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Officials: PAM Open to Another Election Team Up

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Officials: PAM Open to Another Election Team Up

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 20th March 2025) -The People’s Action Movement (PAM) party has signaled its willingness to collaborate with another political party ahead of the next general elections, according to remarks made by party officials at a press conference held on Wednesday 19th March 2025 at PAM Headquarters.

Speaking at the event, former PAM leader Dr. Shawn Richards indicated that while the party is focused on its independent efforts, it remains open to considering working with another party “if necessary”.

Former PAM Leader Dr. Shawn Richards speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday 19th March 2025 at PAM Headquarters (Source: Youtube.com/PAMSKOFFICIAL)

“I do believe that PAM is very much capable of winning the next general election. It is going to take work, it is going to take identifying candidates for the various constituencies, and they need to begin to do the work. The fact is that the people have seen the performance of this government, and persons have been left wanting. This government has failed the people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Richards stated.

He emphasized that the party is committed to addressing national concerns, stating: “PAM is doing the necessary work to ensure that PAM is able to go back into government. The motto of PAM has been putting people first. That is indeed what we are committed to doing.”

Richards also noted that PAM has historically demonstrated a capacity to collaborate with other political organizations.

 “Perhaps the only political party within the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis which has demonstrated that it has the capacity to work with any political party throughout the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. And so we are open to the idea, if necessary, to look at the elections then and determine if it is in our best interest to work with any of the other political parties.”

PAM’s current leader, Natasha Grey-Brookes, echoed Richards’ sentiments, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to return to government.

“I too agree with Dr. Richards that the People’s Action Movement will be returned to office after the next general election. We are putting in the work. We are ensuring that we put all the necessary things in place, making sure that our people are trained. We are finalizing some of our candidates. And so we know that this is not going to be an easy walk through the park,” she said.

Regarding potentially working with other parties, she stated: “Even when we had a majority, even when we had six seats, we were willing to work with different political parties. We are willing to do that if it is necessary, but it is based on trust. We must ensure that our ideas and our philosophies are not too different because we are not going to make our people suffer for the sake of joining with anyone. The people matter most, and whatever decision the People’s Action Movement makes, it must be for the people.”

In the February 2015 General Elections, the newly formed three-party Team Unity coalition-comprising PAM, the People’s Labour Party (PLP) and Nevis’ the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM)-secured victory, unseating the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) and forming the new government led by Dr. Timothy Harris of PLP with Dr. Richards as a Deputy Prime Minister. 

However, in the lead-up to the August 2022 elections, the coalition dissolved amid public disputes and allegations directed at the PLP by its former partners. All three parties contested the election independently, and the SKNLP, led by Dr. Terrance Drew, won six seats-namely in St. Christopher One, Two, Three, Four, Six and Eight- securing the government.

Meanwhile, Dr. Richards (then PAM Leader) and PLP leader and Dr. Harris retained their respective seats in St. Christopher Five and Seven.

Police High Command Joins Division C for Community Walkthrough in Charlestown, Nevis

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Police High Command Joins Division C for Community Walkthrough in Charlestown, Nevis

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 06, 2025) – Members of the High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) joined officers of Division ‘C’ in Charlestown, Nevis, for a community walkthrough on February 26, 2025.

The walkthrough covered the areas of Stoney Grove, Ramsbury, and Craddock Road, where officers engaged with residents, listened to their concerns, and discussed measures to enhance public safety.

Superintendent Alonzo Carty, Divisional Commander for Nevis, highlighted that residents were candid about their concerns, particularly regarding poor street lighting and disturbances caused by loud music from certain premises.

Members of the High Command of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and officers of Division ‘C’ participate in a community walkthrough in Charlestown, Nevis on February 26, 2025- (l-r) Superintendent Alonzo Carty, Divisional Commander for Nevis; Commissioner of Police James Sutton; and Assistant Commissioner Travis Rogers
Superintendent Alonzo Carty, Divisional Commander for Nevis engages with residents in Charlestown during a Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force High Command community walkthrough in Charlestown, Nevis on February 26, 2025
Members of Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force High Command participate in a community walkthrough in Charlestown, Nevis on February 26, 2025

“The reception from residents was amazing. They interacted well and openly shared their concerns,” Superintendent Carty stated.

