By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 28th August 2025)-Motorists going about Basseterre are being urged to exercise caution as the traffic lights at the busy Fort Street and Cayon Street junction are malfunctioning.

Police announced on Thursday 28th August 2025 that the signals have been temporarily switched off and are expected to be restored by Tuesday 2nd September.

Of note, those lights are critical for managing the heavy flow of vehicles and pedestrians in the town’s centre.

Drivers are therefore being advised by police to proceed with extra vigilance and caution, reduce speed, and maintain safe following distances. Officers stressed that all road users must also give way to pedestrians who are crossing and obey any directions issued by police officers stationed in the area.

In terms of traffic flow, the guidance is as follows:

•         Vehicles on Fort Street and Victoria Road must stop before entering Cayon Street.

•         Traffic on Cayon Street has the right of way.

•         Pedestrians should always be given priority.

 “Our teams expect the issue to be remedied by Tuesday (Sept. 2, 2025). If there is any further delay, we will update the public immediately. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as the Public Works Department works to restore normal operations,” a police statement on the matter read.

Basseterre: St. Kitts, Tuesday, August 26, 2025: The Ministry of Education officially launched the new academic year with a back-to-school ceremony held under the theme “Transforming Education Through Self-Renewal, Holistic Partnership and Digital Solutions on Monday, August 25. The event dedicated to teachers and educators served as a moment of reflection, motivation, and preparation for the year ahead.

Mr. Francil Morris, Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, reflected on the achievements of each sector and praised them for their hard work during the past school year. He further encouraged them to remain dedicated during the new academic year.

“Be proud of the role each of you play within the Ministry of Education. Every achievement, no matter how small, is a reflection of your dedication and resilience. Hence, as we step into the 2025–2026 school year, let us continue to take bold strides, empowering our learners, supporting one another, and shaping a school year defined by progress, purpose, and endless possibilities.”

Featured Speaker, Dr. Nigel Brown, Senior Corporate Relations Officer, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), reminded educators to approach the new school year with renewed purpose and adaptability, stating,

“As we embark on this new school year, let us embrace self-renewal, and that is committing to becoming the best version of ourselves. Let us strengthen holistic partnerships because together we are stronger, and let us boldly harness digital solutions, not as a threat but as an ally in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.”

Marking the beginning of a new school year, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Minister of Education, highlighted the significance of the annual back-to-school ceremony as a moment of recognition and renewal, noting, “I deem it a privilege and honour to officially open the 2025-2026 school year. This exercise is more than a tradition. It is a celebration of your dedication, resilience, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Each year is like a fresh canvas, waiting to be filled with curiosity, courage, and connection.”

Minister Hanley thanked educators for their contributions to the success of the 2024-2025 school year and challenged them to uphold key values moving forward.

“As we step into this new academic year, I invite all of us to center our work around three guiding principles: safe spaces, partnerships, and shared responsibility. These are the foundation of a thriving school culture, and they begin with us.”

The ceremony not only underscored the invaluable contributions of educators but also charted a clear course for the 2025–2026 academic year, one defined by resilience, collaboration, and a steadfast dedication to excellence in teaching and learning.

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (August 26, 2025)- Premier the Honourable Mark Brantley has firmly rejected what he described as deliberate misinformation surrounding the proposed Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) in Nevis, making it clear that all lands currently being sold are privately owned and not government lands.

During his August 25 national address, the Premier explained that the sales taking place along the South Coast are strictly private transactions between landowners and purchasers, with no involvement from the government.

“The proposed zone is situated on the Southern coast of Nevis in the general area of Saddle Hill. Those who know the geography of Nevis will know that the South Coast is largely barren with no development and no infrastructure. The lands in that area are owned by a large number of private landowners. The majority of lands in that area originally owned by the government on behalf of the people of Nevis- some 238 acres- were swapped by the previous NRP (Nevis Reformation Party)-led NIA to the National Bank during the Land-for-Debt swap exercise. The people of Nevis have therefore already lost those lands,” Premier Brantley said.  

He categorically rejected claims that the government was seeking to acquire lands by force. Premier Brantley dismissed suggestions of compulsory acquisition or forced dispossession as “false and absurd,” stressing that property rights remain secure.

“No one will ever be forced to sell their land. If you do not want to sell, you do not sell. All land transactions are private, voluntary agreements between buyer and seller.”

