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Member Benefits Include
Collective Representation
Legal Representation
Grievance Resolution
Professional Development
Health and Safety Advocacy
Social and Networking Events
Governmental Advocacy
Job Security and Seniority Advocacy
Information and Resources
Open Door Policy
Workers Representation on a National Scale
Collective Bargaining Representation
The union negotiates collective bargaining agreements on behalf of its members to ensure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. Shop stewards act as liaisons between the workers and the union leadership.
Legal Representation
Members have access to legal assistance for workplace-related issues, such as unfair dismissal, discrimination, and safety violations.
Grievance Resolution
The SKNT&LU supports members in resolving workplace grievances, advocating for fair treatment and due process.
Professional Development
The union provides opportunities for members to enhance their skills and career prospects through various educational programs.
Health and Safety Advocacy
A key focus is on promoting safer work environments and compliance with health and safety standards.
Social and Networking Events
Members can participate in events that foster community and provide networking opportunities.
Governmental Advocacy
The union lobbies for policies and legislation that protect and advance workers' rights and interests.
Job Security and Seniority Advocacy
Efforts are made to ensure fair practices regarding layoffs, promotions, and other job changes, often prioritizing seniority and performance.
Information and Resources
The union keeps members informed about labor rights, industry developments, and union activities through various communication channels.
Open Door Policy
Members have direct access to union representatives for guidance and support, with non-members also encouraged to engage with the union.
Workers Representation on a National Scale
The SKNT&LU represents workers at the national level on various committees, influencing policies and regulations affecting labor and employment.
Basseterre, St. Kitts – The William Marcus Natta Memorial Scholarship Fund continued its decade-long tradition today by delivering a variety of school supplies to Tucker Clarke and Halliday Smith Primary Schools. This annual initiative has become a cherished contribution, equipping young learners with the essentials they need to succeed academically.
This year’s donation included a broad selection of supplies, such as notebooks, pencils, erasers, coloured pencils, markers, glue sticks, highlighters, rulers, geometry sets, scissors, crayons, staplers, folders, construction paper, index cards, binders, calculators, whiteboard markers, push pins, paper clips, sticky notes, protractors, pencil sharpeners, and children’s novels. These supplies aim to support the students’ creative and academic pursuits across all subjects.
Since 2011, the Fund has also awarded annual scholarships to primary students who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong sense of community, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of their educational progress.
Reflecting on this longstanding commitment, Fund Chair Dr Marcus L Natta shared, “Our goal is to empower young minds by providing not only resources but encouragement to dream and achieve. Each year, these donations and scholarships make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and in the future of our community and nation. My family and I are happy to serve in this manner.”
The Natta Scholarship Fund remains deeply committed to nurturing young talent in Saint Kitts and Nevis, with plans to continue expanding its outreach and impact in the years to come.
For more information about the William Marcus Natta Memorial Scholarship Fund, please visit www.nattascholarshipfund.org.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday, 6th November 2024)-After a period of delays which included post COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges, the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union (SKNT&LU) and Carib Brewery (St. Kitts-Nevis) Ltd. have finalized a renewed four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), covering 2023 to 2026.
The signing ceremony was held on Friday, 25th October 2024 at Carib Brewery’s compound (board room section) located at Buckley’s Site, representing a renewed commitment to collaboration between both parties, with a focus on maintaining fair work conditions and a productive relationship following discussions at the negotiation table, as customary over the years.
Union Shop Steward Alfred ‘Joash’ Liburd, an employee at Carib Brewery (St.Kitts-Nevis) Ltd. seen moments before putting his signature on the renewed collective Bargaining Agreement on Friday 25th October 2024 at the company’s board room at Buckley’s Site in Basseterre (Spokesman Snap)President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union (SKNT&LU) Sydney Bridgewater speaks following the signing of the four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), covering 2023 to 2026 while Managing Director of Carib Brewery (St. Kitts-Nevis) Ltd Mark Wilkin looks on (Spokesman Snap) Right end (R-L)-Acting Labour Commissioner Jeneve Mills, Labour Officers Astric Wyatt-Archibald and Terrel Storrod-Bass and Carib Brewery Human Resource Officer Kamie Francois. (Spokesman Snap)
Due to the delay, management is currently preparing retroactive wage payments for workers, with the union actively monitoring to ensure timely and accurate disbursement.