The High Command contingent included Commissioner of Police James Sutton and Assistant Commissioners Dr. McCarta Browne, Andre Mitchell, and Travis Rogers, and administrative personnel.

A statement from the RSCNPF reaffirmed their commitment to community policing, “We will continue to prioritize community policing as we work together to build safer and stronger neighborhoods. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts with us.”

Superintendent Carty assured residents that this initiative is ongoing, as Division C officers conduct monthly walkthroughs in various communities across the island.

Meanwhile, on March 03, officers from Division C, along with members of the Task Force Unit, the Traffic Department, and the Beat and Patrol Unit, conducted a targeted traffic enforcement operation along Samuel Hunkins Drive, Charlestown.

The operation resulted in 29 tickets being issued for various traffic offences, including:

  • • Thirteen (13) tickets for driving without a seatbelt.
  • • Ten (10) tickets for dark tinted windows.
  • • Three (3) tickets for passengers not wearing seatbelts.
  • • Two (2) tickets for children not wearing seatbelts.
  • • One (1) ticket for driving or keeping for use an unlicensed vehicle.

The RSCNPF continues to urge all motorists and residents to adhere to traffic laws and community regulations to ensure a safer Nevis for all.

TDC Home and Building Depots partner with Micro Milling Limited to host Informational Product Launch Seminar

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TDC Home and Building Depots partner with Micro Milling Limited to host Informational Product Launch Seminar

Contractors, architects, property managers, and tilers from across St. Kitts and Nevis were given the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills through a corporate partnership with the TDC Home and Building Depots and the Trinidad based company, Micro Milling Limited.

The companies hosted a two-day informational product launch seminar, that included a variety of new products activity on Tuesday 24th February in St. Kitts and Wednesday 25th March 2025 in Nevis, which were facilitated by Mr. Kerwin Clarke (Export Sales Executive) and Mr. Stanley Tempro (Manager) who showcased a variety of thin set, grout, concrete and, plaster mix, and Micro Level 5000, a self-leveling underlayment. 

Participants also learned about product selection, surface preparation, tile setting, using industry standards for thin set application techniques and best practices from a “Trowel and Error” presentation and hands on demonstration.

Mr. Stanley Tempro, Manager, Micro Milling Limited speaking to participants on the importance of thin set application

In speaking about the event, Mr. Clarke stated, “We are happy to partner with the TDC Home and Building Depots to provide the stores, and by extension their customers with our products, share our knowledge, and experience. These forums have created an additional avenue for industry professionals (and staff at the retail stores) to be equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help them stay ahead of the curve to elevate their projects.”

Ms. Jhanelle Brown, the Acting TDC Client Relations and Marketing Manager, also spoke of the importance of the activity and its benefits to the customer experience within the retail stores.

“We are happy to host this collaborative informational seminar and launch. Our local experts in the construction and home improvement sectors are now equipped with knowledge and understanding, backed by experience and industry standards that will ensure quality and efficiency of their projects. Additionally, our staff who participated in the in-house component will now be better able to advise and recommend Micro Milling products to meet our customers’ needs, whether they are building a home, remodeling, or just looking to improve their home or office space.”

The activity forms part of a collaborative effort by the TDC Home and Building Depots and its local, regional, and international suppliers to educate industry professionals, and staff about products and services available within the marketplace.

New Smart Electricity Meters To Give Consumers Greater Control Over Energy Usage In Saint Kitts

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New Smart Electricity Meters To Give Consumers Greater Control Over Energy Usage In Saint Kitts

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, March 06, 2025 (SKNIS) – Minister of Energy, the Honourable Konris Maynard, has announced that the government, through the St. Kitts Electricity Company Limited (SKELEC), will soon begin an island-wide initiative to replace all electricity meters with advanced smart meters.

