The Geothermal Project is again back on the table for the government of St Kitts and Nevis and the Caribbean Development Bank has joined the conversation.

On Wednesday 19^th October, 2022, Sharon Rattan and Daryll Lloyd, Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries of Environment and Energy respectively, met with representatives from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to discuss the possibility of finally exploring the potential of Geothermal Energy as another source for renewable energy.

PS Rattan said the newly-elected government has prioritized the exploration of alternative renewable sources, and with Cabinet’s full support, St Kitts and Nevis will create a roadmap to support the reduction of fuel prices as well as the decrease in emissions in the atmosphere.

To this end, PS Rattan and Lloyd, as well as representatives from SKELEC and the Department of Energy, met with a six-member team from the CDB led by Christopher Straughn, Sustainable Energy Specialist.

Other members of the team included experts in legal, environmental, gender affairs, and financial analysis.

Presentations were made on the project’s background, its stages on financing, and the critical steps required to advance the Federation’s strategic energy goals. The journey begins with the support of a grant to the Nevis Island Administration through the CDB.

Pending approval by the CDB, the next stage is the drilling of production wells in Nevis.

The CDB team also met with Attorney General Hon. Garth Wilkin and the Ministry of Finance.

The mission will conclude with a presentation to the Cabinet on Monday 24^th October, 2022.

Jalen Monzac and Iana Franks were introduced as the new CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) for St. Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, during an induction ceremony held at the Department of Youth Empowerment.

CARICOM Youth Ambassadors (CYAs) are a regional network of young Caribbean nationals mandated by CARICOM Heads of Governments to advocate for and educate young people about regional priorities such as AIDS and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

Director of Youth Empowerment, Pierre Liburd, who served as a CYA in the early 2000s, said that the opportunities presented to the young people through this programme are extremely beneficial.

“Once you apply yourself and remain focused on the objectives which are to truly, honestly, represent young people – their dreams, aspirations, views and positions and you articulate that through the decision-making processes that you will be exposed to at the national, regional, and often international level you will do yourself, the young people and the nation proud,” Mr. Liburd said.

Junior Minister responsible for Youth Development, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, congratulated the duo on their appointment. She said that the staff at the Department of Youth Empowerment are extremely excited to work with the team and looks forward to hearing their ideas.

“I hope that you both have that fire and that spark and are ready to really take the ideas that you have as young leaders and be able to impact your communities,” the Junior Minister stated.

Honourable Phillip added that she previously served as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and established valuable networks that still exist today.

“I want to encourage you and look forward to your leading engagements because we are here to do work,” she said. “The future is bright, and I have every confidence in both of you based on my own interactions.”

The CYAs will serve for the next two years. They will be supported by a corps of ambassadors made up of 11 young persons.

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew and other Heads of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will tackle myriad issues over the next two days (October 19-20) as they participate in the 72^nd Meeting of the OECS Authority being held in Montserrat.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew, who made his inaugural address to the august body on October 19, said that a number of critical issues to be discussed include the Portability of Social Security Benefits; Contingent Rights Policy Implementation; Capacity Building for officials, and the finalization of an OECS Unique Identification Card.

“An important part of the discussion should also include a strategy for enhancing the viability and sustainability of our Citizenship by Investment Programmes. Many of our countries are dependent on the revenues generated by this programme but we must not be short-sighted or sell our countries short,” said Dr. Drew. “We must be cognizant of the risks associated with devaluing our programme and develop a united approach which will ensure the viability and continued success of the programme for all our Member States who are involved and all of our citizens who benefit and will continue to benefit.”

In addition to the opportunities, there are several challenges that should not be overlooked. These challenges, Dr. Drew noted, must be addressed in earnest.

“It is difficult for us to achieve our development objectives if we ignore the challenges posed by the proverbial elephant in the room – Glaring gaps in our intra-regional transportation sector. An efficient and sustainable transportation system will yield benefits for investment, trade and movement of people- two pillars of our regional integration movement,” said the honourable Prime Minister.

