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Ministry of Health in St. Kitts Moving Closer to Offering MRI and CT Scan Services at the JNF General Hospital

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Ministry of Health in St. Kitts Moving Closer to Offering MRI and CT Scan Services at the JNF General Hospital

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 09, 2024 (SKNIS) – Prime Minister and Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, is pleased with the progress being made on the construction of the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility on the compound of the Joseph N. France General.

The honourable prime minister has been making regular visits to the site since construction commenced, getting firsthand information on the various stages of the project. The last such visit was on Tuesday, October 08. He later spoke of the progress with members of the media during his Roundtable discussion later that day.

“The MRI building is progressing very well. They are at roof height now and I think within a few months it will be completed and the MRI will be installed at JNF,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew said, while underscoring the significance of this project to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and for the advancement of healthcare in the country.

It is the intention of the Ministry of Health to have the MRI installed at the new facility within the first quarter of 2025.

Another significant improvement to the health infrastructure in St. Kitts is the procurement of a 128-slice computed tomography (CT) scan machine with an injector that can diagnose cardiac ailments.

Given the health benefits of this important piece of lifesaving medical equipment, Prime Minister Dr. Drew said it is imperative that it comes onstream and be made available to the people before the end of 2024.

“I have told them that I want that CT scan to be installed and commissioned before Christmas, and so we are pushing towards that. We are now upgrading the electrical [system] for the CT scan because it is a very advanced machine. Nevis has one but ours has an injector to do cardiac imaging so that we can offer more services to our people,” Dr. Drew said.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew stated that the introduction of MRI and CT scan services at the main healthcare facility is part of his administration’s commitment to upgrade and modernise the facility and enhance the delivery of healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Stands with its Citizens and Nationals Affected by Hurricane Milton in Florida

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Saint Kitts and Nevis Stands with its Citizens and Nationals Affected by Hurricane Milton in Florida

Basseterre, Saint Kitts October 10, 2024 – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, under the leadership of Prime Minister The Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew, extends heartfelt concern to all our citizens, nationals, and residents in Florida and surrounding regions who have been affected by the destructive forces of Hurricane Milton.

We understand that the aftermath of this hurricane may bring significant challenges, both emotionally and physically, to many of our people. Please know that your homeland stands firmly by your side during this difficult time. In the face of this devastation, we share in your determination to rebuild and recover.

Prime Minister Drew offered the following message of compassion and support:

“In the midst of nature’s storms, it is the strength of our shared humanity that provides shelter and solace. As we extend our prayers and well-wishes to you all, know that the Government and people of Saint Kitts and Nevis are committed to supporting you in any way we can, both now and in the days ahead. May our solidarity and resilience guide you as you rebuild and may hope always shine through the darkest clouds.”

In the coming days, our Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with regional partners to offer support where necessary. We remain in touch with our consulate and diaspora organisations in the affected areas and encourage those impacted to reach out for assistance.

For updates and information on how to access support, please contact the Ministry Foreign Affairs, as well as the Consulate of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Miami.

Citizen Security Secretariat Incorporates a Global Standard for Individual Safety and Well-being

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Citizen Security Secretariat Incorporates a Global Standard for Individual Safety and Well-being

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 09, 2024 (SKNIS): The creation of a Citizen Security Secretariat in St. Kitts and Nevis emphasises a comprehensive approach to the safety and well-being of citizens, aligning with international best practices.

At the Roundtable media engagement on October 08, 2024, Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, gave insight into the purpose of the new secretariat first announced on August 23, 2024.

Photo: Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew

“Citizen security is a designation that means that you are not just dealing with violence and crime,” he stated, noting that national security is often associated with law enforcement. “We want to shift the understanding that when we speak about citizen security it’s not just about that. Do you have water, food, access to education, healthcare, [a strong] democratic system? The things that secure a citizen.”

The prime minister added that the term “citizen” has a personal touch focusing on individuals, while national security by its connotation is more impersonal, relating to matters of the state.

Highlighting the significance of language in shaping policy, Dr. Drew stressed that the 90-Day Campaign Against Violence and Crime, led by the Citizen Security Task Force, prioritises individual perspectives. This approach aims to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard while developing a framework that addresses the causes, consequences, and solutions to violence and crime.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew noted that the term “citizen security” also is increasingly recognised on an international scale, especially by the United Nations.

The government remains committed to upholding law and order, with citizen security as an essential component to ensure that every citizen, resident, and visitor can live, work, and play in a safe environment.

The government remains committed to upholding law and order, with citizen security as an essential component to ensure that every citizen, resident, and visitor can live, work, and play in a safe environment.

Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis Announces Christmas Duty-Free Allowances

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Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis Announces Christmas Duty-Free Allowances

Basseterre, Saint Kitts (October 9, 2024) – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is pleased to announce the approval of special duty-free concessions for non-commercial importers and travellers, effective from November 15th, 2024 to January 31st, 2025. The decision, recently approved by the Federal Cabinet led by Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, aims to ease the financial burden on citizens and residents as they prepare for the Christmas and Carnival seasons.

The approved duty-free allowances include:
* Gift packages of foodstuff: The first 400 lbs will be free of duties and taxes.
* Non-commercial imports: A duty-free allowance of EC$675.00 (US$250.00) off the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value.

This initiative underscores the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration’s commitment to providing tangible support to the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis, especially during a period that is traditionally marked by increased spending.

Prime Minister Drew expressed his satisfaction with this decision, stating, “The Christmas and Carnival seasons are a time of celebration and togetherness. These duty-free concessions are part of our Administration’s ongoing effort to ensure that families and businesses alike can enjoy the festivities without undue financial strain.”

The Government encourages all non-commercial importers and travellers to take advantage of these duty-free allowances, which will apply to goods landed within the Federation during the specified period.

For further information, please contact the Customs and Excise Department (https://skncustoms.com/)

Two Charged for Gun & Drug Possession on Nevis

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Two Charged for Gun & Drug Possession on Nevis

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) continues to make steady, positive strides in the public’s interest and the maintenance of safety and security in the Federation. On October 4th, 2024, a combined total of six (6) charges were laid against Shavere Hanley of Hamilton, and Kylah Wallace of Bath Village, both of Nevis. The charges stem from the execution of a search warrant on October 2nd, 2024, at Mr Hanley’s residence. The search was jointly conducted by the RSCNPF and the St. Kitts – Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF). 

The search led to the recovery of one (1) Glock 40 firearm accompanied by a magazine containing fourteen (14) rounds of 10mm ammunition, and a quantity of a white substance that was shortly thereafter confirmed to be cocaine. Mr Hanley, Ms Wallace, and two other persons were taken into custody. The investigation led to Mr Hanley receiving four (4) charges, namely Possession of Firearm, Possession of Ammunition, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Supply. Two (2) charges were laid against Ms Wallace, namely Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Supply. Both were charged on October 4th, 2024, at the Newcastle Police Station on Nevis. The other persons have since been discharged from Police custody. 

The RSCNPF extends sincere gratitude to the SKNDF for its continued collaboration and support in the fight against crime, violence, and illicit drugs. The Force is also deeply grateful to the general public for their cooperation.

St. Kitts and Nevis Committed to Energy Independence

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St. Kitts and Nevis Committed to Energy Independence

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 08, 2024 (SKNIS): The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to achieving energy independence during his latest “Roundtable” discussion on 8th October, 2024, at the Koi Resort.

“We need to transition to a sustainable island state with energy at the centre,” stated Prime Minister Dr. Drew. He emphasised the importance of renewable energy in transforming the nation, highlighting the potential of Nevis’ geothermal resources as a key factor.

The Prime Minister noted that harnessing Nevis’ geothermal energy would help the Federation break free from dependence on external oil price fluctuations, which currently drive up energy costs. This energy independence, he stated, would “create fiscal space to do anything,” as the current rate of 60 cents per kilowatt is a significant burden for the country. He explained that if the Federation could reduce energy costs to one-third of the current price, as outlined in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, it would positively impact the economy.

He emphasised that this transition would have a profound economic impact, lowering electricity bills for citizens and making the Federation more attractive for business and investment. Prime Minister Dr. Drew concluded by stating that these efforts would greatly improve the quality of life for all citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis, marking the beginning of a new era of sustainable development for the nation.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew Thanks Southern University for Its Significant Partnerships With St. Kitts and Nevis

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Prime Minister Dr. Drew Thanks Southern University for Its Significant Partnerships With St. Kitts and Nevis

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 09, 2024 (SKNIS) – During his October 08, 2024, edition of the Roundtable, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, registered his profound appreciation to the leadership of Southern University and A&M College for its significant partnerships with the Federation that has resulted in the creation of several unique opportunities of development for Kittitians and Nevisians in areas such as education and agricultural advancement.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew’s comments follow his comprehensive tour of Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on October 02, 2024, where he engaged its Chairman Myron Lawson, other SU Board Members and President Dennis Shields in discussions aimed at enhancing educational collaborations between the university and the Federation.

