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Zack Says Positive Comments About Aquatic Sports Still Coming In For Event

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Zack Says Positive Comments About Aquatic Sports Still Coming In For Event

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 11th April 2024)- Event coordinator of the67th annual Basil Henderson Easter Monday Aquatic Sports Meet Winston ‘Zack’ Nisbett says days after positive comments are still coming in for the annual event held on Monday  1st April  2024 at the Ferry Terminal in Basseterre under the theme ‘Building Community Spirit Through Sports.’

Event Coordinator Winston ‘Zack’ Nisbett (right) presenting a hair cutting tool set to one of the winners of boxing competition 24-year-old Jordan Hewlett (Spokesman Snap)
Section of spectators gathered for the 2024 Basil Henderson Easter Monday Aquatic Sports Meet on Monday 1st April (Spokesman Snap)

“I am really thrilled with the positive feedback and support we’ve received for this year’s event and continue to receive. I sincerely express gratitude for the overwhelming support and participation. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. Just today a visitor stopped just to say how good he thought the event was,” Nisbett said during an interview with this media house on Thursday 11th April 2024.

“Unfortunately the skipping and bun eating competitions were unable to take place due to unforeseen circumstances but definitely next year those events will take place in a more exciting feature which the public is sure to enjoy. However, as usual, the crowd really enjoyed the swimming competitions and the greasy pole contest,” he added.

One highlight of the event was the vertical money-fetch pole, erected along the Bay Front shoreline which garnered significant support from the public who stood by cheering on the participants in getting the total prize to $500; $350 of which was contributed by Scenic Railway and the additional $150 contributed by spectators.

 13-year-old Marque Greene emerged victorious on his third attempt, showcasing both skill and determination.

Another crowd favorite was the greasy pole ham-fetch competition, whereby Felix Jones once again demonstrated his prowess by successfully climbing the horizontal pole and claiming victory for a third year in a row as one of the winners.

In addition to the participants and spectators, Nisbett expressed appreciation for the support of the police, EMS service, Red Cross and other essential service providers whose efforts ensured the safety and smooth running of the event, noting that their dedication and professionalism were integral to its success.

Furthermore, Nisbett extended gratitude to sponsors and partners, whose unwavering support exemplifies the spirit of community collaboration and solidarity, including TDC, SKELEC, Courts, Caribelle Batik, ZIZ, St. Kitts Yacht Club and Harpers, whose generous contributions played a crucial role in bringing the event to fruition. Their unwavering support exemplifies the spirit of community collaboration and solidarity.

Nisbett expressed appreciation for the presence of sponsor representatives Managing Director Mark Wilkin of Carib Brewery (St.Kitts-Nevis Ltd.) as well as Sales and Marketing Manager Andre Amritt, highlighting the importance of community support in making the event possible. He also expressed the view that their attendance served as a testament to the strong partnership between sponsors and organizers in promoting local traditions and culture.

Looking ahead, Nisbett announced plans to treat some of the successful participants to a sponsored Scenic Railway outing on Friday 12th April.

Of note, participants and organizers alike are already looking forward to next year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better than ever before.

Our Universal Connection: Day Turned Into Night Spectacle

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Our Universal Connection: Day Turned Into Night Spectacle

In this world, there exists countless wonders yet to be discovered as well countless moments of awe yet to be experienced presently and for generations to come. One of the most awe-inspiring moments we get to witness as human beings-those of us who are physically able to do so- is looking up at the stars and wondering about the universe  through thought-provoking yet intriguing internal questions or engaging conversations which continuously inspire and amaze us.

Although we here in Eastern Caribbean region and likewise other territories did not experience the recent total solar eclipse On Monday 8th April 8th, 2024, many of us were glued to our mobile devices, computer and television screens in our quest via live streaming to experience what millions of people mainly across North America (dubbed by the US media as the Great American Eclipse), Canada and Mexico were treated to as the moon passed between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow upon the land. Indeed those who got the real live viewing through their solar eclipse safety glasses marveled at the beauty and wonder of nature’s grand spectacle while those of us looking through our screens just had to settle for the second best thing.

