Basseterre: St. Kitts, Thursday, November 07, 2024:​ The St. Kitts and Nevis Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council (SKNTVETC) continues its awareness month of activities with a visit to the Industrial Site Day Care Center. The visit on Thursday November 07 enabled the officials to interact with a group of preschoolers through a Technical and Vocational Education activity dubbed Colour and Sip.  

Mrs. Kenicia Williams, Training and Assessment Officer in the SKNTVETC disclosed that TVET is not age biased. She shared “The development of technical and vocational skills starts at an early age. One focus of teaching and learning within early childhood education is that of children learning through play. Today’s activity not only sought to support the development of fine motor skills in our students, but it exposes them to various career choices, which was depicted on their colour sheets.”

The closure of the first week in the TVET Council’s month of activities will culminate with an Open Day at the Advanced Vocational Education Center (AVEC), on Friday November 08 at 8:30 a.m. 

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 07, 2024 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis’ 25 Most Remarkable Teens Programme welcomed a new cohort on Wednesday evening (November 06, 2024) during a special Sitting of the Federal Parliament.

Thousands tuned in to the live broadcast, which was also streamed online, to celebrate the accomplishments of the 25 young people and to learn more about their personal stories.

One of the teens recognised was Jaheme Warner Ventura, described as a spiritual leader and community catalyst, who was awarded for Spiritual Commitment and Leadership. The 18-year-old has a deep commitment to God and spends his free time helping others. Driven by compassion and love, Warner Ventura dedicates himself to a variety of meaningful causes. Whether organising group visits to support the sick and elderly in the community, assisting customers at his father’s pharmacy, or leading young men aged 11 to 21 in the transformative Turn Around Agenda (TAG) Programme, Warner’s commitment to making a positive impact is unwavering.

“My family always jokes, ‘Jaheme, you’re always helping so many people, but you’re not helping around the house!’” he said with a laugh. However, his mother’s visit to the Antioch Baptist Church opened her eyes to the spirit that drives his actions.

“Jesus served us, so in serving others I am actually fulfilling that purpose in my life and it comes so naturally when you are deep in the word of God,” he said, adding that his mother is “so proud of me.”

Photo (left to right): Remarkable Teens Jaheme Warner Ventura, Kaitlyn Collins and Aquanjé Robinson

Kaitlyn Wilson also received an award at the ceremony for Performing Arts and School Pride. As a star in gymnastics and aerial arts, Kaitlyn has gravitated to creative expression through dance.

“I love, love, love every genre,” she stressed, referring to her dance style. “Most dancers pick and choose which genre they want to be in but I have the unique blend and I love, love, love to dance.”

The 16-year-old added that our ancestors used dance as a way to showcase their feelings and invoke a sense of independence.

“I feel like dance connects me to our culture. We dance in different clothes to show how we feel … so I do not simply just move my body. I show my feelings through dance to the audience and .. people can watch me and say ‘wow, she is really remarkable because of her bravery, confidence, and she is truly resilient,’” added Kaitlyn.

Another awardee, Aquanjé Robinson, is all in when it comes to protecting the environment, particularly, the ocean. His award in Environmental Science and Volunteerism is largely based on the tremendous work he does to clean up plastic pollution and protect the sea turtles commonly found on various beaches along the Atlantic side of the island.

He commonly engages with stakeholders such as vendors and water taxi operators, advocating for the need to keep the oceans clean, and what they can do to help protect the local sea turtle population. He fully embraces the government’s effort to transition St. Kitts and Nevis into a sustainable island state and pledged to continue advocating for the environment.

“We are surrounded by people, so if we try to transform our cars into sustainable cars, our agriculture sector with sustainable practices, the people that drive these (activities), they have to truly understand what it means to be sustainable,” said Aquanjé. “So educating our people on what it means to be sustainable, to change their behaviours has to be done. Create sustainable minds and they will help to lead sustainable lives.”

The teens expressed their gratitude to the government for creating the 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts and Nevis Programme, which celebrates exceptional youth who are making a meaningful impact in their communities.

The profiles of the 25 young people are posted on the Facebook Page of the Department of Youth Empowerment, St. Kitts.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 06, 2024 (SKNIS): A special session of the Federal Parliament of St. Kitts and Nevis was held on Wednesday, November 06, 2024, to honour 25 young individuals who are making a significant and positive impact on the lives of others and contributing to the nation’s development.