This transition will be powered by the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system—an integrated network that enables two-way communication between utility providers and customers. The AMI system collects, stores, and analyses energy consumption data in real-time, allowing SKELEC to monitor electricity usage more efficiently.

Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Press Conference with Cabinet Ministers on March 06, 2025, Minister Maynard emphasised the transformative impact of these new smart meters on Saint Kitts’ energy sector.

“We will now be able to monitor everything that is happening with the energy going in and out of your homes. These are smart meters and so they now can be controlled and observed from a control center. So billing can be more regular and it’s going to be completely accurate and this will eliminate the issues of errors associated with reading the meters,” he stated.

One of the key benefits of the new meters is their ability to integrate with renewable energy systems, allowing consumers to generate and sell electricity back to the grid.

“Very shortly, we should be unveiling our Feed-in Tariff Policy which would mean that you can invest in renewable energy products at your home—whether it is a small wind turbine or solar panels—and you can get into an agreement to produce energy for SKELEC,” Minister Maynard added.

Additionally, the new system will introduce flexible billing options, including a prepaid feature that will allow consumers to manage their electricity expenses more effectively.

“There will be the possibility of a pre-paid and a postpaid arrangement just like your mobile phone. You can decide if you want to put on $100 this month and you manage how that $100 is used. You would be able to get alerts and follow as to where that is so that you can actually see your usage over time and understand what you need to disconnect or connect in your house to be able to manage your energy usage effectively,” the minister added.

With the AMI smart meter system, consumers will have greater control over their electricity usage, reducing the likelihood of service disconnections.

This project represents a major step toward modernising Saint Kitts’ energy infrastructure and improving efficiency at SKELEC.

Grey-Brookes: PAM to Unveil Candidates Ahead of June Convention

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Grey-Brookes: PAM to Unveil Candidates Ahead of June Convention

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 5th March 2025) -Leader of The People’s Action Movement (PAM) and candidate for St.Christopher One, Natasha Grey-Brookes, has announced that the party will unveil candidates ahead of its upcoming convention slated for June 2025 in preparation for the next general elections.

“…we are having a convention coming up in June… and before then, you will have candidates announced because we want those candidates to bring their crowds and bring their energy to our convention,” she stated while speaking as a guest on the weekly ‘Unfiltered’ programme aired live on WINN FM on Sunday 2nd March with host Azard Gumbs, the party’s Deputy Political Leader. 

Grey-Brookes revealed that the selection process has already begun in certain constituencies, particularly in St. Christopher Two and St. Christopher Four.

 “…the process has started in some constituencies, namely constituency number four and number two. And so, at least those are the low-hanging fruits, and we know that very soon there will be announcements in relation to who those candidates are. I am excited to build up my team because I know that I cannot save this nation alone. I will need the help of a strong, vibrant and energetic team and I’m excited to get them on board and into the public,” she commented.

Of note, Gumbs- who is the immediate past Chairman of the Constituency’s executive committee- informed that he has submitted an application to become a candidate for St. Christopher Four.

“…in constituency number four, there are changes that are going to be made. As I said before, I have announced my candidacy, I have made it known, and because the time is near, the selection for the candidate is very close  and that’s why in number four you’ll be seeing a new executive body in operation for the election, selection appointment of the next candidate for constituency number four. And again, when it is done, I, of course, have placed my application forward and that at the end of the day, I would like that as had been indicated that no one can say, he who received the application  and wanted to be the candidate  is the person reviewing the application,” he said.

On the topic of coalition as raised by a caller, Grey-Brookes emphasized that while PAM remains open to working with other political parties, any alliance must align with the party’s principles and values.

