Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, November 14, 2024 (PMO) —Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, accompanied by the Hon. Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Works et al, and Mr. Alexis Hazel, contractor of the road works project, conducted a site visit on November 13th, 2024, to evaluate the ongoing rehabilitation of the St. Peters Main Road. This critical infrastructure project underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing transportation networks in the nation’s fastest-growing community.

The St. Peters Main Road serves as a vital artery for residents and commuters, linking the rapidly expanding St. Peters area to Basseterre and other regions. Recognizing its significance, the government prioritized this project to address the increasing traffic demands and to improve safety and accessibility for all users.

During the site visit, Prime Minister Drew, who also serves as the elected representative for the area and is a resident of St. Peters, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s progress. “I am very pleased with the advancements made on this massive undertaking. This road leads to the fastest-growing area in St. Kitts and one of the largest outside of Basseterre in terms of population. Not addressing this road would stifle the movement of people, affecting their lives in many ways.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Public Works and the contractor, Mr. Hazel of Rock and Dirt, in adhering to the project’s timeline. He reassured residents, “We are on schedule. I know there are some concerns about things seeming to go slow, but this is a massive undertaking, and it is on time. I want to reassure them of that.”

Minister Maynard provided insights into the project’s scope and the meticulous planning involved. He explained, “At the start, we did all of the work that you don’t see because the design of roads takes a tremendous amount of time. All of the analysis has to be done, etc. That took quite a number of months.” He further elaborated on the complexities encountered, particularly concerning underground infrastructure, stating, “There is a lot of underground infrastructure and things that have to happen. You have to build sidewalks, you have to build retaining walls… Paving is the last thing.”

The rehabilitation project extends from the airport roundabout to Ogees, encompassing significant improvements to road surfaces, drainage systems, and pedestrian pathways. These enhancements aim to accommodate the area’s growth and to ensure the safety and convenience of all road users.

Prime Minister Drew emphasized the importance of patience and understanding from the community during the construction phase. He stated, “I want to apologize for the inconvenience, but they would understand that to get such a massive project done would require some inconvenience and some patience.” He assured residents that upon completion, they would be “immensely proud” of the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition.

The government remains steadfast in its dedication to improving national infrastructure, with the St. Peters Main Road rehabilitation serving as a testament to its commitment to fostering sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts —November 13, 2024 (PMO) – At an event promoting the government’s Sanitation Assistance Program (SAP), Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew in emphasizing the initiative’s transformative impact, called on citizens without proper bathroom facilities to register and take full advantage of the program. SAP, which focuses on eliminating pit latrines throughout St. Kitts and Nevis, underscores the government’s dedication to providing every citizen with access to modern, dignified living conditions.

“This program, the Sanitation Assistance Program, is really taking St. Kitts and Nevis to the next level,” Prime Minister Drew said. “The objective really is to eradicate pit latrines from our country. Our country is a modern country, a high-income country, one of the most educated in CARICOM, ranking highest in the Human Development Index. It means we must do what is necessary to reflect that status.”

During his remarks, Prime Minister Drew shared personal stories to underscore the importance of SAP and how it uplifts communities by providing basic, yet life-changing, amenities. He recounted a visit to Keys Village in late 2013 that inspired the inception of SAP, where he encountered a man living in a small, rundown wooden house without access to basic sanitation. The man relied on a plastic bag for his needs, an experience that deeply affected the Prime Minister and catalyzed the program’s launch.

“I realized there was no toilet facility,” Dr. Drew shared. “What he did was use a plastic bag and throw it out the window. To think that in 2013, in St. Kitts and Nevis, someone was living like that… it was unimaginable.” The Prime Minister described how community members came together to paint the new structure built for the man, symbolizing community solidarity and shared pride.

The Sanitation Assistance Program, managed by the National Housing Corporation (NHC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Settlement and the Department of Constituency Empowerment, seeks to ensure that even the most vulnerable citizens have access to sanitary bathroom facilities. Prime Minister Drew underscored the significance of this program in upholding the nation’s vision of a sustainable and equitable society.

“You cannot imagine what a bathroom with a flush toilet does to the dignity and pride of one of your fellow citizens,” he said, stressing the profound impact of providing such facilities to those in need. “This is why NHC was created — so that nobody in St. Kitts and Nevis will live like this again.”

The Prime Minister used the opportunity to commend the tireless efforts of the NHC and related ministries in driving the SAP forward. He emphasized that while this initiative does not generate profit for the organization, it fulfills the NHC’s core mission of serving the public good.