The Premier also called out the hypocrisy of the Opposition, accusing them of misleading the public while personally profiting from the very land sales they now condemn.

“I am advised that prominent members of the Opposition were among the first to agree to sell their lands, to sign agreements and to collect their monies. It cannot be right for high-ranking members of the NRP in Nevis to sell their lands, pocket millions of dollars and then turn around and blame the Government,” he said.

Premier Brantley also condemned personal attacks against his family, describing the allegations concerning his wife’s professional real estate practice as flagrant. He clarified that his wife has operated a fully licensed real estate business for more than 20 years, entirely independent of his or any government involvement.

Turning to the Special Sustainability Zone legislation, the Premier emphasized that Nevis retains full control over its development decisions.

“No Special Sustainability Zone can ever be declared in Nevis without the full approval of the Nevis Island Administration and ratification by the Nevis Island Assembly,” he stated. “This ensures that Nevis remains in control of Nevis.”

He added that the law establishes strict safeguards, requiring developers to demonstrate long-term economic benefits, provide infrastructure at no cost to taxpayers, ensure renewable energy and water self-sufficiency, protect the environment, and make provisions for health, safety, and security.

On the matter of access, Premier Brantley reassured the public that Nevis’ waters and beaches are all public property and will at all times remain so.

The Premier concluded by highlighting the transformative opportunities the Special Sustainability Zone offers for Nevis, urging Nevisians not to be misled by what he described as ‘dishonesty and double-speak’ from detractors.

The proposed development has the potential to create thousands of permanent jobs for Nevisians at home and returning nationals, bring billions of dollars of investment to the island, generate hundreds of millions in direct revenue for government, and create significant opportunities for new businesses and the expansion of existing local businesses into the zone.

Bronx, NY – August 22, 2025 — The Sandy Point Benevolent Society (SPBS) proudly announces the five distinguished individuals who will be honored at its 2025 Annual Awards Banquet. These honorees exemplify the Society’s core values of resilience, generosity, innovation, and cultural pride, and their stories inspire a renewed commitment to service and community empowerment.

SPBS President Dr. Stewart Williams remarked: “Each year, we come together not only to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees but to remind ourselves of the power of giving back. These remarkable individuals show us that when we invest in others, we strengthen our community and create opportunities for generations to come. We invite everyone to join us in honoring their legacies and supporting our mission: Give so that others can move forward.”

2025 Honorees

Dr. Almesha L. Campbell

A native of Newton Ground Village, St. Kitts, Dr. Campbell serves as Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University (JSU), managing a $120M research portfolio. A national leader in innovation and technology transfer, she co-founded JSU’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Innovation Fellows Program. She has held prominent leadership positions including Chair of the AUTM Board of Directors (2023–2024) and membership on the ARIS Advisory Board. A proud Sandy Point High School alumna, she continues to support SPBS and delivered the 2022 Awards Banquet keynote address.

Mrs. Gracemae Denise Rosalia Richardson-Carty

Born in Sandy Point, St Kitts and now residing in Anguilla, Mrs. Richardson-Carty is a trailblazer in entrepreneurship and service. A University of the Virgin Islands graduate with highest honors, she co-founded Paramount Pharmacy and later expanded into real estate. Her community leadership has earned her Anguilla’s RISE Award and the Women Who Inspire Award. Deeply committed to philanthropy, she supports SPBS initiatives including the Easter Breakfast and banquet magazine.

Mr. Leroy Powell

A visionary entrepreneur from Newton Ground, Mr. Powell founded Island Purified Water—the Federation’s first bottled water company. From modest beginnings and after serving in the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, he grew his business into a leading enterprise employing nearly 40 people. A committed philanthropist, he supports schools, sports, and youth development across the island.

Ms. Abena Amory

Singer, songwriter, and maternal health advocate, Ms. Amory is the daughter of vocalist Jacqueline Erlene Williams-King and the late Hon. Vance Amory. She has performed across the U.S. and Caribbean with renowned artists such as Jennifer Hudson and Romain Virgo. Beyond music, she is a certified doula, author, and advocate for reproductive justice, generously donating resources to youth and mothers in St. Kitts, Dominica, and New York.

Mr. Troy K. “Bif” Mills

A cultural ambassador and educator, Mr. Mills currently serves as Director of Culture in St. Kitts and Nevis. His leadership includes chairing the CARICOM Regional Cultural Committee, promoting heritage, and enriching national life through music, media, sports, and education. Also an accomplished referee, musician, and community servant, he is guided by his motto: “Always be Positive in your Thoughts, Words & Actions.”