The thirteenth cohort of the 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts and Nevis were recognised in a number of traditional and non-traditional areas including Performing Arts and School Pride, Environmental Science, Scholar Athlete, Spirit of Hope, Courage to Overcome, Most Promising Teen, Spiritual Commitment, STEAM, and more.

Photo: MPs and the 13 cohort of the 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts and Nevis

Governor-General, Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, sent a message for the occasion that was read by Hasani McDonald, President of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA).

Dame Marcella described the 2024 class as “an incredible group of young individuals whose achievements, passion and perseverance set them apart as leaders of today and tomorrow.”

“These 25 remarkable teens stand out not only for their accomplishments but for their commitment to making a difference often in ways that many may not even dream of at such a young age,” Her Excellency wrote. She added that their contributions to society will “create a better St. Kitts and Nevis.”

Similarly, Minister of State responsible for Youth Empowerment, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, hailed the teens for demonstrating “extraordinary character, talents, leadership and fortitude in their lives thus far.”

“Tonight, we are reminded of the promise,” she said, acknowledging the challenges of antisocial behaviour that some young people have become entangled in. “We are reminded of the promise of positivity and potential that these 25 young people, who we are celebrating tonight, have already demonstrated.”

She emphasised her strong desire for the 13th annual programme to remain a key fixture in the youth development agenda, ensuring that positive young people are honoured, celebrated, and encouraged to continue demonstrating strength, faith, courage, leadership and resilience.

Each of the youth received their awards from Members of Parliament, making the ceremony the most distinctive recognition programme in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Basseterre: St. Kitts, Tuesday, November 05, 2024:​ The importance of technical skills was discussed briefly Tuesday October 5, at the Washington Archibald High School (WAHS) when officials from the St. Kitts and Nevis Technical and Vocational Education and Training Council (SKNTVETC) visited the institution.

Representatives from SKNTVETC relayed that the school visits are a part of the month of activities with the aim to sensitize students on the importance of pursuing a career in the technical and vocational fields. It was further stated that TVET offers a more practical and hands-on approach to learning, providing students with practical, relevant skills and training needed for specific careers.

The school visits commenced at the WAHS and will continue throughout November to the various secondary schools across St. Kitts and Nevis. Visits will resume on Monday November 11, at the Cayon High, on Tuesday November 12, the Verchilds High School and the Basseterre High School on Thursday, November 14. Both the Charlestown and Gingerland Secondary Schools will be visited on Friday November 15. A visit to the Saddlers Secondary will take place on Monday November 18. School visits will culminate at the Charles E. Mills Secondary School on Thursday November 21.

SKNTVETC Awareness Month of activities is celebrated under the theme, “TVET: Igniting Potential for Holistic Growth and Development”.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 06, 2024 (SKNIS): The Order Paper has been issued for a sitting of the National Assembly to be held at the National Assembly Chambers, Government Headquarters, Basseterre, on Friday, November 08, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Notice has been given.

Four Bills will receive their first reading, while four others are slated for second reading. The government’s good governance legislative agenda continues as it commits itself to transparency, accountability and the Rule of Law.

The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health and Social Security, Dr. Terrance Drew, will seek leave to introduce and have read a first time the Bills entitled ASPIRE Bill, 2024, and the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record Bill, 2024.

Also, the Honourable Minister responsible for Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Sports and the Creative Economy, Samal Duggins, will seek leave to introduce and have read a first time the Bill entitled Public Parks Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, while the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister responsible for Justice and Legal Affairs, Garth Wilkin, will seek leave to introduce and have read a first time the Bill entitled Plea Negotiations and Agreements Bill, 2024.

Additionally, The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health and Social Security, Dr. Terrance Drew will move the second reading of the Bills entitled Financial Services Regulatory Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Financial Intelligence Unit (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Anti-Proliferation (Financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction) (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Bills had their first reading on September 18, 2024.

Furthermore, the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister responsible for Justice and Legal Affairs, Garth Wilkin, will move the second reading of the Bill entitled Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which had its first reading on September 18, 2024.

The National Assembly will be carried live on ZIZ Radio (96 FM) and participating radio stations. It can also be viewed live on TV Channel 5 in St. Kitts and Channel 98 in Nevis. It will also be streamed live at www.zizonline.com (https://sknis.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f9c18edcb5e81ee00df9977e6&id=99b2b6a641&e=92ffa5a525) .