“These bathroom facilities are free. But it is significant because when you look at where we have come from, this is why NHC exists. Each time you want to be inspired as to why NHC is here, just take a look and say to yourself, never, ever again.”

The Prime Minister urged citizens to take advantage of the program and register, highlighting the government’s dedication to fostering a society where all people can live with dignity and security.

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday, 13th November 2024)-The St. Kitts and Nevis Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council is empowering skilled individuals to gain formal recognition through a program that assesses prior learning and experience. 

Chief Executive Officer of the TVET Council Secretariat, Dr. Kertney Thompson, shared details about such in a recent interview with Ian Richards on an episode of ‘In Focus’ by the St.Kitts-Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) on the topic ‘Empowering Sustainable Development Through Education and Vocational Training’ on Wednesday 13th November 2024.

The Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition programme allows individuals with on-the-job experience to be evaluated against industry standards and potentially receive certification without undergoing traditional classroom training. 

Speaking to the value of PLAR, Dr. Thompson said, “What we would do is basically take someone who has experience out there in the field… and you basically assess them against a set of industry-developed standards… We certify them, validate that they can do it. And we certify them, validate that they can do it. 

Dr. Thompson explained that the TVET Council assesses skills in fields as varied as carpentry, mechanics, and masonry. Skilled tradespeople are evaluated based on practical demonstrations of their abilities. 

“They can demonstrate it in real time or if they have work related videos and those things that we could use to show that yes, that person could actually do that,” he noted.

He went on to say: “For example, with a mason, if it says, if part of the job says, well, obviously part of the job is going to be, you have to be able to run blocks. You have to be able to put up a wall, a certain length, and it has to be within standard, within specification. So if you have a video showing that, we could use that as evidence against that or if they don’t have anything, we could actually go on the job and watch them do it to sign off and say, yes, that person is competent in that area. And with a TVET certification like this, it’s not they go to school, someone lectures, they take a written test. They have to demonstrate that they could actually perform this work.”

According to Dr. Thompson: “So if you say you’re a mechanic and you have to replace a transmission, you’re going to have to replace a transmission. You have to show you can replace the transmission. So when you do go for an interview, now you’re not telling the employer that, yeah, I know how to install the transmission. You could actually tell them, I can actually install the transmission. I can demonstrate to you how it’s done, and I can actually do it in real time. And you have your certification. And you have your certification to prove it.”

“With a TVET certification like this, it’s not that they go to school, someone lectures, they take a written test. They have to demonstrate that they could actually perform this work,” he emphasized. 

Beyond providing certification, TVET in St. Kitts and Nevis has broader goals. In his conversation with Richards, Dr. Thompson defined TVET in 2024 as a cornerstone of national development. 

“TVET is a driver for economic development. It’s a way of ensuring that we have a workforce that is highly skilled and certified for the world of work. And here in St. Kitts and Nevis, that’s our goal-pushing TVET into those higher stream areas that can really drive the sustainable development of St. Kitts and Nevis.”

Dr. Thompson highlighted, individuals with skills certification can enhance their professional standing, particularly in government roles where qualifications can influence pay scales. 

“Someone who’s been working, let’s take [the] water department, for example, [who has] been working as a linesman or whatever, and may not have a particular certification…might be able to get appointed to a different scale based on those types of certifications.”

As informed, the TVET Council, which was established under the Education Act of 2005, is tasked with advising the Minister of Education on matters relating to technical and vocational training. 

The Council, comprising representatives from key industries like tourism, construction, workers unions including the St.Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union, and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), brings a wide range of expertise to guide the development of the workforce. 

Dr. Thompson also touched on the Council’s ambitious plans for growth, noting, “We have a robust work plan. A lot of things to do within these three years.” 

As understood, since Dr. Thompson began leading the Secretariat nearly a decade ago, he has overseen transformative changes, implementing quality assurance, certification, and monitoring systems that have laid the foundation for St. Kitts and Nevis’ skilled workforce to thrive.

Notably, the PLAR programme reflects the Council’s commitment to inclusivity, as it allows individuals who might not have pursued formal education to gain valuable credentials based on their skills and experience. 

Dr. Thompson remarked: “It is in today’s age very important… to have that certification,” whilst pointing out that the TVET certification validates an individual’s expertise, enabling them to present a recognized qualification when seeking employment or advancement.