There are many of us in the Caribbean region who remember the total solar eclipse of  August 1999, and could pinpoint exactly where we were and what the experience was like.

For those fortunate enough to be in the path of totality, where the moon completely obscured the sun, the experience of witnessing such spectacle of about 4 minutes and 28 seconds was nothing short of awe-inspiring as evident by the thunderous cheers and applause from the various gatherings who witnessed the phenomenal as day turned into night as the sky darkened featuring the sun’s corona shimmering in the darkness.

But even for those of us outside the path of totality, the eclipse was a sight to behold in observing the moon partially blocking the sun and creating a crescent of light in the sky of such a rare and fleeting phenomenon. The togetherness of families, friends and strangers gathered, all united in their shared appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the natural world was truly special.

The 2024 eclipse provided a unique opportunity for human beings to reconnect with nature in a profound way. It can undoubtedly be said that in our modern, fast-paced world, it is easy to lose sight of the wonders that surround us every day.

Therefore, events like the eclipse remind us of the beauty and majesty of the universe, and our place within it. Such natural events should serve to inspire us to pause, reflect and marvel at the world around us.

Perhaps we should also be reminded to ‘stop and smell the roses’ and not get too caught up in our daily lives by allowing the fast-paced world and extreme business to eclipse the joys of our lives but instead choose to focus more on our spiritual well-being and growth.

Astaphan: Richards Will Not Run For Public Office Again

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Astaphan: Richards Will Not Run For Public Office Again

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 11th April 2024)-“ … it may well be that when the history of now is recorded, it will show Mr. Richards’ resignation as contributing to the process of PAM [People’s Action Movement] regrouping. I am sure that in his selflessness, he would not mind if that is how history unfolded.”

So says well-known political commentator Dwyer Astaphan in his latest piece aired on Wednesday 10th April 2024 on topic of predicting that the outgoing PAM Leader 51-year-old Shawn Richards, who is the current Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Five, will not run for public office in St.Kitts again leading up to the next general elections, constitutionally due in 2027 at the five-year cycle.

Richards has been the elected PAM member of parliament since October 2004 and Party Leader since September 2012.

According to Astaphan: “Sometimes the most productive step a leader can take is the step down. How much voter strength will they be able to gather up by the next election?”

Referring to recent media statements made by Richards, Astaphan pointed at Richard’s decision to step down having cited personal pursuits such as studying for his PhD and preparing to set up a business as well as expressed lack of motivation for politics and acknowledged that he may not have been giving the best service to the party over the last year or two.

“He says that the party would be best served with another leader and that it is time to let fresh blood and new ideas come through. And he gave what some of us may regard as the correct answer. Strategically, when asked about continuing in parliament, saying that there’s a lot of time between now and the election to reflect and decide on that matter.”

Astaphan then shared his own view in talking about enough time, commenting, “Enough time to prepare the new leader and the party for the next election without risking the Sandy Point seat prematurely and unnecessarily.”

He expressed confidence in the belief that Richards will not run for public office in St. Kitts again.

“I’ve been thinking and saying to friends for some time, however, and having heard him now, I’m even more convinced that he will not run for public office in St. Kitts again.

He has also shared his position that the decision of Richards to step down opens the door to discussions about the future of politics in St. Kitts and Nevis, saying: “This situation opens the door to a discussion of the politics of St. Kitts and the country generally of St. Kitts and Nevis over the next three to eight years, maybe beyond.”

First Lady Diani Prince-Drew Engages In Public Outings, Community Service 

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First Lady Diani Prince-Drew Engages In Public Outings, Community Service 

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 10th April 2024)-First LadyDiani Prince-Drew, the wife of St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, has been actively engaging in local public and community service since their marriage in February 2024, with her most recent involvement being donations of water to various preschools and daycare centre on the island of St.Kitts.

Other outings thus far include having delivered her first public speech (done in observance of International Women’s Day) as well as joining her husband on various engagements such as volunteer painting at the Joseph N. France General Hospital as part of the lobby renovation works on Saturday 16th March and the couple’s recently hosting a dinner for the 25 Most Remarkable Teens at the official prime minister’s residence located in Beacon Heightson Saturday 30th March.