“The People’s Action Movement have worked with parties before. We are not about ourselves. We are about the people of this great nation. And so, if it is that we have to work with other parties to get the best results for St. Kitts and Nevis, we will do that. But again, it can’t be as a compromise. We understand the agreements that we’ve been in before. We’ve learnt from all of them, and the people have benefited from all of them, and so again, any decision to go into any agreement has to be well-informed, well-thought-out, and for the benefit of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and not to compromise our values. We will not compromise our values,” she expressed.

The PAM leader also reaffirmed her personal commitment to seeking the highest office in the federation, stating that any political leader’s ambition should be to serve as Prime Minister.

“As I was saying before, any political leader of any party, their ambition must be to become the Prime Minister. And so, Natasha Grey-Brookes’ intention is to become the Prime Minister of this federation, coalition or not. I will continue to do the work,” she stated.

Addressing criticisms and speculation about her electability, Grey-Brookes responded: 

“I’m seeing and hearing all kinds of attacks on my name in relation to whether I can or cannot. This lady from Newtown is not to be deterred…she is not to be distracted. Yes, I did not win the last election when I ran; everybody understands the circumstances under which those elections were held but trust me, I’m putting in the work even more than the last election.  We are doing our best as a party to make sure we get the best candidates for the job because we are not going in this thing to lose …The People’s Action Movement will continue to do the necessary to ensure that we are in government after the next election.”

Two New Plants Commissioned At Government Quarry To Boost Efficiency And Production Capacity

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Two New Plants Commissioned At Government Quarry To Boost Efficiency And Production Capacity

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 04, 2025 (SKNIS) – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis officially commissioned two newly acquired plants at the Quarry Division of the Public Works Department today, March 04, 2025, significantly enhancing the output capacity of the 40-year-old facility. A brand-new Rokbak Truck was also commissioned during the ceremony.

The POWERSCREEN Secondary Crushing Plant and the POWERSCREEN Screening Plant will ensure a steady supply of aggregates to meet the increasing demand in the country’s growing construction sector.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Daryll Lloyd, emphasised that these upgrades were critically needed, as the Quarry Division remains the single largest provider of aggregates in Saint Kitts and Nevis—materials that are essential to the construction industry.

“The Public Works Department was able to purchase a modern primary crushing plant in the early part of 2024, to replace the 35-year old previous plant. However, it became necessary to purchase a matching secondary crushing plant to gain more efficiency and output due to increased demand in the local construction industry for aggregates of various sizes,” Mr. Lloyd stated.

The new secondary crushing plant can process up to 250 tons of material per hour—a significant upgrade from the older machines, which could only handle 80 tons. Additionally, the new screening plant will ensure that aggregates are sorted into the correct sizes for various construction projects.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Konris Maynard, described the acquisition and commissioning of the new equipment as a pivotal moment in the evolution of the country’s infrastructure sector.

“With these new additions, the Quarry’s output is set to increase by over 300 percent. This incredible boost in production capacity will ensure that we can meet the demands of future infrastructure projects, avoid costly delays, and most importantly, reduce construction cost,” Minister Maynard stated, while revealing that a new excavator for the Quarry Division is currently en route to Saint Kitts.

Moreover, he noted that the aggregates produced at the Quarry will now be of higher quality than ever before.

“By increasing our capacity and improving the quality of our product, we can ensure that the finished products such as concrete and masonry blocks are of the highest quality for both the consumer market and specialised projects,” the minister added.

Minister Maynard concluded that these advancements at the Government Quarry represent a strategic investment in the nation’s future, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the continued growth and development of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Citizen Security Officials: Youths Observe Need For Family Counselling

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Citizen Security Officials: Youths Observe Need For Family Counselling

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 6th March 2025)- “We had an engagement in one community and some of the youths were saying that they know that there are issues that are in their household and the parents did not know or do not want to take the approach to do stuff like counselling for the parents…”

Coordinator of the Citizen Security Secretariat Eartha Carey said so in sharing details when quizzed about findings from the government’s 90-Day Campaign Against Crime and Violence while appearing on ‘In Focus’ on Wednesday 5th March 2025 with host Ian Richards of the St.Kitts-Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) department.