Realizing that the region cannot have an efficient economic union without addressing these issues, Prime Minister Drew reaffirmed St. Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to strengthening the OECS Economic Union.

Minister of Environment and Climate Action, Senator the Hon Dr. Joyelle Clarke, will be travelling to the Bahamas on Wednesday, 19^th October 2022, on an invitation to address young professionals from across the region on the complexities of the water, wastewater, and the solid waste sectors.

 Wastewater is classified as water already used in the home, business, or industrial places. The Young Professionals Network, a subsidiary of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), is convening its 31^st annual conference and exhibition.
 
Its objective is to be the common ground where young professionals can have their voices heard on matters of water, wastewater, and solid waste.
 
The Young Professionals Network seeks to, among other things, promote context-specific water and waste resources management awareness and behaviour-change communication campaigns; influence water and sold waste-related policies, plans, and laws at the local and regional levels. It also intends to table the advancing and promoting research that leads to efficient and advanced technology use within the water and wastewater sectors.
 
In response, Hon. Dr Joyelle Clarke is profoundly humble at the invitation and welcomes Youth and climate activism in climate justice as significant actions for climate resilience.
 
She said, “Presently, with all, that’s happening globally: climate change, COVID, and conflicts, we must think towards long-term strategies that will bring an environmental agenda to the fore. It is no secret that I am passionate about the environment. I intend to use this passion and training to remain true to my calling to effect positive and sustainable change.”
 
Executive Director of the CWWA, Wayne Williams, said his organization believes that Dr. Clarke is the perfect fit to address the Youth at this year’s Conference and Exhibition as he believes she will ignite enthusiasm within the future generation.
 
Williams said, “CWWA considers your diverse background as a young female in academia, politics, and leadership an invaluable asset, which will allow you to address a diverse cohort of youth.”
 
The theme for this year’s conference is “Recovery and Evolution.” It will take place on Thursday, October 20 in Nassau, Bahamas.

Winston ‘Zack’ Nisbett, Keeper of Zack’s Historical-Cultural Library and Museum (located at Buckley’s Estate) is currently making book donations to students at primary schools involved in cultural troupe development so as to encourage the importance of reading for personal and academic growth.  

In an exclusive interview with this media house on Tuesday 18^th October 2022, Nisbett, a cultural preservationist nicknamed ‘De Doctor of Culture’ informed that the recipients of the items are those particular students and by extension the classrooms of grades one and two. Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary in Molinueux, Violet Petty Primary in Lodge Village and St. Paul’s Primary have been among the recipient schools.

“Since last year I’ve been doing this. I decided to contribute to the primary schools which I assist in terms of the cultural development like the David and Goliath and Mummies troupes.  Last school term, I gave a huge collection of books to the David and Golaiths in the groups at the Joshua Obadiah  Williams Primary. That troupe was sponsored by Fraites & Sons Bakery. Prior to that, I gave some books to the Violet Petty Primary. Not only just the children but the entire classroom because even though the other students are not participating in the cultural troupes, I make sure to give all of them at least one book. The reason for doing this, it just got in me to demonstrate the giving ability to the children in terms of education because reading, I always indicate to them, is essential and one of the persons I like to emulate is the late Robert Bradshaw-one of national heroes and the first one,” he commented.  

Nisbett continued: “Sir Robert academically had no sort of certificates that were required for overseas as one would have termed, and so he would have been versed in reading and through his reading abilities, he was able to accomplish the Ministry of Finance in the West Indies Federation not only that but he became the Premier of St.Kitts and that is a big thing for an ordinary citizen who got two seven-standard certificates; that’s all he had but his reading comprehension skills  gave him the impetus to advance himself. He was a top orator and his articulation and everything was superb. Reading is what helped; he was versed on any topic.” 

“My library has a plethora of books and I thought it would be so nice to assist the children in reading because I’ve been around them even the musical group, the string band. Some of the children you want to help them not just in the dramatic area  but you want to help them in the development of their education well-being because I find that some of them have some challenges in reading in most of the schools that I go to. For others [other schools], I will give as well as it comes to bear.”

Nisbett shared that he intends on doing ongoing book donations. 

“I will contribute all the time to them because my library has a plethora of books from all eras; my personal books, books that were given to me  by distinguished personalities when I got into this field and also still books are coming from persons from the ECCB [Eastern Caribbean Central Bank], sometimes and friends who have books and want to donate them and so I in turn contribute them to others mostly to the children who need that type of support in helping them to read because sometime when they have skits to rehearse some of them have difficulties following and so it’s only fair if they practice reading and improve themselves, and I always encourage them to take up any bit of paper and read because that is how-as I have indicated- Bradshaw and other were able to elevate themselves.” 

‘De Doctor of Culture’ spoke further about his interest in helping the youths and encourage others concerned including teachers to encourage the children in reading. 

“My job is to help them and ensure that they understand the basic words and how to execute them. If they take time with children and encourage them, they will come out on top, and that’s all it takes just give them the books and encourage them and as time goes on, they will improve themselves. I have a duty, and you see money ain’t all; every little counts and when you do good, it comes back to you. I feel good doing that and the more books I get, the more I will be giving out.” 

According to Nisbett: “Some teachers at other schools are questioning ‘Well how come he [Nisbett] ain’t bring none by my school’ but I will choose the right time to get around to other schools.” 

A parent of a student from among the two-groupings annual Warren C. Tyson Memorial Scholarship Programme -provided by TDC Group of Companies Ltd.- has expressed gratitude for the academic assistance for her daughter who has just started high school. 

“It’s a blessing from the Lord; I give thanks to the TDC group and I hope that the success that she receives will continue on her journey. It’s great opportunity; it helps them to grow in being independent and then to work harder as well. She has said that she wants to become a manager so hopefully as she goes through with the Grace of God and she keeps it up and continue the journey,” commented Jessica Wallace during a recent interview with this media house. 

Her daughter Julissa Doras, a first former of the Gingerland Secondary School is a runner-up in the programme, expressed “Thank you” regarding the scholastic award.  

On Saturday 15^th October 2022, eight (8) new high school students in St. Kitts-Nevis-from both islands- were inducted into the Warren C. Tyson Memorial Scholarship Programme provided by TDC Group of Companies Ltd. while there were eight more in the runners-up category for the Financial Services Academic Excellence Award. 

The induction ceremony held at the TDC Training Room at its head office on Fort Street in Basseterre. 

The awardees of the are: Arad Audler (Charlestown Primary)- Charlestown Secondary; Jadenique Griffin (Ivor Walters Primary)- Gingerland Secondary); Kenejah David (Bronte Welsh Primary)- Basseterre High School; Colois Duke (Joshua Obadiah Williams)- Cayon High School; Aaliyannah Byron (Newton ground Primary)- Charles E. Mills Secondary School; Jayden Warner (Estridge Primary)- Saddlers Secondary School; Antonya Bedford (Tyrell Williams Primary)-Verchilds High School and Kimaya Phipps (Tucker Clark Primary)-Washington Archibald High).  

The eight runners-up in the Financial Services Academic Excellence Award are: Janiyah Campbell (Ivor Walters Primary)- Charlestown Secondary Primary; Julissa Doras (Violet Jeffers Nicholls Primary)- Gingerland Secondary School; J’Myah Richardson (Tucker Clarke Primary)- Basseterre High School; Marquel Greene (Joshua Obadiah Williams Primary)-Cayon High School; Makeisha James (Sandy Point Primary)- Charles E. Mills Secondary School); Jewel Nisbett (Saddlers Primary School)-Saddlers Secondary School); Nalexcia Hazel (Dr. Williams Connor Primary)-Verchilds High School and Hanser De La Cruz (Irish Town Primary). 

In each grouping, two students hail from Nevis.  

At the ceremony, each student received their scholarship certificates and awards. 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Earle Kelly in his remarks said 257 students have benefitted from the programme to date. 

“Over the years since 1981, we have invested just around $6 million…That’s a lot of money by any stretch of the imagination. There are currently two fifty-seven (57) students who are in the programme enjoying the benefits that we offer, and every year we spend approximately $100,000 and that’s money we think is well spent but like any other investment we need some returns,” he stated during his remarks. 

He then encouraged the students to behave in and out of school and also called on the parents to do their part. 

“We are not asking for much. All that we’re asking for is for students the beneficiaries behave themselves in school and out of school. So parents I’m just warning you. This is something I say every year [it bears] repetition… it’s very very important. It’s your responsibility to train your children to manage their affairs in every respect…” 

Additionally, Human Resource Manager Gloria Esdaille Robinson Spoke about the partnership with the Ministry of education to select suitable applicants for the programme over the years.  

As explained by her: “Through the Ministry of Education working through our schools, you headmistress or headmasters would have nominated you for our scholarship programme. Those applications would have then been transferred to the Ministry of Education who would have then forwarded them on to us. Our process here at TDC is one in which we want to interact with every single applicant that we receive for the programme so you would recall coming to us and interviewing with a number of our current staff members and at the end of that process…the winner would have been chosen based on the requisite needs, the financial needs as well as the academic potential that we see in the interview. Hence today we are seeing to groupings of students. The first are the winners of the WTC scholarship programme and then the runners-up…” 

Orvis Pogson, the young man convicted for the March 2018 double murder of the finch sisters from the keys community has been slapped with life in prison sentence. 

Killed were 19-year-old Naomi ‘Hope’ Finch and 20-year-old Jimmyliah ‘Sunshine’ Finch. 

A source at the Police Public Relations Department on Wednesday 19^th October 2022 revealed that “I have been informed that Orvis Pogson got a sentenced to whole life term.” 

Pogson of Keys Village, who was 34-years-old at the time was charged for the murder of the sisters on Saturday 3^rd March. 

The autopsy results indicated that one sister was strangled while the other died from chop wounds with part of her head cut off. 

According to police, the post-mortem examinations conducted by Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Valery Alexandrov on Monday 5th March determined that the death of 19-year-old Naomi Finch was due to “homicidal manual strangulation while her sister, 20-year-old Jimmyliah Finch died from multiple homicidal chop wounds with partial decapitation.” 

As understood, Pogson was the boyfriend of the younger sister (Naomi) 

Reportedly, on the day in question, police responded to a report of a stabbing. 

Upon arrival, they found the motionless bodies of the two sisters lying close to the seashore with what appeared to be chop wounds. 

The older sister who was member of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force had recently given birth to a baby who was a month old. 

The District Medical Officer visited the scene and pronounced both dead. 

The double killing sent shockwaves throughout the Federation while many expressed sadness and anger over the incident.  

The Cabinet Ministers met under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, on Monday 17^th October 2022 and made several significant decisions to improve the well-being of our people.

The following are the decisions taken: 

1. Cabinet has approved the repeal of the COVID-19 (Prevention and Control) Act by way of an amendment to the Public Health Act. On passage of the amendment in the National Assembly, all COVID-19 legislative protocols will be discontinued, including the requirement to wear face coverings. However, your Government encourages the wearing of face coverings in hospitals and health centers. If any further COVID-19 health protocols are needed, they can be enacted by way of the proposed amended Public Health Act.

2. Secondly, additional funds were approved for the Ministry of Health to support the operation and maintenance of the hospital services within the Federation including the purchase of pharmaceutical and medical supplies. Your government is ensuring that the health services sector can function at its optimal capacity.

3. Cabinet has approved the establishment of a “Promotion for Experienced and Proficient Taskforce” charged with gathering evidence and conducting research, to recommend policies for a robust appointment and promotion mechanism in the Civil Service.

This mechanism will contemplate persons who have been working for many years, gained specific technical knowledge, obtained professional training but have not obtained an undergraduate degree.

This initiative creates the opportunity to co-construct cultural change in the Civil Service and signals your Government’s commencement of transparent and professional public sector reform.

Finally, Cabinet was informed that Representative for Nevis 9 Hon. Mark Brantley was appointed Leader of the Opposition by His Excellency the Governor-General on Monday 10^th October 2022.

Senator the Honourable Isalean Phillip, Junior Minister of Gender Affairs in the Federal Government, officially launched Nevis’ Boys Mentorship Programme on Tuesday, 18^th October 2022, at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park.

The programme is being piloted at the Nevis International Secondary School by the Nevis Island Administration’s Department of Gender Affairs. It is grounded on five pillars including mentor-mentee relationships; skills training; job attachment; community service, and scholarship opportunities.

“I am really encouraged and it’s really rewarding to see programmes like these being executed because as we strive to advance ideals of gender equality and eliminate things like violence against women, we really do need to have our men and boys on board,” said Minister Phillip. “The pillars are very important in terms of the social skills… and also providing opportunities for advancement in education. And so, mentees, boys, young men, please take advantage of the opportunities and everything that comes here because we don’t often see opportunities like this come for our boys, but I think this is the start of that shift and that change.”

Junior Minister Phillip commented on the overall objective of the programme “Building Boys Excellence” adding that mentorship is extremely important.

“The value of young people being able to connect and to see something different, something that represents character traits that they may not get in their households or communities – that is what mentorship brings. I want to stress that it is even more important for our men,” she said. “We need to break these gender stereotypes, these notions of toxic masculinity and we don’t talk about them enough, but they are really what contributes to all of these issues and challenges that we have in society when it comes to the violence that we see against women and even against men, so it is really important that we strengthen our mentorship programmes,” Minister Phillip added.

Senator Phillip stressed the importance of both ministries working together, adding that she is very pleased about the partnership established between St. Kitts and Nevis in terms of gender affairs.

“That is a positive relationship that you can count on. I will encourage the advising council to never be afraid to learn from the best practices, learn from the mistakes because we want to strive to, of course, do better,” said the minister. “Where there are opportunities to do that, and to learn from mistakes that St. Kitts’ programme may have had, or the challenges or even the successes, please use the opportunity to do that and know that we are very willing to be able to support in every way,” said the minister.”

The opportunity for Minister Phillip to launch Nevis’ Boys Mentorship Programme follows on from the commitment of the Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew to strengthen and improve the relationship between both islands.

The First Sitting (Opening of Parliament) of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly is scheduled for Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort Royal Ballroom in Frigate Bay.
 
The Sitting will be preceded by a Guard of Honour which will take place at 9:30 am in the Grand Plaza.
 
In accordance with Section 46 (1) of the Constitution of St. Christopher and Nevis, the Governor-General will read the Proclamation summoning the New Session of the National Assembly.
 
Following the Proclamation, a new Speaker of the House will be elected and subsequently a Deputy Speaker.  
 
Following the administering of the Oath/Affirmation of Allegiance by Members, His Excellency the Governor General Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton will deliver the Throne Speech.
 
At his first press conference on Monday, October 17, Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew hinted at the possibility of the new Speaker of the House being a female.
 
Prime Minister Drew said, “We understand that gender equality is essential for economic prosperity. You can look forward to equal involvement in our government system. As a matter of fact, there is a high possibility that we will have a female Speaker of the House and there is also the prospect of our first female Governor-General. Let’s stay tuned for announcements. You can look forward to the new opening of Parliament on Tuesday, 25th October, 2022, and we encourage all to tune in.”
 
The governing St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party has a majority of six elected representatives in the lawmaking body. The Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) has three, while both the People’s Action Movement (PAM) and the People’s Labour Party each have one.
 
The opening of the new session of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly will be broadcast live on ZIZ Radio, ZIZ TV and via the Facebook and YouTube platforms of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) and ZIZ.