The 2025 SPBS Annual Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Maestro’s Caterers, 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York, from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of dinner, entertainment, and celebration for a ticket price of $125. For more information or to reserve tickets, please contact Anthony (917-328-6875), Paulette (347-755-2218), or Trevor D. (917-560-1262). Additional details, including ticket purchases and raffle opportunities, are available online at www.spbsinc.org.

The Sandy Point Benevolent Society invites all supporters, alumni, and friends to attend this inspirational evening as we celebrate our honorees’ achievements and recommit to advancing education, opportunity, and community development at home and abroad.

Basseterre, Saint Kitts – The Organising Committee for the 42nd Anniversary of Independence is proud to announce that Ms. Willa Liburd Tavernier, a distinguished attorney-at-law, academic librarian and global advocate for equitable knowledge access, will be the featured speaker for the 27th Prime Minister’s Lecture Series.

The lecture will be held on Tuesday September 9th, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

This year’s Independence celebrations are being observed under the distinguished theme, “Perpetual Progress—A Sustainable Future in View: Independence 42.” Ms. Liburd Tavernier’s work and journey perfectly embody this theme, demonstrating how a commitment to lifelong learning, innovation and inclusion is fundamental to building a resilient and sustainable nation.

A proud daughter of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Ms. Liburd Tavernier’s intellectual journey began with the Saint Kitts and Nevis State Scholarship in 1995. She is a qualified attorney, called to the Bar in Saint Kitts and Nevis and the British Virgin Islands, and a former Senior Legal Officer at the ECCB and partner at a leading international law firm.

She now serves as the Research Impact & Open Scholarship Librarian at Indiana University Bloomington, where she specializes in building equitable knowledge infrastructures—work that directly supports sustainable development goals crucial for small island states. In 2023, she was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker for her groundbreaking work.

Despite her international acclaim, she remains deeply connected to her roots. She has collaborated with the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) to launch a digital exhibit featuring Kittitian and Nevisian authors and is working on a digital history project for the college.

“We are incredibly honoured to welcome Ms. Willa Liburd Tavernier as our featured speaker this year,” said Ms Viera Galloway, Co-Chair of the Independence 42 Organising Committee. “Her life’s work is a testament to the ‘perpetual progress’ of growth and the power of knowledge. From her beginnings in Saint Kitts and Nevis to shaping global conversations on open access and information equity, she is a true inspiration. Her lecture will provide invaluable insights into how St. Kitts and Nevis can leverage knowledge as a critical pillar for our sustainable future.”

The Prime Minister’s Lecture Series is a premier event on the national calendar, designed to stimulate thoughtful discourse on issues of national and regional importance. The public is invited to attend this enlightening occasion.

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, August 21, 2025 (SKNIS): The Federal Ministry of Information, Communications, and Technology and Posts in Saint Kitts and Nevis proudly announces that its Permanent Secretary, Cheryleann Pemberton, has been appointed as the Second Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO).

The announcement follows the successful staging of the CTO’s 63rd Council Meeting held in July 2025 at the historic Marlborough House in London. This prestigious appointment marks a significant milestone for both the ministry and the broader ICT sector within the Commonwealth.

As Second Vice Chair, Mrs. Pemberton will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the CTO, an organisation dedicated to promoting connectivity, innovation, and sustainable development in telecommunications across its member states. The appointment reaffirms Saint Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to advancing collaborative efforts in the global telecommunications sector.

“I am honoured to accept this role and sincerely grateful for the trust placed in me by my peers,” Permanent Secretary Pemberton stated. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the Executive Committee and member states to harness technology for socio-economic development and to ensure that telecommunications remain a catalyst for progress across the Commonwealth.”

The significance of this role lies in the opportunity it presents to influence policies and initiatives that address critical challenges faced by the telecommunications sector, particularly in areas such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and technological advancement. The Permanent Secretary’s involvement in the CTO will facilitate knowledge exchange and best practices among member countries, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and development in ICT.

The Ministry of ICT is confident that this appointment will strengthen Saint Kitts and Nevis’s position within the CTO and enhance its influence on critical telecommunications issues, ultimately benefiting citizens and businesses across the twin-island Federation.