BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, February 03, 2025 – Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) has reported a remarkable 169 percent increase in applications during the final quarter of 2024 (October-December), a clear testament to the decisive and unprecedented reformative steps taken by the Dr. Terrance Dew-led Government to transform the nation’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.

Notably, this significant achievement was accomplished after the CBI Programme was transitioned from a government entity in late 2024, to a statutory body.

The 169 percent increase in applications also signals the return of investor confidence in the country’s programme. Confidence in the programme and its offerings lagged as a result of the mismanagement and bad practices under the former administration.

The CIU, in an article dated January 31, 2025, stated that “Prime Minister Drew’s foresight to transition the CBI Unit to a statutory body has strengthened the Programme, continuing to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking a secure and reputable second citizenship.”

Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew was quoted in the article as saying, “The CIU’s transition to a statutory body was a bold step, rooted in our commitment to upholding the highest industry standards and setting a mark for others to follow. This remarkable growth reflects the transformative changes we’ve implemented to ensure transparency and efficiency. We remain steadfast in the vision to revolutionise the CBI industry, while driving sustainable development and economic prosperity for our nation. Our commitment to global security remains integral to maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of our Citizenship by Investment Programme.”

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Drew, the government introduced a slew of legislative and structural changes to protect the CBI and ensure its long-term viability. Those reforms included the passage of the Citizenship by Investment Unit Act, which formally established the CBI Unit as a corporate body, establishing the Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit to conduct ongoing vetting of CBI citizens residing abroad, and enacting legislation that makes it a criminal offence to undersell citizenship.

The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis remains dedicated to further strengthening the CBI programme, ensuring its continued success and its contribution to the nation’s economic growth.

For more information about the Citizenship by Investment Corporation, please contact the CBI Unit or visit our official website at http://ciu.gov.kn/

Basseterre, St. Kitts, Friday, November 7, 2025: School counsellors across the island participated in a Professional Development Day under the theme “Nurturing the Nurturer” on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025.

The event provided counsellors with opportunities for training, collaboration, and discussions on best practices in student guidance and support. Topics covered included positive psychology, self-compassion, and well-being.

Mrs. Sasha-Gay McDermott, Guidance Counsellor Coordinator, highlighted the importance of acknowledging school counsellors. 

“This week we are pausing to pour back into our counsellors to ensure that we let them know that we appreciate the work that they do. The work that they do is valuable to our students and our federation. Today we have our professional development day, and we are having persons who are within the field of psychology pouring back into our counsellors.”  

She further expressed her gratitude to the many stakeholders who made the week of activities possible. 

“We also want to use this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Education for helping to facilitate this week of activities for our school counsellors. A special thank you to our corporate sponsors who came on board and supported us to make sure that our school counsellors feel valued and appreciated.”

The Professional Development Day formed part of the week of activities for school counsellors that was designed to recognize and celebrate the vital role of counsellors in the education sector. Other activities included School Counsellors Day, and Volunteerism Day, each emphasizing different aspects of their contribution to student welfare and community development.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 10, 2025 (PMO) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is taking decisive action to maintain and expand the progress made under the 90-Day Crime Campaign with its ‘Beyond the 90 Days’ crime prevention initiative. This strategy, which builds upon the collaborative approach that has already led to a significant drop in crime, is designed to create lasting solutions to social instability and violence while reinforcing national unity and citizen security.

Speaking at the most recent Round Table discussion, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew emphasized that crime prevention cannot be addressed with short-term fixes or financial incentives alone. “Crime cannot be solved with quick fixes or by throwing money at the problem. You cannot pay for peace—you must build it,” he stated.

The Prime Minister stressed that the only way to ensure a safer and more secure St. Kitts and Nevis is through a holistic and sustainable approach that tackles the root causes of criminal behavior while equipping citizens, particularly the nation’s youth, with the tools necessary to build better lives.

