gathering as both symbolic and substantive in light of current global and regional challenges.
“At a time when it seems toughest, when the seas seem rough, when those who are the critics are doing their best at criticizing and suggesting that CARICOM has lost its way… Today in Saint Kitts and Nevis in this great hall… are all the leaders of the full members of CARICOM,” the Chairman declared to sustained applause.
The Prime Minister noted that the last occasion on which all leaders convened in a single space was “over 10 years ago,” underscoring the magnitude of the moment and the clear demonstration of commitment by regional Heads.
This historic convergence follows Prime Minister Drew’s recent and unprecedented round of in-person bilateral engagements across the Caribbean. In the weeks leading up to the 50th Meeting, the Chairman traveled throughout the region, meeting Heads of Government face-to-face in their respective capitals to strengthen relationships, foster dialogue, and deepen consensus around critical regional priorities.
Reflecting on those engagements, Dr. Drew stated, “Over the past several weeks, as I’ve said before, I had the privilege of visiting many of you in every capital… I left each encounter with a renewed sense of pride in your leadership, your intellect and your unwavering commitment to this regional enterprise.”
Chairman Drew views the full slate of leaders in attendance as a powerful signal of unity at a decisive moment for the Community. Amid shifting global dynamics, supply chain disruptions, energy volatility, climate vulnerabilities, and security concerns, the Chairman emphasized that collective action remains the region’s greatest strength. “In adversity, there’s opportunity,” Prime Minister Drew affirmed, reinforcing the view that the challenges confronting the Caribbean must serve as catalysts for deeper integration and disciplined execution.
The presence of all Heads of Government at this 50th Regular Meeting signals a renewed seriousness of purpose and an acknowledgement that the work of regional development requires active, visible, and sustained leadership.
As host nation and current Chair of CARICOM, Saint Kitts and Nevis regards this historic gathering as a clear affirmation of regional solidarity and a recommitment to advancing integration, resilience, economic coordination, and collective self-reliance for the benefit of Caribbean people.
Basseterre, St. Kitts, Wednesday, February 25, 2026: Staff and Students at the Deane-Glasford Primary School proudly recognized outstanding men in the community as part of their Black History Month celebration. The initiative formed part of the school’s efforts to highlight positive male role models and celebrate the invaluable contributions of men to national and community development.
Princess Nyoka Adams, Principal, Deane-Glasford Primary School, delivered heartfelt remarks as the institution recognized outstanding male role models within the community.
“Today, we shine a light on men who represent courage, faith, entrepreneurship, discipline, and dedication. This morning, we proudly honour our awardees. Gentlemen, today we celebrate you. We thank you for the example you have set, for the doors you have opened, and for the standard of excellence you continue to uphold in St. Peter’s and beyond. Our students are watching, they are learning, and because of you, they can see what is possible.”
Mr. Theodore Phipps, recognized for his achievements in aviation, expressed deep appreciation for being acknowledged for his community and national contributions.
“Most of the time, the men in our society make valuable contributions to our society and the nation, and we do it out of genuine love for our country, and most of the time, this goes unnoticed. I feel very honoured that the Deane-Glasford Primary School has taken the time to honour the men in this society who have made valuable contributions.”
The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community involvement in education and the role of positive male leadership in shaping the next generation.
Through this initiative, Deane Glasford Primary School reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing well-rounded students who understand and appreciate the contributions of those who help build and sustain their community.
The Deane-Glasford Primary School honoured the following men for their outstanding contributions to the community and for serving as positive role models:
