Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, December 12, 2024 (PMO) – In an effort to address the Federation’s growing water woes, the government of St. Kitts and Nevis is making considerable investments into the building and commissioning of desalination plants, as a means to provide a continuous, reliable, and sustainable supply of potable water for St. Kitts and Nevis, serving as a lifeline for residents and businesses across the Federation.

Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, along with Minister of Public Infrastructure and Water Services, Honourable Konris Maynard, and representatives from Royal Utilities, recently visited the site of one of the plants currently under construction at the C.A. Paul Southwell Industrial Site in Basseterre.

The seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant, a major component of the Drew-led government’s strategy to enhance water security, is expected to produce two million gallons of water daily. Prime Minister Dr. Drew, who has been a vocal advocate for improving national infrastructure, expressed confidence in the project’s timely completion. “We are fortunate that every step of the way, every milestone has been met as per the contractual obligations. The work is progressing very well, and we are on schedule,” said Dr. Drew.

Minister Maynard also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the water supply issues that have been exacerbated by climate change. “This is a major undertaking by the government,” Minister Maynard stated, “…and we are extremely grateful for the unwavering support from the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and the entire Cabinet in making this project a priority. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring we continue to hit all the necessary targets.”

The desalination plant is expected to be operational by mid-2025, with full-scale water production commencing by July 2025. The plant will ensure that the Basseterre region and surrounding areas receive a consistent and reliable source of potable water 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “This will be a game-changer for St. Kitts and Nevis. By the middle of 2025, we will be able to provide a steady supply of water for the entire Basseterre region, eliminating the current water shortages and improving the overall quality of life for our people.”

While the desalination plant will provide much-needed relief, the Prime Minister acknowledged the current challenges facing residents, particularly the water shortages caused by the ongoing impacts of climate change. “I understand the frustrations that many of us are going through due to limited water supply, and we are committed to resolving these issues. Our vision is to make sure that every citizen in St. Kitts and Nevis has access to potable water 24/7, and this desalination plant is a major step toward that goal.”

The plant is part of a broader water security strategy that includes enhanced water storage systems, the drilling of additional wells, and the identification of new water sources. The government is also implementing a comprehensive system to improve the distribution and efficiency of water delivery, ensuring that it reaches every household and business in the Federation.

Minister Maynard outlined some of the additional efforts being made, saying, “In addition to the desalination plant, we are drilling new wells around the island and conducting hydrogeological surveys using drones to identify potential new water sources. We are also working on large storage tanks that will help ensure that even during dry spells, there will be an ample supply of water available to our citizens.”

This large-scale investment, valued at EC$50 million, is a direct response to the ongoing strain on the island’s water resources.

As Minister Maynard explained, the water aquifers in the Basseterre Valley are under increasing pressure due to reduced rainfall, rising sea levels, and over-extraction, which threatens to lead to saltwater intrusion. “If saltwater intrusion occurs, it would render the current freshwater sources unusable, and that’s why we are prioritizing these investments now. The desalination plant is a vital solution to ensure that our water supply remains secure for future generations.”

In addition to ensuring the availability of water for everyday use, the desalination plant will be a critical tool for the continued growth and development of St. Kitts and Nevis. Dr. Drew and Minister Maynard stressed the importance of water in sustaining the country’s development and the well-being of its citizens. “Water is life, and every drop counts,” said Dr. Drew. “The investments we are making today are not just about solving immediate water issues; they are about safeguarding our future and building a resilient infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of tomorrow.”

The government’s emphasis on water security and its dedication to addressing the climate crisis is aligned with the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), which focuses on creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis.

As the desalination plant nears completion, the government remains focused on making further improvements in water management across the islands, working collaboratively with local partners such as Royal Utilities and the Water Services Department to ensure the success of this transformative project.

To learn more about the government’s achievements and successes, visit www.gov.kn/national-accomplishments.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 4, 2024 (PMO) — In a bold move to strengthen financial transparency and accountability, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has announced plans to introduce two significant resolutions in Parliament. These resolutions are designed to safeguard the financial integrity of the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Social Security system, ensuring that the mismanagement of the past is never repeated.

“The first resolution will mandate that any decision to suspend external audits at the Development Bank must be brought before Parliament, and the second will require full parliamentary approval for any borrowing from Social Security. These measures are critical to protecting the interests of our people and maintaining public confidence in our financial institutions,” said the Prime Minister.

These announcements come in the wake of revelations about significant financial mismanagement at the Development Bank, including the suspension of external audits from 2018 to 2019. This lack of oversight allowed over $300 million in debt to accrue, largely hidden from public scrutiny.

“The absence of external audits created a veil of secrecy under which hundreds of millions of dollars were mismanaged. This negligence not only weakened the Development Bank but also threatened the financial stability of the Social Security system, which held significant loans with the bank.”

Dr. Drew emphasized that the proposed resolutions are designed to prevent such situations in the future by requiring transparency and parliamentary oversight for key financial decisions.

The first resolution will ensure that the Development Bank is subject to regular and transparent audits, with any decision to suspend such audits requiring parliamentary approval. “Had this resolution been in place, the people of St. Kitts and Nevis would not have been left in the dark about the true state of the Development Bank’s finances. This measure will make it impossible for future administrations to operate in secrecy and mismanage public funds without accountability.”

The second resolution will require full parliamentary approval for any future borrowing from the Social Security system. This measure aims to protect the pensions and benefits of citizens by ensuring that Social Security funds are not misused. “Social Security is a cornerstone of our nation’s financial security. Any decision to borrow from it must be made in the light of day, with full transparency and accountability. This resolution ensures that the public’s money is safeguarded and that no decisions are made without their representatives being fully informed.”

Dr. Drew highlighted the risks posed by the mismanagement of Development Bank loans to Social Security, which accounted for 7% to 10% of Social Security’s total assets. “The previous administration’s reckless handling of these funds put the entire Social Security system at risk, threatening the pensions and benefits of thousands of our citizens,” he said.

The proposed resolutions are part of efforts by the Drew administration to uphold the principles of good governance and rebuild public trust in the nation’s financial institutions.

The Prime Minister has already taken steps to restore transparency, including commissioning forensic audits of the Development Bank and resuming regular external audits.

“Our government is committed to transparency and accountability. These resolutions are not just about addressing the failures of the past—they are about creating a framework for better governance in the future.”

BASSETERRE, ST KITTS, 9 December 2024 (PMO) — The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd (SKELEC) have terminated the Renegotiated Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with SOLEC Power Ltd (SOLEC) for the construction of a Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Project.

This decision follows the failure of SOLEC Power Ltd to meet critical contractual obligations, requirements, and deadlines, despite repeated extensions and significant efforts by SKELEC and the Government to facilitate project implementation.

On 25 November 2024, SOLEC informed SKELEC and the Government that SOLEC “is not currently in a position to issue FNTP (Full Notice To Proceed)” by the 25 November 2024 deadline as agreed to and required by the PPA. Consequently, SOLEC is still unable to start the Project. This notification follows a similar notice from SOLEC after failing to meet the original FNTP deadline of 28 May 2024 outlined in the Renegotiated Power Purchase Agreement of 28 November 2023.

Subsequent to SOLEC’s failure to meet the 28 May 2024 deadline, SOLEC was offered a 45-day extension to 19 July 2024. SOLEC advised that it was also unable to meet this deadline. In September 2024, SOLEC proposed a further 60-day extension, which was agreed to by all parties on 26 September 2024 as the FINAL extension. This FINAL contractual deadline has now not been met by SOLEC.

The Project, which originated in 2017, but had not started by the change of administration in 2022, was reviewed by the new Administration to ensure alignment with the Nation’s best interests. The review, agreed to by SOLEC, was facilitated by the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (“CCREEE”). The findings revealed important aspects of the agreement that were unfavorable to SKELEC and by extension the Government and people of St. Kitts & Nevis. These findings prompted the renegotiation of the PPA to achieve, among other things, (1) a reduction in the Power Purchase Price; (2) an opportunity for local private sector investment in the Project; and (3) rigid timelines for completion of the Project. The Renegotiated Power Purchase Agreement was signed on 28 November 2023.

By this time, SKELEC and the Government had anticipated that this Project would be well advanced and further renewed our commitment to the success of this project through the willingness to accommodate the repeated extension requests. However, despite all the efforts made to facilitate the implementation of this project, SOLEC remains unable to fulfill its obligations under the PPA to get the project started. Consequently, as SKELEC, the Government, and the people of St. Kitts & Nevis cannot wait indefinitely, it has become necessary to terminate the PPA and open opportunities for the viable alternatives that are ready to move forward.

While this outcome is regrettable, this decision underscores the Government’s steadfast commitment to accountability, transparency, and prioritizing the best interests of St. Kitts & Nevis.

The Government wishes to reaffirm its commitment to deliver affordable, reliable, and renewable energy solutions to the people of St. Kitts & Nevis. Accordingly, in the coming weeks, SKELEC and the Government will be announcing new renewable energy opportunities aimed at transparently and inclusively advancing our energy transition goals and creating local economic opportunities.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 4, 2024 (PMO) —Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has again laid bare the staggering mismanagement of funds at the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis during an in-depth discussion on Freedom FM’s Issues. The Prime Minister revealed that the bank had accumulated over $300 million in debt, with external audits deliberately suspended from 2018 to 2019, creating an opaque environment where mismanagement could thrive unchecked.

“This was a deliberate attempt to hide the truth from the people,” stated Dr. Drew.

He continued, “The suspension of audits allowed hundreds of millions of dollars to be mismanaged, jeopardizing the financial stability of the bank and, by extension, the nation. This negligence is an egregious breach of trust and accountability, and my administration is taking decisive action to ensure such malpractice is never repeated.”

The Prime Minister went on to detail how the absence of external audits between 2018 and 2019 enabled poor governance practices to persist, including questionable loans and unchecked financial decisions. He likened the mismanagement to a “Ponzi scheme,” where the true state of the bank’s financial health was hidden behind a façade of stability.

“Under the leadership of the previous administration, with the then Prime Minister acting as Minister of Finance and his brother serving as CEO of the Development Bank, a deliberate decision was made to suspend audits. This created an environment ripe for abuse, where hundreds of millions of dollars were recklessly mismanaged.”

Prime Minister Drew highlighted that the bank’s hidden debt of $300 million was only uncovered after his administration commissioned forensic audits. These audits also revealed that the Development Bank held loans totaling approximately $120 million from Social Security, an arrangement that was neither disclosed to the public nor adequately monitored.

“We could not allow the mismanagement of the past to jeopardize the livelihoods of our people. Our first priority has been to protect the integrity of Social Security and ensure that no citizen has to worry about whether their pension or benefits will be paid.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that his administration is determined to bring transparency and accountability to the Development Bank and all government-linked financial institutions. A forensic audit has been completed, and regular external audits have resumed. These audits are expected to be tabled in Parliament in the first quarter of 2025.

“To hide the state of the Development Bank from the people of St. Kitts and Nevis was an act of gross negligence. We are committed to uncovering the full extent of this mismanagement and holding those responsible accountable. Legal claims have been filed, and the case is already in progress.”

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 4, 2024 (PMO) — Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has issued a rallying call for Caribbean nations to adopt St. Kitts and Nevis as a model for implementing innovative policies that improve quality of life and empower citizens. Speaking during an appearance on Freedom FM’s ‘Issues’ talk show, Dr. Drew outlined key initiatives under his administration that have set the Federation apart as a leader in sustainable development and social advancement.

“St. Kitts and Nevis is leading in areas critical to sustainable development —from our revolutionary ASPIRE program to universal healthcare for children and free education through the college level, we are demonstrating what is possible when governments prioritize the well-being and future of their people,” said Dr. Drew.

He continued, “I encourage our Caribbean neighbors to study these strategies and adapt them for their own national needs. Together, we can create a region that is more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous.”

Dr. Drew further emphasized that the policies implemented in St. Kitts and Nevis could serve as a blueprint for other Caribbean nations, noting that the Federation’s proactive approach to tackling issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare has positioned it as a regional leader.

“We are not only addressing the challenges of today but laying the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow. Our initiatives are designed to be sustainable, impactful, and replicable. We invite our Caribbean neighbors to share ideas and collaborate on solutions that will benefit the region as a whole.”

Regional cooperation, as highlighted by the Prime Minister, is critical in order to achieve collective progress. He then called for greater sharing of best practices and innovations across the Caribbean. “The challenges we face as small island states—whether they are economic, social, or environmental—are shared challenges. By working together and learning from each other, we can build stronger, more resilient nations.”

He highlighted his government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) as a framework for addressing these shared challenges. By focusing on renewable energy, economic diversification, and social inclusion, the agenda aims to make St. Kitts and Nevis—and the broader region—models of sustainable development.

To learn more about the government’s achievements and successes, visit www.gov.kn/national-accomplishments.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 4, 2024 (PMO) — Over 3,000 young people have now registered for the groundbreaking ASPIRE program. This information was shared by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, during a recent radio appearance. This milestone reflects the tremendous national response to an initiative that is redefining financial literacy and youth empowerment in the Caribbean.

The ASPIRE program, targeted at children aged 5 to 18, is designed to instill critical financial knowledge and provide opportunities for long-term wealth building. Participants gain access to financial education on concepts such as compound interest, dividends, debt management, and investment strategies, while also receiving savings accounts and shares in locally-based companies.

“This program is revolutionary,” said Prime Minister Drew. “We are empowering our young people to escape the cycle of poverty by equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to build strong financial foundations. The ASPIRE program does more than teach financial literacy—it provides real opportunities for ownership and investment, ensuring that our children are well-prepared to thrive in a competitive global economy.”

The ASPIRE program is unique to St. Kitts and Nevis and stands as a symbol of the government’s commitment to the nation’s youth. It aligns closely with the principles of the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), prioritizing human capital development and economic inclusivity.

Prime Minister Drew also pointed out that the ASPIRE program builds upon the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party’s historic legacy of introducing transformative social programs. “Just as our party spearheaded free secondary education in the 1960s and established Social Security in the 1970s, we are now bringing ASPIRE into the 2020s. This program is yet another example of our steadfast commitment to advancing the welfare of our citizens.”

Notably, the program has already begun changing lives, with thousands of participants gaining invaluable financial skills. It is an essential pillar of the government’s strategy to create an environment where every citizen has access to opportunity, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

In addition to its educational benefits, ASPIRE aims to instill values of responsibility and ambition among the nation’s youth. “When our children learn to save, invest, and own, they not only secure their own futures but contribute to the strength and resilience of our economy,” said Dr. Drew.

Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the program’s reach, ensuring that every eligible child in St. Kitts and Nevis can participate. “We want every family to take full advantage of this opportunity. This is an investment not just in individual lives, but in the future of our entire nation,” Dr. Drew affirmed.

For more information about the ASPIRE program and how to register, visit https://aspire.gov.kn/

To learn more about the government’s achievements and successes, visit www.gov.kn/national-accomplishments.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 07, 2024, (PMO) – The transformative impact of the Elevate Program in St. Kitts and Nevis was celebrated recently with the graduation of three young individuals from the Advanced Vocational Education Centre (AVEC). These graduates, once considered at-risk youths, now stand as beacons of hope and inspiration, embodying the program’s commitment to rehabilitation, empowerment, and the advancement of marginalized individuals within society.

The Elevate Program, a specially designed government initiative, focuses on addressing the needs and aspirations of disenfranchised individuals, guiding them toward sustainable paths of self-reliance and success. Through personalized surveys and consultations, the program has tailored its offerings to include personal and professional development, financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills training, and career development opportunities.

According to Major Kayode Sutton, former Director of the Elevate Program, the initiative was born out of the government’s determination to support at-risk individuals by providing them with structured training and resources. “The ultimate goal of Elevate is to guide participants toward sustainable self-sufficiency by equipping them with the necessary skills and opportunities to rebuild their lives.”

One of the graduates, Quake Phillip, pursued general construction and carpentry at AVEC. Described as initially unfocused and easily distracted, Philip credits the Elevate Program for helping him find stability and purpose. Two other graduates, young women —Davincia Francis and Amorelle Nisbett, who pursued management studies, also excelled during their time at AVEC, having demonstrated exceptional performance during their on-the-job training at a major insurance company in the Federation. According to their employer, as relayed by Major Sutton, the women were punctual, team-oriented, and productive, earning praise for their contributions.

The Elevate Program’s success is not confined to individual achievements; its broader impact is equally noteworthy. By collaborating with key institutions such as AVEC, the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, and the TVET Council, Elevate ensures participants receive industry-recognized certifications and training. In addition, the program extends its reach to prisons, aiding in the rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated individuals by equipping them with skills essential for employment or entrepreneurship upon release.

Elevate’s commitment to rehabilitation, as expressed by Sutton, extends beyond training and education. Through its second phase, Elevate Through Entrepreneurship (ETE), the program engages with private and public sector partners to provide participants with on-the-job training and job placement opportunities. The initiative’s focus on community outreach and collaboration with organizations such as USAID further underscores its goal of reducing crime and violence by addressing the root causes of societal disenfranchisement.

“Rehabilitation is critical because it shows individuals an alternative path to growth and development,” explained Major Sutton. “When we provide guidance, mentorship, and tangible opportunities, we see individuals transform into valuable contributors to society.”

The Elevate Program operates in alignment with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis’s Citizen Security Agenda. By addressing the socio-economic factors that lead to crime and disenfranchisement, the program creates a safer and more inclusive society.

Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, lauded the program’s success. “The government remains committed to fostering a society where every individual, regardless of their past, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. Programs like Elevate exemplify our dedication to creating a safer, more sustainable future for all citizens.”

For more information on the Elevate Program and its initiatives, log on to https://www.elevate.gov.kn/. To learn more about the government’s achievements and successes, visit www.gov.kn/national-accomplishments (https://www.gov.kn/national-accomplishments/)