The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis today (October 25) outlined its vision of a new and better way for the delivery of healthcare in the Federation, starting with the significant improvement in the services available at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, the main medical facility in the Federation.
“The public outcry on the unacceptable state of affairs in healthcare, in general, and particularly at the main hospital, will no longer fall on deaf ears. Our Labour Government is listening and has an excellent plan for providing good, affordable, and accessible healthcare services for our people,” said the Governor General’s Deputy, Her Excellency Marcella Liburd JP as she delivered the Throne Speech at the opening of the new Session of the National Assembly.
As outlined in the Throne Speech, the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party-led administration is “committed to ensuring that the JNF General Hospital is transformed into a state-of-the-art health facility. Our people will benefit from top-level care including greater access to modern services right here in the Federation. We will seek to improve and expand services in specialized areas such as oncology and dialysis treatment.”
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, under the leadership of Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, also intends to scale up the number of skilled professionals working in the healthcare system and invest in the training and recruitment of more specialist doctors and nurses.
“We will provide support to our citizens who show interest in studying to qualify as registered nurses and nurse practitioners. Our Government will ensure that the number of doctors specializing in critical areas is increased. We will provide incentives for persons training in medicine to specialize in areas that are presently lacking in the Federation, including nurse practitioners. The capacity of the healthcare system needs to be improved and we are confident that our approach would yield much better results and a modern and more efficient health system,” said Her Excellency Liburd.
Just recently, the Ministry of Health assigned a cadre of doctors to the Pogson Medical Center in Sandy Point to ensure that a doctor is physically available 24/7 at the medical facility. This measure is expected to be adopted at the Mary Charles Hospital in Molineux in the near future.
Additionally, the Government purchased a new MRI machine for the JNF General Hospital, making the service affordable and more accessible to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Advancement in the Delivery of Healthcare Services High on the Agenda of the St. Kitts & Nevis Government
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to Improve the National Security Infrastructure to Advance the Country’s Development Agenda
Understanding the link between maintaining peace and security and national development, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis will, over the next five years, overhaul and improve the national security infrastructure in St. Kitts and Nevis.
This was noted in the Throne Speech delivered by the Governor General’s Deputy, Her Excellency Marcella Liburd JP at the opening of the New Session of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Parliament today, Tuesday, October 25, 2022.
“Our Government is equally cognizant of the seamlessness between safety and security and the implementation of all aspects of development. Safety and security must be given priority as a fundamental constitutional provision in protecting the rights of our citizens. It must equally serve as a prerequisite for creating the enabling environment for delivering on the successful outcome of the diverse initiatives that have been identified to advance the nation’s development agenda,” the Throne Speech said.
In light of this, the Government will rethink the conception of security in implementing effective ways in crime prevention and detection “using modern technology to strengthen the security apparatus.”
Over the next five years the Government “will undertake an audit of the capabilities of our present security forces and commit to exploring all available options of forging meaningful partnerships with regional and international agencies to improve the nation’s security mechanism. Our Government will build on the initial outreach with the security forces and will continue its engagement to address the issues that have undermined the morale, working conditions, and professionalism of the men and women whose service is vital to creating the enabling environment for effective delivery of our strategies to build back better in the post-pandemic era.”
The advancement of the national security infrastructure in St. Kitts and Nevis will be led by Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, who holds responsibility for National Security.
Three Bills Slated to Receive Their First and Second Readings in the National Assembly on Thursday, October 27
The Order Paper has been circulated for a sitting of the National Assembly to be held at the National Assembly Chambers, Government Headquarters, Basseterre, on Thursday 27th October, 2022, at 10:00 am. Notice has been given.
The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health and Social Security, Dr. Terrance Drew, will seek leave to introduce and have read a first time Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
Additionally, the Honourable Prime Minister will move the second reading of Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
Also, The Right Honourable Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Investment, Dr. Denzil Douglas, will seek leave to introduce and have read a first time St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
The Right Honourable Minister will also move the second reading of St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
Further, the Honourable Minister responsible for Tourism, Civil Aviation, International Transport, Employment and Labour, and Urban Development, Marsha Henderson, will seek leave to introduce and have read a first time Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
The Honourable Minister will also move the second reading of Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
The National Assembly will be carried live on ZIZ Radio (96 FM) and participating radio stations. It can also be viewed live on TV Channel 5 in St. Kitts and Channel 98 in Nevis. It will also be streamed live at www.zizonline.com
Copies of Bills can be found on the website (sknis.kn) of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service under section: Parliament.
Freeman Scores Hat Trick as St. Paul’s Defends Premier League Title
It’s official: S. L. Horfords St. Paul’s are the 2021 Super Six Tournament champions after they
dismissed SOL IAS Conaree FC 5-1 in game 2 of the Super Six finals Thursday night at the
Warner Park. St. Paul’s rained down goals on Conaree, starting off with the tournament’s MVP
Keithroy Freeman in the 21 st minute, followed by Kalonji Clarke in the 41st minute to give St.
Paul’s a 2-0 lead at half time. In the second half, it was more of the same: Freeman scored St.
Paul’s third goal with a brilliant through pass, but were pegged back a bit with an own goal by
Petrez Williams; putting Conaree on the board in the 66 th minute. Perez made up for that mistake
when he scored a stunning free kick in the 81 st minute, only for Freeman to score his hat trick
with the 5th and final goal of the match in the 88 th minute. After the match, Manager of St. Paul’s
Derionne Edmeade told reporter Virgil Hodge, St. Paul’s strategy to win the championship was
to soak up the pressure and hit their opponents on the counter attack.
“All we had to do, was withhold everything that they do, stay focused, and when all that pressure
wears down, St. Paul’s were ready to jump up again,” an elated Edemade said. He suggested that
they could not afford delaying their celebrations to after a game three on Sunday, noting it was
important to win game two last night and seal the series. “Tonight, we took advantage of the
opportunities that we got. The first game, both teams missed a lot but tonight, St. Paul’s spent
some money on some nice champagne. We couldn’t’ put these back on ice…we could not do this
on Sunday. Its sweeter today,” Edemade said.
For Coach Al Richards of Conaree, his team failed to score early and hence lost the match. “I
told the players, this is a final, if we don’t score we can’t win. Goals win games. We didn’t score,
St. Paul’s scored their chances,” he said. He congratulated St Paul’s and thanked his team’s
sponsors for supporting them all the way to the finals.
This marked the end of the 2021 SKNFA Premier League and back-to-back titles for St. Paul’s.
With that win, St. Paul’s walk away with $50,000 in cash prize and several individual prizes as
well. Other prizes were:
MVP Award sponsored by St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited
Keithroy Freeman – Trophy & EC$5,000
Best Goalkeeper
Jamal Jeffers – Trophy & EC$1,000
Best Defender
Petrez Williams – Trophy & EC$1,000
Best Midfielder
Kalonji Clarke – Trophy & EC$1,000
Golden Boot
Kimaree Rogers – Trophy & $1,000
Tiquanny Williams – Trophy & $1,000
Farmers and Fishers Recognized for Their Contributions to Food Security at the 2022 Food Heroes Award Ceremony
Crop and livestock farmers as well as fishers were on Thursday (October 20) recognized for their invaluable contribution to food security in St. Kitts and Nevis at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources Annual Food Heroes Prize giving ceremony.
This year’s event, held at the St. Kitts Eco Park, was attended by farmers and fisherfolk and a number of dignitaries including the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Honourable Samal Duggins; the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas; Attorney General Honourable Garth Wilkin; the Honourable Isalean Phillip; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Miguel Flemming, and staff of the agriculture department.
In delivering remarks, Minister Duggins said he was deeply honoured to have been given the opportunity to show his own appreciation to the real “food heroes” in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I say congratulations, not because of the awards you are receiving, but for your invaluable service in feeding the nation,” said Minister Duggins.
“When the world was shocked by the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the disruption of the food supply chain, countries started to look within in terms of how [farmers and fishers] would be able to feed the nation. Luckily, we were not severely affected but we should never allow ourselves to be caught off guard.”
“At the same time, this new government recognizes that you can’t do it alone. Therefore, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives will be there to support your efforts and we are committed to addressing the underlying issues in agriculture,” the Agriculture Minister added.