The agreement, containing thirty (30) articles, covers critical areas such as Union Security, Management Rights, Hours of Work, Disciplinary Procedures, Maternity Leave, Grievance Procedure and Settlement of Disputes, Safety and Health, Wages, Injury Benefits, Protective Clothing and also Severance Pay.
Affixing their signatures to the document were SKNT&LU representatives President Sydney Bridgewater, General Secretary Precious Mills, Field Officer (and union executive committee member) Sean Kelly, and Union Shop Steward and Carib Brewery employee Alfred ‘Joash’ Liburd.
Signing for Carib Brewery were Managing Director Mark Wilkin and Human Resource Officer Kamie Francois while Acting Labour Commissioner Jeneve Mills signed on behalf of the Department of Labour.
Wilkin reflected on the process, acknowledging the working relationship between the union and the beverage sector business of the ANSA McAL group of Trinidad and Tobago which is one of the larger Caribbean companies.
“We are always committed to this process and to ensuring you know that we meet. We may disagree on certain items but we would always strive to reach common ground that’s good for the workers and for the company.”
He expressed optimism about continued partnership with the union, noting, “We know this [signing ceremony] is a little late; we went into 2024 but we look forward to working closely with the team for the balance of the agreement, and look forward to signing of the next one.”
He also pointed to the mutual commitment made by both parties to a timely renewal process, to initiate negotiations “three months before the end of the agreement.”
Union President Bridgewater took a firm stance on the role of the union in safeguarding worker rights, especially in an era where some companies might attempt to bypass union representation.
“We have to be careful with companies because companies want to make negotiations… a thing of the past,” Bridgewater stated. “They want to feel… they can go straight to the workers, talk with them, do the bargaining thing…sidestepping the union.”
He reminded workers of the importance of staying united through collective action, noting, “Workers have to understand, salvation is to get together, join together. They’ve got to be thinking about collective bargaining agreements, and they must get the union negotiators involved. That’s a must.”
Bridgewater also praised the longstanding relationship with Carib Brewery, describing it as “one of our oldest, longstanding [partnerships].”
“We must look after our members and the workers because if somebody didn’t speak for them, who would,” he commented in speaking about the role of the Union.
Acting Labour Commissioner Mills talked about the importance of unions in ensuring that workers’ rights are respected.
“It seems as if, based on listening to [Union President Bridgewater], some persons are thinking these collective bargaining [agreements] need to be outdated,” he said. “Now more than ever, we need to go back down this road [of having such agreements] and encourage persons to become part of unions,” he continued, noting that these agreements represent “the maturity of business relations” and reflect “and the fact that the employer understands that there are some rights and responsibilities owed to the employee.”
Mills further pointed to the significance of having a forum to discuss issues affecting workers and management alike.
“That’s what collective bargaining is about-issues we can meet at the table and discuss, finding what is best for the entity and for the persons who drive the economy of that entity,” he stated.
Union General Secretary Precious Mills, shared with this media house, the importance of worker involvement in the collective bargaining process saying: “A key aspect of such a bargaining document is the involvement of the workers themselves discussing the various articles, and no doubt workers do recognize that a document like this is aimed at their betterment.”
She also paid tribute to the late General Secretary Batumba Tak, who was involved in the prior agreement negotiations before his passing in 2019.
Mills noted that his contribution was noted during the course of negotiation and related discussions
Basseterre, St. Kitts – TDC Home and Building Depots have partnered with LUBECO (1991) Limited, a Regional authority in the bedding industry to host a series educational in-house sales, customer service, and merchandising training sessions for the Furniture and Household Sales Associates.
The joint training initiative, which commenced earlier this month, is designed to equip employees with in-depth product knowledge, effective sales techniques, and improved customer service strategies.
LUBECO (1991) Limited’s expertise in bedding solutions is providing the TDC Home and Building Depots Sales Teams with specialized insights to better inform and serve customers looking for premium comfort and quality in their home essentials.
The face-to-face sessions are being facilitated by Ms. Valma Anthony, Senior Branch Manager from the St. Lucian based manufacturing plant, which include a mix of product knowledge and real-time merchandising exercises to help staff align with best industry practices. Employees are also being taught how to create engaging product displays, identify customer preferences effectively, and communicate product benefits confidently to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Mr. Iston Williams, Senior Manager of TDC Home and Building Depot on St. Kitts, highlighted the importance of continuous training and development: “Our commitment to excellence is rooted in how well we understand and meet our customers’ needs. Partnering with LUBECO enables us to not only broaden our staff’s knowledge but also ensure that our customers receive a superior level of service and support when shopping for bedding and other home products.”
Ms. Anthony also her expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Our mission is to share our years of expertise in the bedding industry with our partners, the TDC Home and Building Depots, to foster an enriched customer service culture. These sessions are tailored to ensure that the staff not only understand our products but are empowered to showcase them in ways that resonate with the customer.”
The cooperation between both companies represents a shared dedication to quality, service, and customer-centric practices, which is aimed at advancing professional development, customer interactions and elevating overall shopping experience.
Picture – Ms. Valma Anthony, Senior Branch Manager at LUBECO (1991) conducting a session on mattresses
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 6th November 2024)-Guest speaker at the recent 85th annual workers’ conference of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU), well-known business and academic professional Mr. R.A Peter Jenkins issued a call to action encouraging the union to explore initiatives for securing its future and strengthening its role in society.
With a theme of ‘Empowering Workers: Strategies for Success in 2025 and Beyond’, the conference-held on Sunday 27th October 2024 at the SWMC Conference Room- provided a platform for Mr. Jenkins to suggest approaches aimed at fostering the union’s growth and ensuring its independence.
Notably, in 2011 Mr. Jenkins became the main lecturer of the CFBC [Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College] Jenkins Ltd, Jenkins Real Estate Leadership Program which is now in its 11th cohort.
Reflecting on union activity worldwide, Mr. Jenkins cited various examples to emphasize the power and impact of unionized labour.
“In the United States, the strike of unionized dock workers this month lasted no more than two days -that’s significant,” he remarked. Turning his attention closer to home, he observed that in Guyana, the teachers’ union has been “on the picket line for months,” underscoring the resilience of union members in pursuing their rights.
He also pointed to the United Kingdom as an example of unions’ reach into the professional workforce, where “22% of all workers are unionized, with the highest number being professionals – approximately 42%.”
He noted that doctors and nurses have made “significant gains as a result of being unionized.”
Additionally, he highlighted union-led initiatives like Milwaukee’s trades and skills institute and the strength of civil service unions in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados.
Mr. Jenkins emphasized the need for SKNT&LU to focus on self-sufficiency.
“The executive and members of the union must appreciate that it has to stand on its own two feet. If help comes, that’s a bonus, but do not assume it will. The mindset must be one of survival…,”he urged.
He pointed to the need for a financial institution that can provide ongoing support for union members, asking, “Is the time right for a credit union? What [about] a cooperative to deal with food security?”
One of Mr. Jenkins’ suggestions was the idea of a published history of the union to generate revenue.
“I am confident if a book is published, some revenue would be received if it is properly marketed, perhaps even on platforms like Amazon,” he stated. He proposed that sales of such a book could help “keep the union going,” providing a source of consistent income.
Another recommendation was the establishment of educational institutions affiliated with the union.
According to Mr. Jenkins: “The union should investigate the establishment of a preschool and a primary school.” He emphasized that such institutions could “begin to expose children to the principles of what it is to work together as cooperatives.” He added, “The churches do it. You can too.”
Mr. Jenkins also encouraged greater union collaboration with international organizations. He suggested that the regional body for trade unions could be enlisted to sponsor a field officer for a year in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Guest speaker at the recent 85th annual workers’ conference of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU), well-known business and academic professional Mr. R.A Peter Jenkins seen while delivering his presentation on Sunday 27th October 2024
“Get them to sponsor one field officer. You will be surprised to see, based on our culture, what impact that will have,” he said, noting the potential for positive change with strategic support from other union bodies.
On the topic of partnerships, Mr. Jenkins encouraged the SKNT&LU to engage with allied organizations. He called for a unified approach, proposing, “Using diplomacy, agitate to have similar organizations meet and discuss common issues.” Citing groups such as the Teachers Union, Nurses Association, and Police Welfare Association, he highlighted how collaboration could bolster collective strength.
He further suggested revitalizing SKNT&LU’s communications efforts, particularly the union’s newspaper- The Labour Spokesman Newspaper
Addressing the needs of union members, Mr. Jenkins proposed that the union develop its land in St. Peter’s for housing.