A major component of the initiative, according to the Prime Minister, will be the “Day of Interruption,” a national event set to take place in March 2025. On this day, schools, community organizations, and workplaces across the country will pause normal activities to focus on discussions, workshops, and strategic engagements centered on crime prevention. The goal is to foster a nationwide dialogue on the responsibilities of individuals, families, and institutions in addressing crime and violence. This effort will be supported by experts in criminal justice, mental health, and social work, ensuring that citizens receive not only information but also practical guidance on fostering safer communities.

Additionally, the government will host the “Better Opportunity Summit” in April 2025, bringing together key stakeholders, including business leaders, educators, and community representatives, to showcase employment, education, and skills-training programs that can provide viable alternatives to crime. This summit will be particularly focused on at-risk youth, helping them access the resources needed to build successful careers and productive lives.

The government is also looking to expand the Elevate and Prison-to-Work programs, ensuring that individuals seeking rehabilitation and reintegration into society are provided with structured opportunities for stable employment. These programs will be bolstered by increased partnerships with local businesses and industries, creating pathways for former offenders to become contributing members of society.

Recognizing that social and psychological support are fundamental to crime prevention, the government is strengthening mental health services, family counseling, and mediation programs. The increased access to these resources will help address long-standing societal issues, including domestic violence, substance abuse, and gang-related conflicts, which often contribute to criminal activity. By taking a proactive approach to mental health and social welfare, the initiative seeks to break cycles of violence and create stronger, more cohesive communities.

The ‘Beyond the 90 Days’ initiative reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that citizen security remains a top priority. The efforts being undertaken are not just about law enforcement but about fostering an environment where all residents of St. Kitts and Nevis feel safe, supported, and empowered. By continuing to build on the successes of the past few months, the government is sending a clear message that crime prevention is not a temporary campaign—it is a national movement toward a safer and more prosperous future.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 7, 2025 (PMO) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has taken a historic step in securing the financial future of its citizens with the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). This game-changing initiative will ensure that national revenues—particularly from the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program and future renewable energy ventures—are protected, prudently managed, and invested for long-term national prosperity.

This was recently announced by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, during his monthly engagements with members of the media. He shared that his government has received the official framework for the SWF, setting the stage for legislation to be passed in Parliament soon.

“The days of reckless spending and financial mismanagement are over. This Sovereign Wealth Fund will ensure that our national resources are safeguarded for future generations, bringing an end to the unchecked depletion of public funds.”

The fund will be designed to operate under strict international best practices to guarantee transparency, accountability, and high returns. It will protect the country’s finances from economic shocks, ensuring that essential public services, infrastructure development, and social programs remain well-funded even in uncertain times.

Dr. Drew referenced past financial mismanagement, highlighting how hundreds of millions were spent from SIDF without proper oversight.“Had we established a Sovereign Wealth Fund earlier, the $303 million that disappeared from the SIDF could have been generating interest today, benefiting all Kittitians and Nevisians,” he said.

The SWF will be independently monitored and managed by financial experts, ensuring that its revenues are strategically invested to maximize long-term national benefits.

“This is about responsible governance, fiscal discipline, and securing the future of St. Kitts & Nevis,” Dr. Drew emphasized. “We are ensuring that the wealth of this nation is used wisely and remains a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

The government will soon release further details regarding the structure, oversight mechanisms, and initial capital for the SWF ahead of the parliamentary process.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 7, 2025 (PMO) – In a monumental step towards energy independence, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has secured the full financing required to launch the nation’s first geothermal energy project. This landmark achievement propels the Federation closer to its goal of becoming a Sustainable Island State, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and slashing energy costs for citizens.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew made the groundbreaking announcement during his Round Table discussion on February 6th, revealing that drilling for the first five wells will commence soon—ushering in a new era of renewable energy dominance for the twin-island Federation.

“We have now secured the financing necessary to launch the geothermal project,” said Prime Minister Drew. “This is a transformative moment for our people. Geothermal energy will provide reliable, low-cost electricity, boost economic growth, and position St. Kitts & Nevis as a leader in clean energy across the region.”

Dr. Drew emphasized that this initiative will benefit both St. Kitts and Nevis, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to national unity in economic development. In a recent high-level meeting with Premier Hon. Mark Brantley, both leaders agreed on a cooperative approach to ensure equitable benefits from the resource.

The geothermal energy project aligns with the government’s ongoing push for renewable energy, including its 50-megawatt solar farm initiative. With energy costs poised to drop significantly, St. Kitts & Nevis is set to attract new industries, stimulate job creation, and enhance national resilience to global energy shocks.

“This is a major milestone in our journey toward true energy independence,” Dr. Drew added. “The people of St. Kitts & Nevis can look forward to a future where energy is affordable, sustainable, and locally sourced.”

The government is expected to provide further details on project timelines and expansion plans in the coming weeks.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 10, 2025 (PMO) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has officially unveiled the designs for the new Joseph N. France General Hospital, marking a historic leap forward in healthcare infrastructure for the Federation.

At a ceremony attended by Cabinet members, healthcare professionals, and international partners, Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, described the moment as a bold and necessary step towards a modern, climate-resilient, and world-class healthcare system for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

With the unveiling of these designs, construction is now set to commence in short order, fulfilling the government’s commitment to delivering a state-of-the-art medical facility that meets both present and future healthcare demands.

“This is more than just an upgrade; this is a transformation of our healthcare system,” Prime Minister Drew declared to an enthusiastic audience. “For too long, our medical professionals and citizens have been working within the limits of an aging hospital. That changes today. With these designs, we are officially moving from vision to action. Construction will begin soon, and we will deliver a hospital that will serve our people with the highest level of care, innovation, and efficiency.”

The new JNF General Hospital will be a climate-smart, disaster-resilient medical facility, designed to withstand hurricanes, seismic activity, and the evolving challenges of climate change. It will also feature cutting-edge medical technology, improved patient-centered design, and expanded bed capacity to address the nation’s growing healthcare needs.

Prime Minister Drew emphasized the government’s unwavering focus on delivering modern healthcare solutions that will reduce the need for overseas medical treatment and position St. Kitts and Nevis as a leader in Caribbean healthcare. He noted that the new hospital will incorporate advanced digital health systems, ensuring efficiency in patient care, record management, and overall hospital operations.

“This facility will not only serve our citizens but attract medical professionals from across the region, making St. Kitts and Nevis a hub for advanced healthcare services. Gone are the days when our people had to travel abroad for specialized care—we are bringing that care home.”

The government of St. Kitts and Nevis is working in partnership with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Overseas Engineering & Construction Company (OECC) to execute the project. Prime Minister Drew extended heartfelt appreciation to Taiwan’s Ambassador, H.E. Michael Lin, and the OECC leadership for their critical role in making this project a reality.

The Prime Minister reassured the public that the project will create local jobs, stimulate economic activity, and deliver a facility that meets international standards.

“As we move forward, I want the people of St. Kitts and Nevis to know—this government delivers. We promised a modernized healthcare system, and today, we are proving that those words were not empty. This is real. This is happening. And soon, we will see the first bricks laid in the construction of a hospital that will serve our people for generations.”

The Drew-led administration continues to prioritize national development, with the new JNF General Hospital standing as one of the most significant achievements in the government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda.

By: Spokesman Newsroom 

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 30th January 2025)-Authorities in St. Kitts and Nevis have identified a woman and a child among the nineteen (19) decomposed individuals found aboard a drifting vessel southwest of Nevis on Thursday 29th January 2025.

Information coming from the police public relations department indicate that the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) Coast Guard received the report between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. and responded accordingly, towing the vessel to the Coast Guard base in St. Kitts for further investigation. 

Upon arrival, police officers found the bodies in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting the vessel had been at sea for an extended period.

As reported by police, no markings were found on the boat.

Law enforcement confirmed that all individuals were deceased before the boat entered St. Kitts and Nevis territorial waters. Identification documents recovered on board indicate that some of the deceased may have originated from Mali, West Africa. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) is working to verify identities and determine the circumstances leading to the incident.

Crime scene investigators have processed the vessel and collected items of evidential value. Initial police reports indicated 12 bodies before the number increased to 13, with a final confirmed count of 19.

Authorities continue to investigate and urge anyone with relevant information to contact the nearest police station. The RSCNPF has extended condolences to the families and communities affected by the tragedy.