St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew and First Lady Diani Prince-Drew (center), seen with 2024 Most Remarkable Teen awardees during a dinner hosted at the official prime minister’s residence located in Beacon Heights on Saturday 30th March 2024. (Credit: Facebook/Diani Jimesha Prince-Drew)
St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew (seen painting) and First Lady Diani Prince-Drew go about volunteer painting at the Joseph N. France General Hospital as part of the lobby renovation works on Saturday 16th March (Credit: Facebook/Diani Jimesha Prince-Drew)

First Lady Prince-Drew shared on her official Facebook page that on Wednesday 10th April 2024, she was privileged to visit a number of pre-schools in various communities, namely: KeBabies Child Development (Conaree), Louisa Grant PreSchool (Conaree), Cayon DayCare (Cayon), Vera’s Day Care (Cayon), Ray of Hope (Needsmust), Nana’s House (St. Peter’s) and St. Peter’s Daycare (St. Peter’s).

First Lady Diani Prince-Drew (center) poses with a staff and students of the Louisa Grant Pre School in Conaree during a visit on Wednesday 10th April 2024 following donations of water (Credit: Facebook/Diani Jimesha Prince-Drew)

“I was extremely happy to personally hand over donations of water to each pre-school, which is very important in this period of extreme drought. I enjoyed spending time with the beautiful children who are all spirited, confident, and intelligent. I learnt about their favourite colours, kite flying, sports, and so much more.”

“I also appreciated being able to chat with the teachers to learn more about early childhood education. They all beamed with pride when speaking about their students. I’m grateful to the pre-schools for the warm welcome and for the invitations to return to spend time with them,” she commented.

“Side note: I’m thoroughly impressed by the St. Peter’s Daycare backyard garden. They have utilized old tyres to plant herbs and vegetables. Efforts such as these help to bolster food security and reduce food importation,” she added.

First Lady Prince-Drew’s dedication to public service extends beyond charitable acts, as she recently delivered her first public speech in her new capacity a stirring speech in commemoration of International Women’s Day during an event organised by the Adtalem Global Education EDGE – Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Chapter, held on Friday 8th March 2024 at the school’s campus located in West Farm.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion’, she emphasized the ongoing struggle for gender equality and inclusion.

“ ‘Inspire Inclusion’ sparks a conversation that is both timely and necessary, as despite the fact that it is 2024 and we have made great strides to create more balanced, fair, and just societies, millions of women across the world still face a reality that is unbalanced, unfair, and unjust – socially, economically, culturally, and politically. The reality is that too many women do not have the same access to opportunities, platforms, and resources as men, and we are very much still in a battle for respect and inclusion,” Prince-Drew remarked in her speech.

“I say we because I, too, have had to experience this reality as well. As a relatively young, black, professional woman from a small island state, I have had to navigate male-centred spaces and rooms where my contributions, perspectives, and expertise were not always welcomed nor valued. Daunting though it may have been, these experiences have only fortified my resolve, and I have learned, with help, to boldly occupy space, voice my concerns, and leverage my skill sets in order to meet my goals as well as provide representation and opportunities for others, because that is my social responsibility,” she continued.

In other well-being of women news, First Lady Prince-Drew shared via her Facebook page that in February, she joined First Ladies, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of The Bahamas and Mrs. Eloise Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as guests of First Lady Arya Ali of Guyana for a presentation on the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative which was spearheaded by First Lady Arya.

As understood, the event took place on the sidelines of the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Guyana on Monday 26th February 2024.

It has been highlighted  that the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative has provided over 32,000 schoolgirls with free sanitary pads, as part of the overall aim of eliminating period poverty.

First Lady Prince-Drew commended First Lady Arya Ali’s Initiative for making a difference in the lives of thousands of women and girls whilst noting “The Initiative is also an example of the importance of gender sensitivity as we seek to improve the lives of others and empower women.”