“There is a shortage of housing. You can create housing solutions for only union members,” he proposed, envisioning this initiative as a “lasting legacy” and a means to attract new members.
Mr. Jenkins expressed confidence in the union’s potential to grow and thrive through proactive strategies and innovative ideas.
“There are many opportunities and strategies available to the union,” he concluded, voicing his gratitude to SKNT&LU for the opportunity to contribute to the union’s vision for a sustainable and empowered future,” he encouraged.
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, November 5, 2024 (MMS-SKN) — Newton Ground on St. Kitts was a hive of activity on the weekend when the Whitegate Development Corporation held open days on Saturday and Sunday November 2-3, to market The Village at Brotherson Estate to Kittitians and Nevisians and its Diaspora.
Present on both days was Area Parliamentary Representative (St. Christopher Six), Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Economic Development and Investment, The Right Hon Dr Denzil Douglas, who was the Prime Minister when the Whitegate Development Corporation was established following closure of the sugar industry.
L-R: Senior Minister the Rt. Hon Dr Denzil Douglas, Chair of Whitegate Board Mr Lincoln Maynard, Accounts Officer at Whitegate Ms Ramona Benjamin, National Bank’s Group Commercial Head Mr David Lake, and Whitegate’s CEO and MD Mr Ellis Hazel. Senior Minister the Rt. Hon Dr Denzil Douglas, and Chair of Whitegate Board Mr Lincoln Maynard, are seen briefing visitors during the second Open Day on Sunday. Among them is businessman Mr Scott Caines and former Permanent Secretary Ms Sharon Rattan.Former Permanent Secretary Ms Sharon Rattan, who was one of the visitors for Open Day on Sunday, is seen signing the special visitors’ book. Assisting her by holding the unique visitors’ book is Whitegate’s Board Member and Director of Marketing, Ms Kavita Francis.The Village at Brotherson Estate has “One of the most pristine beautiful sites of our country,” said the Rt. Hon Dr Denzil Douglas. Stunning views: Top picture shows Mount Liamuiga, and bottom picture shows the island of Sint Eustatius better known as Statia.
“The history of the sugar industry is embodied here,” observed Dr Douglas. “My own little village of St. Paul’s, in the heart of Capisterre, was surrounded by no less than about or six sugarcane plantations, which therefore to a large extent demonstrated the role that this part of the country played in the overall economic development of the past, and therefore had to play a future role in its renewal – rebirth – and basically finding a new path for economic development.”
According to Dr Douglas, the idea of holding the two Open Days was to market the development at The Brotherson Estate because at the closure of the sugar industry, the project was started and designs and buildings started before the Labour Government that he led left Government in 2015.
The Village at Brotherson Estate, which is for middle income residential development and other commercial development, has 66 residential lots ranging in size between 6,000 square feet and 9,863 square feet, and three commercial lots ranging in size between 25,562 square feet and 31,787 square feet. Two of the commercial lots are reserved.
“We have decided this important piece of real estate must not be just simply sitting idle,” said Dr Douglas. “The time has come for us to be aggressive in our marketing of what we have, just like the Ramada Hotel, and just below on the sea-side of Kittitian Hill. So we are saying we now put into the market this significant piece of real estate, which is mainly for residential development, the others being commercial.”
The area which he said is one of the most pristine beautiful sites of the country has stunning views where if one were to look across the ocean they would see the neighbouring Dutch island of Sint Eustatius, which is better known as Statia, and St. Maarten. And if one were to make one hundred and eighty degrees turn, what they would see is the mountain range of Mount Liamuiga and he noted that they would again see the distinct beauty of the area and of its landscape.
“This is why the area was chosen to be the site where people of middle income level, and people who had successfully done well from this area would have an alternative to the low income homes that dot the area,” said the Area Parliamentary Representative.
The Rt. Hon Dr Denzil Douglas, who was accompanied by Director of the St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA), Mr Stanley Jacobs, however emphasised that the development was not just for people of that area, but for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis as well as to the Diaspora of St. Kitts and Nevis.
According to the Chairman of the Whitegate Development Corporation, Mr Lincoln Maynard, marketing of the development at The Village Brotherson Estate to Kittitians and Nevisians in the Diaspora will be done in collaboration with the St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA).
Also attending the Open Day on Saturday November 2, was Minister of Tourism; Civil Aviation. International Transport; Employment and Labour; and Urban Development, the Hon Marsha Henderson, while Cabinet Secretary Dr Marcus Natta was among the many persons who attended the Open Day on Sunday November 3.