The TVET Council is currently hosting a month of activities.

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis (November 10, 2024: PMO) – St. Kitts and Nevis has officially launched its state-of-the-art passport system, a major advancement in national security as part of the government’s 4th Generation Border Management System. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew was among the first to receive this high-security passport, which is designed to protect citizens and secure national borders with multiple anti-counterfeit features.

During a visit to the Passport Office, today, 11th November 2024, Dr. Drew underscored the broader vision behind this new passport. “This initiative is a cornerstone in our plan to modernize St. Kitts and Nevis. By integrating the latest technology, we not only enhance our security measures but also position ourselves as a leader in the region.”

He continued, “This passport not only protects our borders but also reflects our readiness to embrace a digital future”.

The enhanced passport system reflects a concerted team effort, supported by the Ministry of National Security and Canadian Bank Note, a trusted partner providing advanced technological support. According to Dr. Drew, the new system will allow St. Kitts and Nevis to maintain a high standard of security, joining the ranks of the top Caribbean nations in passport technology.

“By implementing cutting-edge technologies, we can better manage who enters our country, ensuring safety and efficiency for all,” he said. The new passports are designed to withstand tampering, making them among the most secure in the Caribbean region.

This modernization effort is in line with the government’s strategic plan to transform St. Kitts and Nevis into a sustainable island state, with technology as a key component.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts– 4th November 2024.  The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) is currently investigating an incident that took place at Fort Thomas Road, Mc Knight, and resulted in serious injuries to two male individuals, ages nineteen (19) and sixteen (16), from St. Johnson Village and Cunningham Street, McKnight, respectively. 

The incident was reported to the Criminal Investigations Department at approximately 12:59 p.m. on Nov 4. Officers responded at the Joseph N. France General Hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department, where the individuals were receiving medical care.

Upon arrival, officers observed that both individuals were receiving treatment for injuries sustained in what appeared to be an accidental explosion. 

One individual underwent surgery for a serious hand injury, while the other sustained injuries to both hands and face. Medical staff also reported that one of the individuals may have lost partial vision in one eye due to the severity of the incident.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this event to understand how these injuries were sustained. 

Both individuals involved are currently warded at the JNF Hospital. 

The RSCNPF is committed to public safety and will provide further updates as the investigation progresses. We urge all members of the public to exercise caution when using any materials or actions that could lead to unintended harm. 

Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Department at  465 2241

NIA CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS (November 06, 2024) – Nevis has once again solidified its status as a premier travel destination, with Condé Nast Traveler ranking the island as the 6th best in the Caribbean in its prestigious Readers Choice Awards 2024.

The Honourable Premier Mark Brantley, Minister of Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), commented on this achievement, noting that three of the island’s hotels- Paradise Beach Villas, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, and Montpelier Plantation and Beach- were also honoured among the top resorts globally and in the Caribbean.

“The ongoing recognition of our island and its hospitality offerings is invaluable,” Premier Brantley said. “We all know that Nevis’ focus has not traditionally been the cruise sector, but what we call ‘heads in beds’. We have taken a different slightly nuanced approach [to our tourism model]. We have always focused on seeing how we can attract visitors and stay over visitors.”

Tourism on the island has seen robust growth in 2024, as evidenced by an increase in revenue from the Tourism Development Levy, a 2 percent tax applied to hotel stays and certain dining establishments.

“I’m pleased to announce that revenue from the Levy is currently 73.21 percent higher than in 2019, the last full year before the COVID-19 pandemic, and 8.17 percent higher than in 2023,” Premier Brantley reported.

This year, Nevis has already generated around $3.1 million from the levy as at October, compared to the $3.2 million total collected in 2023.

“We are on track to surpass last year’s total, and we aim to reach a record $4 million in revenue by the end of the year,” the Honourable Brantley added.

The Nevis Island Administration has made significant investments in enhancing tourism and heritage sites to improve visitors’ and residents’ experiences. Recent projects include the renovation and official reopening of the Bath Hot Springs site and upgrades to the popular Pinney’s Beach Strip.

With Nevis gaining recognition from one of the world’s leading luxury travel publications and its tourism sector showing impressive growth, the island is poised for continued success in the industry. This upward trajectory underscores Nevis’ position as a must-visit Caribbean destination for travelers seeking a refined, immersive, and memorable experience.

Photo caption: Nevis recognised as the #6 Best Island in the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveler

Photo caption: The Honourable Premier Mark Brantley, Minister of Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration