By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 28th November 2024)-Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development Sherilita ‘Shez’ Dore-Tyson has highlighted a growing trend of young people taking an active interest in land ownership.

During her appearance on the weekly ‘In Focus’ programme-hosted by the St.Kitts and Nevis Information Service-aired Wednesday 27th November 2024, she made such a data-driven observation as part of the themed discussion of ‘COP29 Insights and the Path to Sustainability’ when quizzed about land management.

Dore-Tyson pointed to census data revealing a demographic shift in attitudes toward land ownership.

“Well, in terms of the data we have, we have a young population, and young people are more land conscious than our seniors were back in the day. So now, I think we have over 2, 224,” she said.

She continued: “For a 68 square mile island, that is quite a challenge to meet the needs of all of these people. As a matter of fact, if you realize, 2,224-that’s a town. That’s a new town. So it’s almost like a new community waiting to be established.

The Permanent Secretary underscored the Ministry’s efforts to address the challenges posed by this surge in demand through equitable and accessible land distribution programmes.

 “We had to find creative ways to ensure that land distribution is equitable, it’s accessible, and we can do it in a fair way. We are not discriminating, but clearly we can’t just do it across the board like that.  she said.

Dore-Tyson went on to outline several initiatives tailored to meet the needs of various demographic groups.

“And so we have a number of programmes, for example, a young professionals programme. We are building the middle class. Again, this is based on statistics that we would have received,” she noted. The programme targets individuals who are ready to build and are financially capable. “We have over 100 persons who have received land so far under that programme.”

The Ministry is also seeing increased interest from specific occupational groups, including the military and police.

“We have a number of persons from the military and the police, the army, and so we are working as well with that group,” Dore-Tyson said.

Additionally, she spoke about another trend being the growing demand among men, a group Dore-Tyson described as previously underrepresented in land applications.

“The men are coming forward, and they’re saying to me, ‘PS, what happened to us?’ These are the bus drivers, the construction workers, the men who are working on the street, the men who are working maybe in factories,” she explained.

As gathered, in response to such feedback, the Ministry plans to make men a focus of land distribution efforts in 2025.

“We have the young professionals, we have the military, we have women because, you know, women carry the families. We’re going to include men and some other subsets so we can start to spread it across as many aspects of the population as possible and as many demographics as possible.”

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 28, 2024 (SKNIS) – With the passage of the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, 2024, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has taken another critical step in securing the nation’s borders and further safeguarding its citizens.

This piece of legislation, passed during the Thursday, November 28 sitting of the National Assembly, will assist local authorities to collect, transmit, regulate, and protect data on passengers traveling to, from, and through St. Kitts and Nevis. The Bill also repeals the Advance Passenger Information Act of 2017, and replaces it with modern, internationally compliant provisions.

Additionally, the Bill establishes a legal framework for the operation of Passenger Information Units (PIUs), which will process and analyse travel data for enhanced border security.

The Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, 2024, was developed as part of a regional effort led by the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) to establish a harmonised legal framework across CARICOM Member States. This initiative reflects the shared recognition among regional leaders that collective action is essential for addressing modern security challenges such as transnational crime, terrorism, and human trafficking.

Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, moved the Bill through its various stages in the National Assembly. Dr. Drew noted that the passage of the Bill represents his government’s unwavering commitment in safeguarding citizen security as part of its broader all-of-society approach to reducing crime and violence.

“This Bill is a proactive measure that addresses crime and violence not just as criminal issues but as public health concerns that require preventative interventions,” said Prime Minister Drew.

“Recognising that crime and violence have broader societal impacts, the Bill incorporates measures that align with treating security as a public health issue. By enhancing the ability to detect and prevent threats early, it contributes to safer environments and reduces the societal costs associated with crime,” he added.

The Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, 2024, supports the government’s vision for a safer and more resilient St. Kitts and Nevis, through its commitment to protecting its citizens, honouring its international obligations, and building a Sustainable Island State where security is the foundation of prosperity.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 28, 2024 (SKNIS) – The ASPIRE Bill, 2024, was successfully passed in the National Assembly during the Thursday, November 28 sitting, paving the way for the full implementation of the ground-breaking and transformative Achieving Success through Personal Investment, Resources and Education (ASPIRE) initiative that will foster financial literacy, instill positive saving habits and encourage early investment practices among the nation’s youth.

The ASPIRE Bill, 2024, moved by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, underscores the government’s commitment to empowering the next generation and fostering economic resilience in St. Kitts and Nevis. The Bill provides for the establishment of the ASPIRE Fund and for the creation of the ASPIRE Council that will manage the programme for the benefit of youth within the Federation.

This unique programme, the first of its kind in the region, will equip the nation’s youth with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to build a bright financial future. All youths aged 5-18, including nationals and citizens by descent, will receive a EC$1,000 contribution from the government. This contribution will be divided into two parts: EC$500 to be held in a savings account at the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank and EC$500 to be invested in shares of local, government-owned entities.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew said oftentimes it is only persons from a privileged background who would be put in positions from an early age to seize the benefits of having a bank account and investments in companies. Now through the ASPIRE programme, which is open to all children, the playing field has been leveled for every young person in St. Kitts and Nevis to generate wealth and become financially literate.