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 6th November 2024)-Chairperson of the St.Kitts-Nevis National Carnival Committee Shannon Hawley has expressed that Road March is in style because of the prize monies being pumped into it for Sugar Mas 53.
“…we have $33,000 up for grabs for Road March, and I think that this is the most ever that has been in place for the Road March contenders. So to those who are saying Road March is out of style, we actually think it is actually in style because of the amount of money that we are pumping into our Road March.”
Hawley said so during a live media update session aired on the official Facebook page on Wednesday 6th November 2024. As gathered there are twenty (20) songs registered for the Road March competition.
“Of course J’ouvert has always been the highlight of St. Kitts and Nevis Carnival Sugar Mas. We have always said that St.Kitts and Nevis J’ouvert in the world, and we will continue to maintain that position . poour road march is judged on J’ouvert only between the hours of 6 and 11 a.m. Our Road March this year is going to be judged a little differently to how it was judged in the past. In the past there were a series of performances and the Road March was based heavily on the performance of the Road March contenders. This year we have gone back to how it has been in the past where our judges are strategically positioned along the Road March route and once our judges hear a song being played by any of our Road March contenders, there will be a point for that song.
Hawley added: “We have simplified the process even further where we have included DJs from various registered J’ouvert troupes to take part in the Road March. We will have judges, identified and unidentified judges placed in a particular spot on the route for J’ouvert and that judge again will be able to take what song is played by the first DJ that passes the judging point for that particular J’ouvert troupe. So again, we are moving back into the simplified format of we hear a song, we tick it, which means that the most popular song on J’ouvert will end up winning the road march. In addition to that, we have increased the Road March winnings to $25,000 plus, we have added an additional $8,000 to the Road March contender who performs the best during J’ouvert. And we have a performance area in The Circus.”
The Carnival Chairperson highlighted that there are 63 songs registered for Sugar Mas this time around, altogether for the Road March competition and the Soca Monarch competition.
“Soca Monarch is back and it’s back with a bang… we have 43 songs registered for Soca Monarch. We have 10 contenders with 20 songs registered for the Road March competition, which means that we have 63 songs registered for our national carnival events that have all been released as of Friday the 1st of November. So, we have 63 songs that are released, that are playing on radio, that are getting their airplay. So nobody can say that they have not heard this song or that song or they didn’t get an opportunity for their music to be heard. So this is something that has never happened before…where by the first of November, we have 63 songs that are released and are actually rotating on various radio stations. And we are encouraging our media partners and our radio stations and thanking them for continuing to support National Carnival and support our artists, our Road March contenders to ensure that their music continues to be pushed on radio.
“We really don’t want to hear anything but local music on the radio stations from now on because we feel that there is more than sufficient music to be played, soca and carnival music to be played on radio stations from now on,” Hawley added.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 08, 2024 (SKNIS) – With the passage of the Anti-Proliferation (Financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction) (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the National Assembly on November 08, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has reaffirmed its commitment to prevent the financing of weapons of mass destruction, thereby contributing even further to international peace and security.
“This amendment Bill aims to further strengthen our efforts by ensuring we can effectively freeze the assets of those involved in such dangerous activities,” said the mover of the Bill, Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew.
The first key amendment broadens the definition of ‘financial institution’ to include a wide range of businesses to ensure that all relevant entities are covered under the law. The second amendment updates the term ‘property’ to funds or other assets, providing a clearer and more comprehensive definition that aligns with international standards.
“These changes are crucial for maintaining compliance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, keeping St. Kitts and Nevis at the forefront of global efforts against money laundering and terrorist financing,” Dr. Drew said.
“What St. Kitts and Nevis is doing here is being a responsible partner in ensuring that we are part of that network to stop persons who want to commit nefarious acts on our shores and on the shores of our international partners,” Dr. Drew as he underscored the significance of the legislative amendments.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew stated further that St. Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Island State Agenda relies on a strong and reputable financial system. This he said is being achieved by enhancing our financial infrastructure.
Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 08, 2024 (SKNIS): The Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) Bill, 2024, successfully passed through the Federal Parliament on Friday, November 08, 2024, with unanimous consent. The bill, moved by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, amends the original Act that has been in place since 1993, enhancing St. Kitts and Nevis’s ability to collaborate internationally on criminal matters.