Copies of Bills, as soon as they are made available, can be found on the website (www.sknis.gov (https://sknis.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f9c18edcb5e81ee00df9977e6&id=c99410bd15&e=92ffa5a525) .kn) of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service under the section titled Bills. They can also be accessed via the Facebook page St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, [November 6th, 2024: PMO] – The government of St. Kitts and Nevis is thrilled to announce the launch of a groundbreaking student exchange program with Germany, designed to expand educational opportunities for young people in the Federation. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the educational landscape and providing students with valuable international experiences.

The program, as explained by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, “Represents our commitment to investing in the future of our youth. By partnering with German educational institutions, we are opening doors for our students to gain international experience and knowledge that will benefit both their personal and professional development.”

The newly established program will allow students from St. Kitts and Nevis to study in Germany, where they will be immersed in a different culture and educational environment. In addition to academic study, the program will facilitate knowledge exchange through internships and collaborative projects, enabling students to engage with local communities and industries. This exposure to Germany’s renowned educational system will equip them with essential skills and perspectives needed for success in today’s global workforce.

Germany has long been recognized for its high-quality education and vocational training systems, particularly in fields such as engineering, technology, and environmental studies. The Prime Minister emphasized that the exchange program is aimed at enhancing educational outcomes in St. Kitts and Nevis. “We want our students to compete on a global stage and come back equipped to contribute to our nation’s development,” he stated, highlighting the importance of fostering a generation of leaders who are prepared to tackle local and global challenges.

The exchange program aligns with the government’s broader initiatives to improve educational infrastructure and access to diverse learning opportunities. Through collaborations with international partners, the government aims to enrich the educational experiences of students and promote lifelong learning.

Further details regarding application processes, eligibility criteria, and participating institutions will be shared with schools and educational organizations in the coming weeks. The government encourages students and their families to take advantage of this unique opportunity that promises to broaden horizons and cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the sustainable development of St. Kitts and Nevis.

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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, [NOVEMBER 4TH, 2024: PMO] – During the recent Budget 2025 National Forum, October 31st, 2024, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew announced significant advancements regarding the Lime Kiln Project, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing public safety and bolstering law enforcement capabilities in St. Kitts and Nevis.

“The Lime Kiln facility will serve as a cornerstone for modernizing our police force and improving community safety,” Prime Minister Drew stated, adding that, “This project represents our commitment to providing our law enforcement with the necessary resources and infrastructure to effectively serve our communities.”

The Lime Kiln Project has garnered support and funding from the European Union as part of its commitment to strengthening regional security and governance. The project includes the construction of a state-of-the-art training facility and operational headquarters tailored to meet the contemporary needs of law enforcement agencies.

Prime Minister Drew shared that an engineering assessment of the existing structure has been completed, revealing critical areas for repair and enhancement to ensure the facility’s operational readiness. This assessment aligns with the government’s broader strategy to prioritize public safety and security as key components of national development.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the project is not only vital for enhancing security infrastructure but also for stimulating local employment. “As we progress with construction, we expect to create numerous jobs for our citizens, contributing to the local economy and empowering our communities,” he added.

The government’s commitment to the Lime Kiln Project is part of a comprehensive approach to combat crime and enhance public safety, as expressed by the Ministry of National Security. This approach includes investing in modern technology and training to equip law enforcement personnel with the skills necessary to address current challenges effectively.

Prime Minister Drew affirmed that the government aims to finalize the project within the coming fiscal year, marking a significant step forward in transforming the security landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis. “Our citizens deserve a safe environment where they can thrive, and the Lime Kiln Project is a pivotal move in that direction,” he stated.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 05, 2024 (SKNIS) – On Monday, November 04, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis celebrated American Airlines’ 20th anniversary of providing non-stop flights from Miami to St. Kitts’ Robert L. Bradshaw (RLB) International Airport, linking the island to key international markets.

Monday’s celebration at a reception held at the Kayan Jet Lounge featured Cabinet ministers, led by Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, American Airlines officials, and other tourism stakeholders. They celebrated the significant partnership with the cutting of a commemorative cake and a toast to the airline.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew delivered remarks at the reception ceremony, at which point he expressed the government’s appreciation to American Airlines for the role it has played in the growth and development of the Federation’s tourism industry.

“Since American Airlines first established service to St. Kitts and Nevis two decades ago, it has not only opened new pathways for travel and tourism but also served as a catalyst for our nation’s development,” Dr. Drew said.

He affirmed that the tourism sector remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, and as such the early decision by American Airlines to connect St. Kitts and Nevis to the rest of the world created tremendous opportunities locally and reinforced St. Kitts and Nevis’ position as a premier tourist destination.

“The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis recognises that partnerships like this one are essential to our nation’s progress,” said Dr. Drew. “In every area from tourism to trade, from business to cultural exchange, we are committed to cultivating relationships that uplift our people and position St. Kitts and Nevis for a prosperous future. American Airlines has been an exceptional partner in this endeavour demonstrating consistency, vision and mutual respect—values that resonate deeply with us as a government and as a people.”

Also in attendance at Monday’s reception ceremony were the Minister of Tourism, Honourable Marsha Henderson; Senior Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas who served as prime minister when American Airlines first launched its service to St. Kitts, other members of the Federal Cabinet, invited ambassadors, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Tivanna Wharton, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Kelly Fontenelle, and other tourism stakeholders.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 05, 2024 (SKNIS): The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis proudly commemorated two decades of fruitful collaboration with American Airlines on November 04, 2024, highlighting a partnership that has significantly contributed to the nation’s tourism growth and economic development.

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Honourable Marsha Henderson, emphasised that American Airlines’ steadfast dedication to the Federation has been a cornerstone of its success, fostering increased connectivity and opportunity for the islands.

This celebration marked a significant milestone in a partnership that has been central to connecting St. Kitts and Nevis to global markets and supporting the nation’s tourism industry. Since American Airlines’ first flight to the island two decades ago, the airline has played an essential role in facilitating travel, fostering international connections, and contributing to the country’s economic development, said Minister Henderson.

Minister Henderson underscored that American Airlines has been more than just a carrier. She said that American Airlines has been a vital partner in breathing life into the local economy, creating opportunities for businesses, and uplifting communities across the island.

She added that American Airlines’ influence extends not only to connecting the Federation to the world but also was the catalyst that fueled the tourism industry’s ascent.

“However, this partnership is more than just flights, it’s a shared commitment to sustainable tourism. Together we are shaping a legacy that preserves the natural beauty and cultural richness of our beloved St. Kitts and Nevis for generations to come,” Minister Henderson said.

As the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates this partnership, the government reaffirmed its dedication to fostering collaborations that promote sustainable growth and community well-being.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, [November 5th, 2024: PMO] – The government of St. Kitts and Nevis has received significant interest from various parties regarding the acquisition and redevelopment of the historic Fort Thomas Hotel. This was highlighted by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew during the recent Budget 2025 National Forum.

This initiative aims to breathe new life into one of the Federation’s iconic structures which has long been a part of its cultural and historical landscape, the Prime Minister explained.

He continued, “We recognize the potential of the Fort Thomas Hotel as a valuable asset for our tourism sector. We are committed to restoring this landmark and maximizing its contributions to our economy. The Fort Thomas Hotel, situated on a hill overlooking Basseterre, offers a unique blend of historical significance and picturesque views, making it an attractive option for redevelopment in a market that increasingly favors experiential tourism.”

Currently, the government led by Prime Minister Drew is engaged in discussions with interested buyers and exploring the feasibility of repurposing the hotel to enhance its appeal to both tourists and locals alike. The redevelopment of Fort Thomas is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the tourism sector, which is projected to grow by 8.2% in 2025, according to government estimates. This growth is expected to be fueled by increasing airlift capacity, new marketing initiatives, and a resurgence in international travel post-pandemic.

Prime Minister Drew emphasized the importance of ensuring that any redevelopment plan aligns with the vision of St. Kitts and Nevis as a premier tourist destination. “We aim to ensure that the Fort Thomas Hotel not only meets the demands of modern tourism but also retains its historical significance,” he added. The government seeks to balance the hotel’s rich heritage with contemporary hospitality standards, creating a destination that appeals to a diverse array of visitors.

The redevelopment of Fort Thomas is envisioned as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and community engagement. By revitalizing this historic site, the government aims to attract more visitors to the area, stimulate local businesses, and foster a sense of pride among residents. Further updates on the acquisition process and redevelopment plans will be provided as discussions progress, ensuring that the public remains informed about this pivotal project in the Federation’s tourism landscape.