Announce Exclusive Fine Jewelry CollaboratiThe safe travels, wild heart Collection Debuts with Charms Inspired by St. Christopher, Patron Saint of Travel

Basseterre, St. Kitts (30 September 2025) — St. Kitts Tourism Authority is proud to announce a meaningful collaboration with Canadian fine jewelry brand, bluboho, celebrating travel, protection, and the beauty of exploration through an exclusive jewelry capsule: safe travels, wild heart. The collaboration, launched at a media event in Toronto, Canada last week, will unfold across three distinct chapters of storytelling about the island, rolling out over the next year. 

The first chapter of the collection, ‘Welcome to St. Kitts’, draws inspiration from St. Christopher, the patron saint of travel—and the official name of St. Kitts. Designed as modern-day talismans, each piece captures the spirit of discovery and the soulful beauty of St. Kitts, symbolizing both protection and adventure for those who wear the handcrafted charms.

“With this collection, Bluboho truly captured the essence of St. Kitts by drawing on its beauty, spirit of connection, and the joy of being truly immersed,” said Marsha T. Henderson, Minister of Tourism. “Bluboho has a highly engaged following who are seeking serenity, adventure and authenticity in their experiences and St. Kitts delivers just that – we are a haven for soulful, curious travellers.”

The Minister further explained at the packed house event that the collaboration was a unique way to increase visibility for St. Kitts, particularly heading into the crucial winter booking season.

“Partnering with Bluboho helps us create a presence where it is least expected and to appear in ways that sparks curiosity about our island,” continued Minister

Henderson. “It gives us access to an affluent, previously untapped audience in Canada, and one that is highly concerned about sustainability. Bluboho handcrafts its jewelry using ethical practices and sustainable materials and thus was a natural partner for St. Kitts as the destination has prioritized becoming a sustainable island as part of its national agenda.

A Collection in Three Chapters

The safe travels, wild heart collaboration will unfold as a story told in three chapters. The journey begins with “Welcome to St. Kitts,” introducing the first set of charms inspired by the island’s spirit of travel and adventure. The second chapter will arrive in January 2026, followed by a third in Fall 2026.

Made with recycled 14k gold and ethically sourced gemstones, including larimar, the first capsule has several charms ranging in price from $698 to $1,998 CAD. The collection is available exclusively at bluboho.com and in Bluboho retail locations across Canada. The retailer ships internationally and also has plans to market and sell the collection at select locations in St. Kitts to be announced in the future. 

“When we began this collaboration with St. Kitts, it felt like kismet. As a child, my mother would tuck a St. Christopher charm into my hand before every journey—a tiny token of protection,” shares Maggie Aurocco, Founder of Bluboho. “When I first stepped foot on the island, St. Kitts wrapped me in her spell: I was struck by its emerald hills rolling into turquoise waters, salt air rich with stories, and the kindness of the locals that felt more like family than strangers. This collection is a love letter to that spirit: a keepsake of guidance, beauty, and the courage to follow your heart wherever it may lead.”

Basseterre, St. Kitts (September 30th, 2025)— The St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (SKELEC) proudly commemorated its 14th anniversary under the theme “Celebrating 14 Years of Love, Light & Power.” This milestone was marked by a series of events that honored the company’s journey, its dedicated employees, and the loyal customers who have supported its mission since inception.

As part of the anniversary observance, SKELEC recognized outstanding individuals and teams whose contributions have shaped the company’s success:

• Power Luminary Award: Mahesh Nariani, longest-serving Board member, for his strategic leadership and dedication.

• Managerial Excellence Award: Claricia Langley-Stevens, for championing safety and operational excellence.

• Service Excellence Spotlight Award: Royan Matthew, for exemplary customer service.

• Supervisor of the Year Award: Sandra Gardner, Recaldo Gardener, and Garfield Thomas, for outstanding leadership.

• Powerhouse Award (Department of the Year): Information Technology Department, for driving digital transformation and operational efficiency.