According to Attorney General Wilkin, this significant amendment introduces crucial updates to the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, which facilitates the sharing of information, evidence, and resources essential for tackling serious international crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and organised crime. The Bill expands the list of countries with which St. Kitts and Nevis can assist in criminal matters without the need for a treaty, now including 27 additional nations. Noteworthy additions include neighbouring territories such as France and the Netherlands, as well as the United States.
While addressing Parliament, Attorney General Wilkin emphasised the importance of these changes in enhancing citizen security and combating illicit drug trade routes that endanger the lives of young people in the Federation.
“By strengthening our legal frameworks, we not only bolster citizen security but also ensure that our nation remains resilient against transnational crimes,” he said.
The amendments provide a streamlined process for mutual assistance requests, establish reciprocity as a foundational principle, and allow for the registration of foreign forfeiture orders within St. Kitts and Nevis. This legislation marks a pivotal step toward improved international cooperation in criminal matters and reflects the government’s commitment to the rule of law and justice for all.
Attorney General Wilkin said that Federal Parliament’s passage of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) Bill, 2024, underscores the commitment of St. Kitts and Nevis to enhance legal cooperation with international partners, fostering a safer environment for all citizens.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 08, 2024 (SKNIS) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis passed two key Bills during the Friday, November 08, 2024, sitting of the National Assembly, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen and enhance the integrity of the Federation’s financial system.
The two Bills, the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to strengthen the regulatory framework overseeing financial services and ensure compliance with international standards, and the Financial Intelligence Unit (Amendment) Bill, 2024, that aims to bolster the Financial Intelligence Unit’s (FIU) capabilities in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, were moved through the House of Assembly by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew.
The prime minister stated that it is critical for policymakers to return to the Federal Parliament from time to time to amend and update legislation to ensure that St. Kitts and Nevis’ financial space remains in line with regional and international standards.
The core purpose of the amendments to the Financial Services Regulatory Commission Act is to reduce the mandatory meetings of the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) from nine to five meetings per year.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew
“This of course, will not compromise in any way the critical work of the FSRC but rather it would save time which can be dedicated to other matters and it would also save resources, and so what we are seeking here is to be as efficient as possible. By streamlining our processes, we can focus more on impactful actions and less on procedural formalities,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew said, while emphasising his government’s commitment to efficiency and excellence.
The Financial Intelligence Unit (Amendment) Bill, 2024, according to Prime Minister Dr. Drew, is crucial to the Federation’s fight against financial crimes and terrorism in keeping with regional and international standards. The amendment aims to expand the Financial Intelligence Unit’s (FIU) investigative powers to include not just businesses but also individuals suspected of financial crimes, and to introduce penalties for those who fail to comply with FIU’s request for information.
Dr. Drew said the changes to the Financial Intelligence Unit Act on November 08 was the government’s 10th amendment of 2024 to ensure St. Kitts and Nevis meets international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)—the policy-making body that sets standards and promotes effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
“Madame Speaker, St. Kitts and Nevis is committed to maintaining compliance with FATF standards. This Bill is a step towards ensuring our Financial Intelligence Unit is fully equipped to meet these standards ahead of our assessment in early 2025,” the prime minister said.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew assured that his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the Federation’s financial system remains robust for the future benefit of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), wishes to inform the public of new improvements to the Traffic Department’s Vehicle Registration System. As part of these enhancements, all vehicle inspection agencies are now required to submit inspection reports digitally to the IRD. This updated procedure will streamline the inspection process, making it faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Effective January 1st, 2025, the IRD will no longer accept any physical copies of vehicle inspection reports. Vehicle owners are advised that if they present a physical report, they will be directed back to their inspection site to have the report submitted electronically. This change is in line with our commitment to improving service standards and ensuring accurate, up-to-date records within the vehicle registration system.
Vehicle owners and inspection agencies are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new digital submission process in advance to prevent any inconveniences or delays in the vehicle licensing process. The Traffic Department has been working closely with inspection agencies to ensure a smooth transition and has provided the necessary guidance and resources to facilitate this change. For further information on the digital submission process or any assistance needed, please contact the Traffic Department or the IRD. The RSCNPF is deeply appreciative of the public’s cooperation and support as we work towards a modernized and more efficient vehicle registration system for St. Kitts and Nevis.