“So when we look at the parents, and when that was mentioned by a youth, I mean, we had to really take a step back and be like, okay, wow… For us the team, it told us that the children are definitely paying attention to what is going on. With the findings also, some of them reveal that’s one of the reasons also why they turn to the gangs… They turn to the gangs for support, they turn to the gangs for an ear, they turn to the gangs to render support or safety, as they may put it, because they felt safe with their gang peers, so to speak,” she added.

According to Carey: “From the findings, it was revealed [that] …things that we may overlook , they are in simple forms but they carry a weight. The findings showed us things that we may have been overlooking for years that were contributing to the rise of crime and violence, right? Some of the things that were overlooked is that, and this came from the voices of the communities, including the youths, let’s not leave them out, including the youths.”

Coordinator of the Citizen Security Secretariat Eartha Carey (right side) and Sergeant Charmaine Audain of the Citizen Security Task Force while appearing on ‘InFocus’ on Wednesday 5th March 2025 with host Ian Richards of the St.Kitts-Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) department. (SKNIS image)

The show’s discussion generally highlighted the successes of the campaign and explored ongoing measures to sustain momentum in creating safer communities.

Sergeant Charmaine Audain of the Citizen Security Task Force echoed the importance of listening to the youth, sharing a personal encounter from a high school meeting earlier in the week.

“I’m glad that Ms. Carey mentioned about the voice of the youths because just this week I had that similar impact where, you know, I had a meeting on Monday, a very long meeting at a high school, and one of the youths waited on the outside for me, and, you know, and he expressed himself respectfully and identified that the family needs help because this is why he’s going towards certain behavior in school, and I felt good to see that, you know, this young man, teen, I think he was about 15 years old, can reach out to the police and say, ‘I’ve identified my family needs help’.”

Host Ian Richards noted the shift in how young people approach mental health compared to previous generations. 

“It speaks to the fact that most young persons seem to be in tune with their mental health. And that is something that I would say 15 years ago; certainly when I was growing up, it did not happen…Always was told to be a man, which means to be quiet and lead and be aggressive…and young people, those are messages that are changing, and I’m sure that you welcome these things; these change in society.”

Make Noise For The Positive Too

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Make Noise For The Positive Too

Why don’t we make it a public display habit to applaud positive observations on the topic of crime and violence. Time and again, we have witnessed how sensationalized the topic becomes when crime is a concern. People from all walks of life chime in with concerns about social ills and safety, while political narratives often turn crime into a tool for partisan attacks. When crime surges, call-in radio programmes and social media platforms are flooded with outrage. 

Some members of the public are of the view that now that there has been a noticeable improvement in crime and violence, there is silence and negative debate from some people. Instead of celebrating progress, it appears some corners of society have responded with negative political chatter. But why is that? Shouldn’t we embrace peacefulness as a triumph for all? Is that not what we collectively desire?

In September 2024, the Drew-led administration launched a 90-day campaign against crime and violence, with emphasis on a public health approach to tackling the issue as various stakeholders came together. Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Terrance Drew has repeatedly underscored the importance of collective responsibility, calling on every sector of society to contribute to crime reduction efforts. The government alone cannot solve this complex issue; it requires the cooperation and commitment of every citizen. While the efforts of law enforcement and policymakers are critical, real change happens when communities unite, when families instill positive values, and when individuals take responsibility for their actions.

We must acknowledge that our nation is stronger when we work together. The progress made in reducing crime is a testament to this unity, and it should not go unnoticed. Too often, negativity dominates the discourse, overshadowing the positive strides that are being made. If we are quick to raise our voices in condemnation when crime spikes, then we should be just as eager to celebrate when peace prevails. Applauding progress does not mean ignoring the work that still needs to be done-it simply means recognizing and reinforcing what is working.