In a special gesture of appreciation, SKELEC also honored staff actively involved in restoration efforts following Tropical Storm Erin. The General Manager’s Award was presented to Jamal Matthew, Akeem Williams, Recaldo Gardener, and Dion Walters for their resilience and teamwork.

Additionally, the Bright Spark Award was given to 20 employees, recognizing their creativity, passion, and innovative spirit that continue to illuminate the workplace.

Following the awards ceremony, SKELEC hosted its Customer Appreciation Day on September 18, 2025. The event was dedicated to celebrating the customers who have supported the company throughout its 14-year journey. Attendees were treated to:

• Branded promotional giveaways, including eco-friendly tote bags, water bottles, and other useful items.

• Complimentary health screenings, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, offering checks for blood pressure, glucose levels, HIV testing, and general wellness.

• Therapeutic massages, creating a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for guests.

Mr. Clement Williams, General Manager of SKELEC, commemorating SKELEC’s 14th Anniversary, stated that our customers are the heart of everything we do. “This anniversary is not just a celebration of our achievements, but a tribute to the people who have stood with us over the years. We remain committed to delivering reliable service, fostering innovation, and being a source of light and power in our community,” Williams said.

As SKELEC looks to the future, the company remains focused on innovation, sustainability, and strengthening its bond with the community.

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 2nd October 2025)-Well-known social  commentator and former government minister Dwyer Astaphan has shared his view on the handling of the matter involving the arrests and charge of  four (4) female workers of RAM’s Supermarkets.

 “I believe in law and order but I also believe that law and order must be measured by reasonableness, understanding and justice. And I must say that I am uncomfortable with the faces of these women being plastered all over social media. Note, they have not even been tried in a court of law yet. And even if they were, why would their photos be posted in the media? Aren’t they already suffering even now? Won’t they suffer greatly even without the photos being posted? Even if they are found not guilty? So why take that extra step to do more damage to them?,” in his latest public commentary on Tuesday 30th September 2025.

Astaphan questioned whether the alleged thefts justified such public exposure. “What did they steal? A million dollars? Is that justice?” he asked.

He pointed out that RAMS, in its staff memorandum, quoting some parts including that the company says it is “more than just a workplace” in describing it as a  “close-knit community that depends on mutual respect, trust and responsibility.

” ‘Every employee plays a vital role in delivering honest and reliable service to our customers, and we hold every team member to the highest standards of integrity. The memo goes on and I quote, it is with great seriousness that we address an unfortunate and growing concern which is theft within our stores. Please note that there is a zero tolerance policy towards theft no matter the amount, no matter the circumstance. Any employee caught stealing will face immediate termination and the matter reported to the police without exception’.”

Astaphan continued: The memo goes on to say that while the immediate consequence of being caught stealing is termination, the implications of theft extend beyond the workplace. Being charged and convicted of theft can have serious personal, social, and legal consequences, which may affect you for the rest of your life and some of the consequences are difficulty getting a job in the country, disruption of your life and your relationships if or even if not, you have to go to prison. And I’m adding a few words in here on my own. Financial hardship, reputational damage, loss of future opportunities, social isolation, difficulty getting a bank loan or a visa, emotional and mental suffering, etc. The memo ends by assuring employees that it was not sent out with the intention of intimidating them, rather to protect their jobs, their future, and the reputation of RAMs stores by asserting that every honest employee deserves a workplace where integrity is valued and wrongdoing not tolerated and telling employees, that was the memo, that if they are experiencing financial hardship or personal challenges, they should speak confidentially to their supervisors or to human resource. It ends by saying, we are here to support you in the right way, not at the cost of your job, your future or the trust of the community.”  

However, Astaphan argued that the wider realities of workers’ lives should be taken into account.

“While I do not encourage theft and criminal behavior, I sincerely believe that context is important. We need to understand the context in which things happen. If not to justify those things happening, then at least to try to understand why and how they happen, which might bring us to preventative and mitigating and less calamitous solutions and outcomes.”

He noted while speaking on general terms that many low-wage workers, especially women, face immense pressure from rising rents, lack of housing solutions, and absent fathers. 

“For the most part, women in that situation, they rent, they’re not paid enough. They are unprotected against some of the most vicious and viperous characters in the country-irresponsible and out-of-control landlords,” he said, pointing out that governments have failed for decades to properly enforce rent protection.

Astaphan also highlighted the mental strain faced by struggling mothers.

“They put off the medicine until next week so that they can feed the child. They buy unhealthy foods, which cause them to spend more money in the drugstores, already not getting enough help from fathers, already making a pittance at the job. More problems in the home. More headaches for these women. A toxic home can be a liability and a danger to the entire community.”

As options, Astaphan suggested that RAM’S-which he labelled as the “biggest food merchant in the country”-should look for ways to ease the burden on its employees instead of resorting first to police action.

“Perhaps if the company were to give more locals an opportunity for middle and upper management jobs, or provide significant discounts to employees, or even a monthly $100 grocery voucher, those things would help build and strengthen mutual trust, loyalty, morale, and respect-and reduce theft.”

Astaphan called on both employers and policymakers to reflect on the bigger picture. 

“I’m not saying you rule out termination or reporting to the police,” he said “but rather than that being a first priority, more consideration should be given to the realities of workers’ lives. That would be good leadership.”

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 3rd October 2025)-The legacy of the late Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence, GCMG, KCMG, OBE, CSM, JP, is remembered not just for his pioneering role in building indigenous financial institutions, but for the lasting impact those institutions continue to have on the lives of ordinary people. 

Laid to rest on Thursday 2nd October 2025 at the age of 93, the founder of the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Ltd., the National Bank Trust Company, and National Caribbean Insurance Company was celebrated as a man whose vision reshaped the nation’s economic landscape during the state funeral held at the Wesley Methodist Church, preceded by the burial at the Springfield Cemetery

“These institutions he established continue to foster economic growth, enabling generations of entrepreneurs and homeowners,” stated representative for National Bank group of companies Ermelin  Sebastian-Duggins during her tribute on behalf of the Board of Directors, management and staff.

She emphasized: “Through his foresight not only gave customers access to financial security, but also created opportunities for their staff. The policies implemented  under his leadership allowed employees to pursue higher education, develop new skills and improve their financial well-being. As a result, generations of families have benefited from the stability, empowerment and professional growth that Sir Edmund’s leadership made possible.”

Paying “the deepest respect and gratitude to our great founder Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence,” Sebastian-Duggins hailed him as “a visionary leader, foresight, determination and unwavering commitment to the advancement of our people, gave birth to these institutions.”

Remembering his personal qualities, she described him as “a man of principle, humility, and purpose” who “walked with confidence, led with wisdom and inspired loyalty. His purpose led him house to house, and community to community where he sat with ordinary men and women asking them to trust the bank with their hard earned weekly wages. Many gave, not because they were wealthy  but because they believed in the audacity of his vision,” she said, noting that this bond of trust formed the foundation on which the National Bank was built over the past 54 years. Through his steadfast leadership, the bank grew from modest beginnings  to become the largest indigenous financial institution in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union.  A shining example of what vision coupled with  tenacity  can accomplish. Sir Edmund’s vision for financial empowerment of the people of St.Kitts and .Kitts-Nevis  and Anguilla also led its expansion into the allied fields of trust management and insurance through the creation of the National Bank Trust Company in 1972 and the National Caribbean Insurance Company in 1973.”

According to her, “As we celebrate Sir Edmund’s life and legacy, we honour not only the financial platforms he founded but the countless lives he touched along the way. His journey from growing the ‘Penny Bank’ to becoming the leading regional financial institution is a testament to what vision and relentless vision can achieve.” 

“Sir Edmund has left us,” she expressed, “but his vision, his values, and his kindness are etched in the institutions that he built, in the opportunities they created, and in the minds of those he encountered. St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, National Caribbean Insurance, and the National Bank Trust- Sir Edmund will always be our inspiration and our compass.”

Beyond his role in finance, Sir Edmund also gave distinguished service to the nation as Governor-General of St. Kitts and Nevis from 2013 to 2015, where he represented the Crown with dignity and humility. A decorated national servant, his life embodied the values of vision, perseverance, and integrity. His impact reached across economic, civic, and social life – ensuring that his legacy will live on not only in the institutions he built but in the very fabric of the nation he helped to strengthen.

Front Page Image: The casket of the late 93-year-old Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence, GCMG, KCMG, OBE, CSM, JP, draped in the St.Kitts-Nevis national flag  seen during the procession moving about Cayon Street in Basseterre  en route to the Springfield Cemetery following the state funeral held at the Wesley Methodist Church on Thursday 2nd October 2025 

Photo: The Sir Edmund Wickham Lawrence, GCMG, KCMG, OBE, CSM, JP

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (September 17, 2025) – Five Nevisians, representing each parish, have been honoured with the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Department of Community Development’s 2025 Unsung Heroes Award. 

The ceremony, held on September 11 at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, recognized Mr. Joseph “Joe” Claxton, Ms. Tamara “Tammy” Farrell, Ms. Pamela “Pam” Barry, Mr. Orin Perkins, and Mr. Addison Jeffers for their outstanding contributions to community life.

Minister of Community Development, the Honourable Senator Jahnel Nisbett, extoled the awardees’ efforts at community and nation-building.

“We want individuals who are passionate, who contribute, and expect nothing in return other than an improved community, and I think the five individuals that we have before us definitely demonstrate that thoroughly. Please continue to contribute to your community and inspire others to do so.”

She also announced that portraits of the honourees will be displayed at the respective community centres with the hope that others will emulate their example.

Deputy Director of Community Development, Denesia Smithen, linked the awards to the theme of the Federation’s 42nd Independence celebrations, “Perpetual Progress- A Sustainable Future in View: Independence 42.”

“Often, it is the quiet, consistent work of individuals who give of themselves not for praise but for progress. As we honour these quiet giants, we also celebrate the fact that perpetual progress is not just about moving forward, it’s about lifting others as we go.”

The ceremony highlighted the unique contributions of each awardee. Mr. Joseph “Joe” Claxton of Bath Village has preserved Nevisian heritage through dance, music, and mentorship, keeping traditions like the Lancers and cakewalks alive for future generations. 

Mr. Orin Perkins, known as the trusted face of pharmaceuticals on Nevis, has served for decades with compassion and knowledge, bringing clarity and comfort to communities across the island. 

Ms. Pamela “Pam” Barry of Gingerland has been recognized as a driving force in her community, leading environmental cleanups, organizing sporting activities, supporting education, and empowering those around her through generosity and vision. 

Mr. Addison Jeffers of Mount Lily, remembered not only for his work as a postman but also for his humility and unwavering dedication, has consistently gone above and beyond in service to others, embodying the true spirit of community.

Ms. Tamara “Tammy” Farrell of Jessups Village has given more than 30 years of service to community festivals, cleanups, youth programmes, children’s events, and environmental restoration, offering what Ms. Smithen described as a blueprint for sustainable grassroots leadership.

Awards were presented by Premier the Honourable Mark Brantley, Parliamentary Representative for St. John’s; the Honourable Spencer Brand, Parliamentary Representative for St. Paul’s; the Honourable Eric Evelyn, Parliamentary Representative for St. George’s; Deputy Governor General Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Liburd; and Minister of Community Development, the Honourable Jahnel Nisbett.

The Department of Community Development’s Unsung Heroes Award continues to highlight the power of selfless service, ensuring that individuals who quietly shape communities across Nevis are celebrated, remembered, and used as inspiration for generations to come.