Minister Duggins used his congratulatory remarks at Thursday’s event to reiterate his commitment to the transformation of the agricultural sector for the benefit of farmers, fishers, agro-processors and all other stakeholders.
He said, “As the new Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, I made a commitment to move our agriculture product forward, to transform the industry and I stand resolute, I stand committed to doing just that, and I am happy that I have the support of our government and I am also happy that I have the support of our food heroes.”
Following the minister’s remarks, awards were presented in crop and livestock farming, fisheries and cooperatives.
The Cooperative Society of the Year 2021-2022 award went to the Gideon Force Agricultural Cooperative, while the Sandy Point Agriculture Cooperative Society (SPACS) was named the Most Improved Cooperative Society.
In the crop farmers division, Denise Gillard was named Farmer of the Year. This year’s event saw the inclusion of a new award, Recognition for Women in Agriculture. This inaugural award was captured by Capisterre Women for Development.
Meanwhile, in the livestock farmers division, Mr. Terrance Decosta was announced as the Livestock Farmer of the Year.
And in the fisheries division, Mr. Ray Liddie was named the 2021-2022 Fisher of the Year, while the Newtown Fishermen Cooperative received the Fisherfolk Organization of the Year award.
Two Ngo’s Awarded Contracts to Execute Gender Empowerment Projects
Two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are poised to execute two community projects in St. Kitts under the Women’s Employment, Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion Project being administered by the Technical Mission of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
A contract signing ceremony was held on Friday (October 21, 2022) at the National ICT Center to formally provide funding for the projects ‘Hustle and Grow’ and ‘Empowering Women Living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)’.
Hustle and Grow is implemented by TabSKN Ltd under the leadership of Managing Director, Gardenia Destang Richardson. The project will see women (who were previously trained) developing projects and pitching their ideas for funding. The idea merges the concepts of two U.S. television shows – The Apprentice and Shark Tank. Mrs. Destang Richardson said that while everyone may not be successful, all will gain invaluable experience and knowledge that will help their future endeavours.
Project Empowering Women Living with Non-Communicable Diseases will be executed by Lake Health and Wellbeing and its Programme Director Abi Begho. The project delivers training and capacity building for women empowering them in various areas including financial responsibility and managing their illness while living well.
Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Michael Lin, noted that Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is proud to fund the initiatives under the Women’s Employment, Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion Project. The project started in November 2021 and is implemented in eight countries. Ambassador Lin said that the St. Kitts-based projects are the first to be approved and aligned with a key global strategy.
“The programme is also an important show of support for the global gender equality initiatives and is a response to Goal Five of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls,” the Ambassador stated. “With differing approaches, they (Hustle and Grow and The Empowering Women Living with Non-Communicable Diseases) will be important parts of advocating for women’s economic empowerment in the Federation in public health, the media and culture sectors.”
Junior Minister with responsibility for Gender Affairs, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, applauded the Government of the ROC for partnering with the local government.
“It’s really a great opportunity as it helps to stimulate our NGO sector to support the work that we are doing when it comes to women empowerment and doing that through various projects that seek to be inclusive and innovative,” she stated, offering congratulations to the participants. “Government cannot do it by itself and so we are really grateful for the opportunity to help facilitate that through the Department of Gender Affairs. We look forward to future opportunities to do that and we hope to see continued support and investment in this regard.”
The successful candidates promised to meet all the goals outlined in their projects.
Education Minister Commends the Collaborative Effort of Organizers and Stakeholders of Annual Rotary Club Spelling Bee Competition
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, commended the organizers of the 2022 Rotary Club of Liamuiga Spelling Bee Competition and applauded the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in hosting the annual event.
The Rotary Club of Liamuiga held its Annual Spelling Bee on Thursday, October 20 at the Antioch Baptist Church. Eighteen Primary Schools in St. Kitts participated in the competition.
“To the parents in particular who I know when it comes to competitions, we go the extra mile to make sure that our students or children master the art. I want to thank you for investing that time in them,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Hanley. “To my teachers, I must express sincere thanks to you as well because I know it is not too often we like to do things outside of the curriculum because of how tight it is. The fact that you continue to make the sacrifice over the years so that the Rotary Club of Liamuiga is able to put off this Spelling Bee at this high standard every year, is commendable.”
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Hanley also used the opportunity to encourage the students.
“To the participants, I want to wish each and every one of you the very best. All of you are winners and at the end of it, the experience of your participating in the 2022 Spelling Bee Competition will be worth it,” said Dr. Hanley. “As the Minister of Education, it warms my heart when we continue to see these activities taking place because we know that the investment in our children in these activities always bears fruits. Not too often do children love spelling, it is always a fearful experience.”
The Honourable Dr. Hanley said he wishes the “competition all the best and at the same time wish the organization the very best as they continue to not only develop our students but they also do quite a lot in the community.” Also important, as the Minister responsible for Aging and Disabilities, he expressed thanks and appreciation to the Rotary Club of Liamuiga for its continued work with the elderly.
Amaziah Barry of the Tucker-Clarke Primary School was declared the winner of the 2022, Rotary Club of Liamuiga Spelling Bee Competition, while Kaylah DeSilva of the Beach Allen Primary School placed second runner-up. Tying for third place were Davarie Boyles of St. Paul’s Primary and Riniel Isaac of the Dean-Glasford Primary.
Amaziah Barry Wins Rotary Club of Liamuiga 2022 Primary School Spelling Bee Competition
The Rotary Club of Liamuiga held a Primary School Spelling Bee Competition between all primary schools throughout the Federation to aid in the development of the youth. The Spelling Bee Competition is in its 17th year.
The winner of the competition was Amaziah Barry of the Tucker-Clarke Primary. Kayla Da-Silva of the Beach Allen Primary School placed second and the third place position was shared between Devarie Boyles of the St. Paul’s Primary School and Riniel Isaac of the Deane Glasford Primary School.
The Spelling Bee Competition, held on October 20, 2022, at the Antioch Baptist Church in Lime Kiln, is geared towards promoting literacy by providing children with a positive goal to work toward and giving them a forum to display the fruits of their hard work.
President of the Rotary Club of Liamuiga, Ryeburn Boyce, in an interview at the Spelling Bee, echoed this sentiment and said, “the purpose of the spelling bee is to help children improve on their literacy skills and in particular spelling, reading and language generally.”
He further added that “The aim is to help children do better when it comes to the common entrance exam and in their language development even beyond the common entrance.”
Student spellers were Nia Berry of the Immaculate Conception Catholic School; Kaylah DeSilva of the Beach Allen Primary School; Treviah James of the Bronte Welsh Primary School; Jernae Jackson of the Cayon Primary School; Rineil Isaac of the Deane-Glasford Primary School; Ababa Edwina Maccabbee of the Dieppe Bay Primary School; Joshua Wattley of the Dr William Connor Primary School; Deondra Huggins of the Edgar T Morris Primary School; Khaleem Challenger of the Epworth/Maurice Hillier Memorial Junior High; Gajiah Alexander of the Irish Town PrimarySchool; Mackela Gardener of the Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary School; Alnesha Richards of the Newton Ground Primary School; Z’Quan Mills of the Saddlers Primary School; Zaid Murray of the Sandy Point Primary School; Brandon Brisbane of the St. Kitts International Academy; Devarie Boyles of the St. Paul’s Primary School; Gabrielle Seaton of the St. Kitts Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School; Amaziah Barry of the Tucker-Clarke Primary School, and Ajanique McFarlane of the Violet Petty Primary School.
The Minister of Education and Deputy Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Chief Education Officer Mr. Francil Morris; Vice President of the Rotary Club of Liamuiga, Dr. Marcus L Natta and Past Assistant Governor, Tuffida Stewart were in attendance at the event.
SKN Consulate in Toronto launches Citizenship by Descent Drive
The Saint Kitts and Nevis Consulate in Toronto, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism, and the High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, has launched a Citizenship by Descent Drive. The Drive, which will run from Thursday, 20th October, 2022, will be geared towards first, second, or third-generation Canadians ages of 18-39 of Kittitian and Nevisian heritage. At the end of the Citizenship Drive, applicants will have a chance to win an all-inclusive vacation from December 24th – 31st, 2022.