“I am committed and very much looking forward to commencing my own work with non-government and charitable organizations focused on women’s empowerment, social justice and the arts in the home that I have adopted and that has adopted me – St. Kitts and Nevis,” then stated First Lady Prince-Drew, an attorney-at-law and diplomat, who originally hails from St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

Police Seek Suspects in Two Fatal Shootings in St. Kitts

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Police Seek Suspects in Two Fatal Shootings in St. Kitts

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Monday 8th April 2024)-St. Kitts police are on the hunt for suspects following two separate shootings-occurring hours apart- that have left two men in their 30s dead and another, also in his 30s, injured.

Dead are 33 -year-old Alex Harris of Challengers Village and 37-year-old Rashiel James of Middle Island while 30-year-old Leshawn Hazel of Main Street, Dieppe Bay is currently being nursed for gunshot wounds.

The first shooting took place at the Basseterre Bus and Ferry Terminal between 11:30 PM on Saturday 6th April and 12 AM on Sunday 7th April 7th, 2024.

Harris was found motionless in a chair by responding officers. Police say initial investigations suggest that he was fatally shot by a lone assailant. Despite efforts to save him, Harris was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly after, another shooting unfolded at a bar on Main Street in Parson’s Village between 1:30 AM and 2:30 AM on April 7th, 2024. James was discovered lying motionless on the ground while Hazel of Main sustained injuries during the attack. James tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene while Hazel was rushed to the Mary Charles Hospital in Molineaux for treatment.

Preliminary investigations reveal that a single masked and armed assailant entered the bar and opened fire, causing chaos and tragedy. The Crime Scene Unit of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) processed both crime scenes, gathering items of evidential value to aid in their investigation.

The RSCNPF urges anyone with information about these incidents or any other criminal activities to come forward. To this end, the public is encouraged to contact the nearest police station or call the Crime Stoppers’ hotline at 707.

Police have indicated that as investigations progress, updates will be provided in keeping the general public appropriately informed of the investigations’ developments.The RSCNPF extends sincere condolences to all those affected who have been negatively impacted by these occurrences.

St. Kitts and Nevis Checks Box for Ban of Single-use Plastics

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St. Kitts and Nevis Checks Box for Ban of Single-use Plastics

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 11, 2024 (SKNIS): The announced ban on single-use plastics in St. Kitts and Nevis will bring the twin-island Federation one step closer to becoming a sustainable island state, and is in keeping with previous actions taken by other member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The details of the ban were outlined during a Sitting of the National Assembly on March 26, 2024, by the Minister of Environment and Climate Action, the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke. Dr. Clarke appeared on the April 10 edition of the radio and television programme InFocus and shared why this initiative, which started back in 2019, and gained momentum in 2022, is finally being implemented.

Minister Dr. Clarke and Director Edmeade appeared on the April 10 edition of InFocus

“If not now, when?” asked Dr. Clarke. “That’s really the question at the ministry and it has been such a long time that we have been working on moving towards the ban of single-use plastics.” The minister acknowledged the work done prior to her assuming office and noted “If we are going to transition to a sustainable island state there are a number of checkboxes, and plastic pollution was one we had to deal with so now is the right time.”

Director of the Department of Environment, Derionne Edmeade, noted that numerous wide-ranging conversations were held with stakeholders prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to get retailers and importers prepared for the eventual ban. A similar exercise was repeated in 2022, after the government changed to ensure that persons were still on board.

“One of the pushbacks we got coming into the department from meetings with various stakeholders … was there were no more consultations needed, just ban it!”

The ban speaks primarily to the manufacturing, commercial importation, and retail distribution of single-use plastics. The importation of T-shirt plastic shopping bags will be banned as of December 31, 2024, and sale and distribution as of March 31, 2025. Styrofoam containers, plastic straws and egg boxes will no longer be imported as of April 30, 2025, and sales of such ceased on July 31, 2025. The ban on importing plastic plates, cups and utensils comes into effect on August 31, 2025, and the ban on selling such takes effect on November 30, 2025.

Plastic bottles, hard plastics commonly used at home and local gatherings, trash bags, and plastic bags used to package bread, meat and other items are allowed and will not be impacted by the ban. Biodegradable plastic bags are also excluded from the ban.