We do not live in a perfect world, but collectively, we can be agents of change, shaping a secure nation through our thoughts, actions, policies and mindset. Encouraging a culture of appreciation for positive developments fosters motivation to do even better. The progress we see today can serve as a stepping stone toward a more peaceful and prosperous future-if we let it.

Furthermore, we must be wary of smear campaigns and divisive rhetoric that distract from the real issues at hand. Crime and violence thrive in division, but security and progress are built on togetherness. Rather than focusing on political point-scoring, let us push a campaign of love, support and solidarity. 

Our national anthem offers a powerful reminder of our shared destiny:

O Land of Beauty!

Our country where peace abounds,

Thy children stand free

On the strength of will and love.

With God in all our struggles,

St. Kitts and Nevis be,

A nation bound together,

With a common destiny.

May these words continue to inspire us to uphold peace, togetherness and progress for the benefit of all.

Natural Fence to Enhance Protection at Royal Basseterre Valley National Park

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Natural Fence to Enhance Protection at Royal Basseterre Valley National Park

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 28, 2025 (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is advancing plans to strengthen the protection of the Royal Basseterre Valley National Park while promoting its future sustainable development.

A natural fence for the designated green space along the Kim Collins Highway is now under construction. The barrier will help to protect the rich diversity of flora and fauna in the area, and the Basseterre Valley Aquifer. The aquifer supplies most of the Basseterre and Frigate Bay areas with fresh water.

Minister of Sustainable Development and Environment, the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, highlighted elements of the project while making a statement to the National Assembly on February 27, 2025.

“We are working on this project in collaboration with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and part of this project allows for the fencing of this area,” said Dr. Clarke. “Naturally, because it is a protected space, we have serious guidelines to follow and we are following them to maintain not just biodiversity but the protection of our very precious aquifer.”

After reviewing the proposal and confirming its alignment with required environmental protections, the Planning Department has approved the fencing project.

The project is expected to be completed in seven months.

Nationwide Student Intervention Programme Successfully Interrupts The Spread Of Aggression And Violence Among Youths

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Nationwide Student Intervention Programme Successfully Interrupts The Spread Of Aggression And Violence Among Youths

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, February 26, 2025 (SKNIS) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, through the Citizen Security Task Force, continued its positive engagement with the nation’s youth today, February 26, 2025, by hosting the first-ever Day of Interruption—a national student intervention initiative designed to combat crime and violence while fostering safer communities across St. Kitts and Nevis.

This groundbreaking initiative brought together prominent figures and local influencers who participated in primary and secondary school assemblies throughout St. Kitts. These speakers shared words of encouragement and personal life experiences to inspire students and help them make positive life choices.

Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, was one of the keynote speakers at Washington Archibald High School. His motivational presentation reminded students of their unique value.

“I want you to always remember that you are very special. Never allow anyone to make you think you are less than who you really are,” Prime Minister Drew urged, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating a peaceful learning environment where students can thrive and contribute to building St. Kitts and Nevis into a sustainable island state.

The Prime Minister also addressed the issue of peer pressure, urging students to stand firm in the face of such challenges.

“Peer pressure is real,” Prime Minister Drew stated. “When we did a study we recognised that peer pressure is one of the things that drive people to do bad things, and I want you to be able to resist peer pressure. Do not allow anyone to ask you to do things that you should not be doing.”

Senator the Honourable Isalean Phillip, Co-chair of the Citizen Security Task Force, expressed appreciation for the special presenters and community volunteers who responded to the call to help disrupt the spread of violence and aggression among youth.

“As an objective we sought to invite persons from across different parties, persons from the criminal justice system and community leaders to feature as special guests at the different schools to help to spread the campaign message, Senator Phillip explained.  “This is part and parcel of the all-of-society approach that we are taking to making sure that we can combat crime and violence in the long term as a sustainable solution.”

The Day of Interruption was a central element of the government’s public health approach to addressing crime and violence. The initiative, deemed a success, is part of the Beyond the 90 Days campaign by the Citizen Security Secretariat.

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