The Citizenship by Descent Drive aims to encourage youths in Canada to become citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis by Descent and steep themselves in the islands’ idyllic stunning natural beauty, rich history, and culture, while contributing to national development with their different skill sets. This citizenship drive also includes an information session to educate all applicants about the benefits of becoming a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis the Honourable Dr. Terrence Drew said during his first press conference that the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is committed to capitalizing on the goodwill of the nation’s youth by implementing the necessary policies and opportunities in the Federation’s mainstream centred around our young people. Saint Kitts and Nevis is widely regarded as the region’s best-kept secret.
Saint Kitts and Nevis abides by the rule of law and shares rich cooperation built on shared values, multilateral and security collaborations, and strong people-to-people ties, including through tourism. The SKN Consulate will post all details of this contest on its website and all other relevant Government social media channels.
About the Contest
1. All interested parties must complete the application process, and all successful applicants will be entered into a draw to win a trip for two to the Federation
2. During the application process, all applicants will be informed about, and encouraged to join St Kitts and Nevis Youth Council in Canada.
3. Raffle entry ends on 20th November 2022
4. The Draw to pick the lucky citizen will be on 22nd November 2022.
5. The winner must be available to travel December 24th – 31, 2022
6. The winner must agree to be video/photographed by Trucapo media
Contest / Raffle prize arranged by the Ministry of Tourism
· Flight provided by Air Canada · Four days at the KOI Resort in St Kitts
· Three (3) days in Nevis provided by Nevis Tourism Authority
· TruCapo will capture photography and video
· *Experience Sugar Mas 51, INCL: Playing mass, Queen of the band, Calypso Monarch competition*
· *Activities and historical sites, Scuba diving, The Rain Forest Trek, zip lining, The St Kitts Scenic Railway, Nevis Hot Springs, Historic Nevis Bath hotel, Historical Museum, and many more*
Citizenship benefits
1. No personal income tax
2. Possession of a St. Kitts-Nevis Passport
3. Visa-free travel to over 100 countries worldwide, including the UK and European Union
4. Free to reside in St. Kitts-Nevis for any length of time
5. Dual Citizenship permitted
6. Residency is not required as a condition of Citizenship
Nevis Jr. Minister of Health Highlights Importance of Breast Health
The following is an address by Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, Jr. Minister of Health and Gender Affairs in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), to mark the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022.
October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year we use this opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of breast health. This annual month-long campaign seeks to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer not only on survivors but on their loved ones as well.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis for women worldwide. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. Although breast cancer is more prevalent among white women, black women tend to die from the disease more often. The latest breast cancer data from World Cancer Research Fund International estimate that in 2020, there were 2.26 million new cases of breast cancer in women worldwide.
In spite of the statistics, more than a third of women don’t take the time to check their breasts or consider a mammogram. Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds women (and men) that monthly breast cancer exams should be a regular part of one’s self-care. Breast self-examination is a useful and important screening tool, especially when used in combination with regular physical exams by a doctor, mammography, and in some cases ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . These combined screening methods can increase the chances of early detection.
Studies have shown that earlier diagnosis coupled with effective treatment, have led to reductions in breast cancer mortality. In fact, World Health Organization (WHO) has summarized that “Breast cancer treatment can be highly effective, achieving survival probabilities of 90 per cent or higher, particularly when the disease is identified early.” Therefore, raising awareness and understanding breast cancer risks, early signs is an important part of a public health approach for breast cancer.
A diagnosis of breast cancer touches so many lives. It is up to all of us to continue fighting for a cure and to ensure that every Nevisian has access to the quality care they need. As the Minister with the responsibility for Health and Gender Affairs, we seek to provide education, treatment, and support services to those living with all stages of breast cancer.
The Ministry has started the process of procuring a mammogram machine which is an important tool to be used in the fight against breast cancer. It will be part of our screening services available at Alexandra Hospital.We continue to applaud organizations such as Pink Lily Cancer Care, Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation and Reach for Recovery Breast Cancer Support Services who are also dedicated to providing financial assistance, information, and hope for cancer patients and their loved ones, and who continue to partner with us in our many initiatives.
We are all in this together.