Human Resource Management Department Receives All-clear to Operate at Full Capacity

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Human Resource Management Department Receives All-clear to Operate at Full Capacity

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 11, 2024 (SKNIS): The Human Resource Management Department (HRMD), located at Government Headquarters, has received the all-clear to resume operations at full capacity, effective immediately. All services that were temporarily suspended will once again be available to employees and stakeholders.

This decision comes after a series of precautionary measures were implemented, including the temporary closure and comprehensive cleaning of all HRMD offices. Additionally, an efficacy test was conducted post-cleanup to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety were met.

Head of the Civil Service, Thelma Richard extended her deepest gratitude to all stakeholders who played a pivotal role in the swift and efficient response to the comprehensive cleaning process. She especially thanked the staff of the HRMD, who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and commitment to their duties under less-than-ideal circumstances.

“Our sincere appreciation extends to the dedicated staff of the HRMD, who have shown exceptional dedication and professionalism under challenging circumstances,” said Ms. Richard. “Their efforts, alongside the invaluable support from the team at the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards (SKNBS) Multi-Purpose Laboratory; the Ministry of Health; First Choice Refrigeration, and Advanced Business Maintenance Systems (AMBS) have been crucial in ensuring the health and safety of our employees were prioritized at every step.”

Ms. Richard said that the health and well-being of the workers and citizens will remain the highest priorities for the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“As we resume full operations, we remain vigilant in our health and safety protocols, continuing to prioritize the well-being of our employees and the communities we serve. We are confident that the measures taken have strengthened our resilience and preparedness for any future challenges,” the head of the Civil Service added. 

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Nursing and Midwifery Services Unveils Five-year Strategic Plan to Enhance Healthcare Delivery

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St. Kitts and Nevis’ Nursing and Midwifery Services Unveils Five-year Strategic Plan to Enhance Healthcare Delivery

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, April 10, 2024 (SKNIS) – During a historic ceremony today (April 10, 2024), the Ministry of Health facilitated the launch of the St. Kitts and Nevis Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan 2024-2028, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards advancing healthcare excellence in the Federation.

The strategic plan is essential for ensuring ongoing organisational success and to help guide the St. Kitts and Nevis Nursing and Midwifery Services Organisation through planned arrangements and activities.  

Principal Nursing Officer (PNO), Dr. Rondalyn Dennis-Bradshaw, stated during the launch event that the strategic plan embodies their collective vision, dedication and commitment to elevating the standard of care provided to all patients.

“It reflects our unwavering resolve to embrace innovation, foster collaboration and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and compassion in our noble profession,” Dr. Dennis-Bradshaw added, while thanking all stakeholders for their invaluable contributions and tireless efforts in shaping the strategic plan.

The PNO further stated that the development of a strategic plan by the nurses and midwifery services represents a notable achievement for the organisation on a national and regional level where such initiatives are still rare.

She noted however that, “While being among the pioneers is praiseworthy, the true value of this strategic plan lies in its potential to drive performance excellence and continuous improvement in the nursing and midwifery services organisation.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, who is also the Minister of Health in the Federal Cabinet, acknowledged the significance of a strategic plan to the advancement of the noble profession of nursing.

Dr. Drew said that the strategic plan should be viewed as the blueprint that determines the vision, actions and outcomes of the nursing profession, “and therefore, having a strategic plan convinces me that we are serious about enhancing and upgrading the nursing and midwifery profession here in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

Prime Minister Drew urged the nursing and midwifery community to hold their heads high and be proud of the important roles they have played so far in elevating and improving the standard of healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis. This includes helping the Joseph N. France General Hospital to attain the accreditation of a Baby-Friendly Hospital, and for their part in significantly reducing the child mortality rate in the Federation.

“In spite of the challenges, you have achieved a lot—celebrate your achievements,” Dr. Drew emphasised.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan outlines a comprehensive set of goals that define the organisation’s scope of work. The strategies entailed will serve as the foundation for various programmes and projects to be implemented over the next five years.  

Vacancy – Assistant Registrar – Cooperatives Department

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Vacancy – Assistant Registrar – Cooperatives Department

VACANCY-NOTICE-–-ASSISTANT-REGISTRAR

Vacancy – Senior Clerk

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Vacancy – Senior Clerk
Vacancy-Senior-Clerk
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