While on the surface some may view the savings and investment components of the programme as the most appealing, Prime Minister Drew said for him, the financial education aspect is the most important as it will indoctrinate a culture of financial wisdom that will remain with citizens and residents for life.

“This programme is to transform the next generation … and so we want our young people now to get that solid financial, entrepreneurial and investment education so that it becomes a part of them,” the prime minister said.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to sign up for the ASPIRE programme online at aspire.gov.kn.

To encourage the widest possible participation in the programme, Friday, November 29 has been dubbed “ASPIRE Day” in St. Kitts. From 2:00 – 5:00pm, officials will be stationed at Independence Square to provide additional information, answer all relevant questions and concerns, and assist parents and guardians in signing up their children for success.

ASPIRE Day in Nevis will be on December 06. Further information will be provided.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 28, 2024 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Sustainable Development is seeking strong support from the general public to protect ongoing efforts to upgrade the aesthetics and cleanliness of the historical Independence Square.

On Wednesday’s (November 27, 2024) edition of InFocus, Sherilita “Shez” Dore Tyson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, announced an ongoing capital project in Independence Square that includes replacing broken railings, adding new tables and benches, repairing the central fountain, and applying fresh coats of paint.

Permanent Secretary Dore Tyson, said that unbelievably persons are already trying to undo work already completed.

“Someone is using the darkness of night to unscrew the benches because they are trying to take the concrete benches out of The Square. It is countering what we are trying to do which is to make The Square a comfortable place where you can just take a breather,” she stated.

Photo: Minister Clarke (right) and PS Dore Tyson

The Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development and Environment, strongly condemned the increasing habit of individuals leaving garbage in Independence Square.

“Now if you have your lunch and there is no bin, walk with your garbage. Don’t leave your KFC box on the bench. If you close your store, don’t bring your shoe boxes to The Square,” she emphasised. “I’m very passionate about it because the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC) ticketed the business owners and we have three more to ticket.”

The minister noted that legislative changes will be made in the near future to increase ticket penalties from $500 to a more substantial figure.

“Do not bring your garbage from your office and your business and your store to The Square, and then you are going to complain that St. Kitts is not beautiful or how we have the place looking like this [especially], in the tourist season,” she stated. “You are undoing what we need to do to support tourism-based livelihoods.”

Minister Clarke is urging the public to cooperate by not littering and reporting any instances of such.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 28, 2024 (SKNIS): The Federal Parliament of St. Kitts and Nevis passed the Community Beautification and Safety Bill, 2024, an important piece of legislation designed to create safer, cleaner, and more attractive communities across the Federation.

The Bill, moved by the Honourable Senator and Minister responsible for Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, Dr. Joyelle Clarke, is a central part of the government’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

“Madame Speaker, it is my honour to address you today on an issue that is at the very heart of our collective efforts to build a stronger, safer, and more sustainable Saint Christopher and Nevis: The Community Beautification and Safety Bill, 2024,” said Dr. Clarke. “This forward-thinking legislation represents a bold and comprehensive step toward improving our nation’s environmental health, safety, and natural aesthetics. At the same time, it supports the preservation of our environmental heritage; steering our nation towards becoming a Sustainable Island State.”

The Community Beautification and Safety Bill, 2024, seeks to establish a Community Beautification and Safety Authority under the Ministry of Sustainable Development. This centralized unit or “one-stop shop” will be empowered to address challenges such as overgrown lots, unsightly structures, public health nuisances, derelict vehicles, and related risks. The Bill consolidates and strengthens existing legislation, which until now has been limited in scope, into one coherent framework to tackle these pressing issues.

“This Bill reflects our broader vision of transforming Saint Christopher and Nevis into a Sustainable Island State. A sustainable future is not merely about reducing carbon emissions; it is about fostering environments where our people can thrive—safe, healthy, and proud of the places they call home,” said Dr. Clarke. “By promoting community responsibility and environmental stewardship, we empower our citizens to play an active role in shaping this future. By centralising authority under the Ministry of Sustainable Development, we ensure that our response is efficient, impactful, and rooted in long-term goals.”

The Bill’s objectives are sixfold: to protect public health by combating the spread of diseases caused by vermin, stagnant water, and unkempt surroundings; to enhance public safety by reducing spaces that harbor criminal activities or pose physical risks; to promote environmental responsibility by fostering a culture of sustainable land and property management; to boost the aesthetic appeal by beautifying the landscape and promoting national pride, thereby enhancing the country’s image as a premier tourist destination; to encourage property stewardship by holding landowners and occupiers accountable for property maintenance; and to reduce crime opportunities by mitigating the use of abandoned properties for illegal activities.

The Community Beautification and Safety Bill clearly defines the environmental challenges that have plagued communities for generations, including issues such as vegetation exceeding 30 inches in height, properties that attract criminal activity, and derelict vehicles. Dr. Clarke emphasised that for far too long, the government has been complacent in addressing the unsightly state of many abandoned properties. While the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC) has made efforts to partner with communities to remove derelict vehicles, legal challenges remain in determining when a vehicle can be classified as derelict and disposed of. Nonetheless, Dr. Clarke expressed gratitude to community partners and mechanics who have worked alongside the SWMC to address this issue.

According to Dr. Clarke, the passage of the Community Beautification and Safety Bill, 2024, marks a significant step toward urban rejuvenation and revitalisation, setting the foundation for a sustainable and beautiful future for Saint Christopher and Nevis.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 28, 2024 (SKNIS): A Bill, which aims to modernise the management and governance of public parks across St. Kitts and Nevis, also known as the Public Parks Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was successfully passed in the Federal Parliament on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

The Bill was moved by the Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister responsible for Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Sports, and the Creative Economy.

During the second reading of the Bill, Minister Duggins emphasised the importance of updating the 1944 Public Parks Regulation Act, last amended in 1998, to address the evolving needs of communities across the country.

The honourable minister outlined the historical context of the original Act, which aimed to protect public parks, regulate their use, and assign management responsibilities to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports. However, as Minister Duggins noted, the existing framework faced challenges in accommodating community parks designed for broader purposes, such as family gatherings, playgrounds, and environmental education.

The amendment shifts the responsibility for declaring public parks to the prime minister, allowing any ministry to propose the establishment of parks tailored to specific community needs. Minister Duggins explained that this change would enable greater inter-ministerial collaboration and ensure that public parks are properly managed and funded.

The Public Parks Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has several key updates, including allowing the prime minister to declare public parks independently or after consulting with other Ministers or the Premier of Nevis, ensuring flexibility in the creation of parks; assigning management and maintenance responsibilities to the Ministry that proposes the park, ensuring accountability and proper upkeep, and updating definitions to align with modern governance practices.

Minister Duggins highlighted the benefits of these changes.

“This Bill is about creating more opportunities for our people. More parks for more people—this amendment allows Ministries such as Social Development and Environment to create parks that cater to children, families, and communities, not just athletes or tourists,” he said.

The amendment supports St. Kitts and Nevis’ vision of becoming a sustainable island state while contributing to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, it advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering accessible green spaces, promoting environmental stewardship, and encouraging inter-ministerial collaboration.

“Madam Speaker, this Bill is a statement of our commitment to creating a future where every citizen benefits from shared public spaces that support health, culture, and the environment. By linking the development and management of parks with sustainable practices, this amendment contributes significantly to our national vision and the global goals under the UN SDGs,” said Minister Duggins.

The Public Parks Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which had its first reading on November 08, 2024, now stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to fostering community spaces that reflect the culture, values, and aspirations of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 28, 2024 (SKNIS): The St. Kitts and Nevis Bar Association has strengthened its partnership with the New Horizons Rehabilitation Centre by donating a $2,000 gift card to support the purchase of workbooks for use in the residents’ educational programmes.

The donation was made at a brief handing-over ceremony held at the Department of Social Services on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Bar Association representative, Violet Williams, presented the contribution.

Photo: Ms. Williams presents contribution to Ms. Sam

“The association beams with satisfaction as we continue to give back [and] lend a helping hand to the youth of this Federation, who are under care, orders and juvenile rehabilitation programmes,” she stated, emphasising that the partnership with the Centre, which includes mentorship, will continue.

Shaneze Sam, Deputy Director of New Horizons accepted the donation and expressed heartfelt appreciation.

“We know that this donation will make a huge impact in the service that [the residents] receive and the changes that are necessary for them to become [productive] citizens of this Federation,” Ms. Sam remarked.

The donation was made as part of the association’s celebration of Law Week.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 27, 2024 (SKNIS) – The Ministry of Health in St. Kitts and Nevis took a major step today, November 27, 2024, to strengthen mental health support across the Federation with the official launch of the Mental Health Service Systems Enhancement Project.

This pivotal project, being pursued in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), seeks to advance mental health care by expanding mental health resources, building capacity for mental health professionals and enhancing accessibility to mental health services in St. Kitts and Nevis.

During the launch event at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, Prime Minister and Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, applauded the project that aims to normalise mental health and wellness in the country and help eliminate the stigma associated with mental health disorders.

“Mental health is a fundamental human right,” said Dr. Drew. “It is essential for personal development, and so collectively, the mental health of our people enables productivity and is essential for socio-economic development of our country as well.”

Through the implementation of this project, Prime Minister Dr. Drew said it is the intention to reduce the gaps in prevention, screening, early detection and treatment of mental health disorders.

Noting that the delivery of quality mental health services is a priority for his administration, Dr. Drew said that “Through the implementation of this project we will automatically be increasing the allocation of funds to mental health service delivery. So going forward we commit to gradually increasing the proportion of the annual health budget allocated to mental health services. With the buildout of the new hospital the Federation will also benefit from a new psychiatric unit.”

Prime Minister Dr. Drew expressed his appreciation to the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its partnership and investment in the overall wellbeing of citizens and residents. He further noted that this project symbolises the enduring friendship and fruitful collaborations between both nations.

The Mental Health Service Systems Enhancement Project runs for a period of three years, concluding in August 2027.