Photo: Prime Minister Dr. Drew in discussions with SU Board Members on October 02, 2024

“Scholarships to an American university are unheard of [in St. Kitts and Nevis], and so I want to thank Her Excellency Hadiya Claxton, Special Envoy, who cleared the way and set the ground for us to have these meaningful discussions,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew said.

These discussions have resulted in the provision of five (5) full undergraduate scholarships that will be available annually for citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis. The scholarships are available in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Animal Science, Plant and Soil Science, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Drew stated that having these opportunities available for students of St. Kitts and Nevis to pursue university studies at a prestigious American institution is “a significant development,” and for this the prime minister thanked the university “for partnering with us here in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

The collaboration with Southern University and A&M College goes beyond education. Prime Minister Dr. Drew said talks are also advancing for the provision of technical assistance in the development of the Federation’s cannabis industry.

“They have the largest study of cannabis in the United States of America and their experts are helping us free of cost to get our cannabis industry on the way,” Dr. Drew said.

Additionally, an expert in livestock farming associated with the university recently visited the Federation to provide invaluable technical assistance in animal husbandry, particularly egg production.

“Any area in agriculture where we need help, they are helping us at no cost to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. From education to the technical assistance, the expertise that we need they are helping us because we are saying to them that St. Kitts and Nevis wants to become self-sufficient when it comes to our food production and they are helping us significantly, and so I can’t thank Southern University enough,” said Prime Minister Dr. Drew.

Photo: Prime Minister Dr. Drew during his tour of Southern University and A&M College’s Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC)

Dr. Drew stressed that his government will continue to explore strategic areas of collaboration with international institutions and agencies to open doors of opportunities for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, and foster growth and development in the twin-island Federation.

Seniors Weigh in as Discussions for 90-day Campaign Against Violence and Crime Continue

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Seniors Weigh in as Discussions for 90-day Campaign Against Violence and Crime Continue

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 08, 2024 (SKNIS): Members of the St. Peter’s Senior Day Programme weighed in on ways to help increase positive engagements within society and to reduce antisocial activities during their weekly session held on October 08, 2024, at the St. Peter’s Community Centre.

The discussion was part of the 90-Day Campaign Against Violence and Crime launched just over a month ago by the Citizen Security Task Force within the Prime Minister’s Office. The campaign undertakes a series of activities to understand the causes, consequences and solutions to violence and crime.

Photo: Alicia Collins facilitating this morning’s discussion.

Alicia Collins led this morning’s session with the seniors, highlighting the importance of having these discussions.

“Oftentimes, this is a vulnerable population that is overlooked in terms of the way forward and the strategies and planning for our government and our people on a whole,” she stated. “We just think sometimes, oh, they are seniors, they have already lived, they don’t really have a meaningful [contribution] to the overall development, but in engaging them we recognise they have this wealth of knowledge and wisdom … and they are seeing what is happening now and they are able to reflect on what [they] did back then [and] if it is implemented now, what difference can it make?”

Ms. Collins said that the job of the facilitators is to encourage creative thinking taking into account today’s realities such as the role of technology. The data collected will be used to inform the overall document that will be produced.

Sixty-four-year-old Anthony Rawlins said that he was grateful that the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities continues to create opportunities for older persons to be positively engaged and contribute to current affairs. On the matter of violence and crime, he noted that young people have “lost their way.”

Photo: Anthony Rawlins encouraged more community fellowship

“We need to get back to community development in the sense that once ago we used to say that it takes a village to raise a child. Nowadays, when you talk to somebody’s child, they say ‘No talk to me child’ or if you try to correct a child they say ‘Don’t hit me child.’ That is foolishness and we need to get back together as a community,” stated Mr. Rawlins.

Ms. Collins noted that, along with sharing their suggestions, some seniors are reflecting on how they can help bridge the gap between their age group and younger people. One senior proposed that older individuals could greet young people as they pass by on their way to school, the playground, or other places.

The reasoning is that by simply saying good morning, seniors can create a connection and establish a foundation for more meaningful interactions down the line.

Joseph N. France General Hospital Now Equipped With a Full Suite of Equipment to Facilitate Endoscopic Screenings and Procedures

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Joseph N. France General Hospital Now Equipped With a Full Suite of Equipment to Facilitate Endoscopic Screenings and Procedures

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 08, 2024 (SKNIS) – The Joseph N. France General Hospital is now outfitted with two (2) colonoscopes and two (2) esophagogastroduodenoscopes (EGD)—marking the first time the state fully owns and controls such equipment that facilitates cancer screenings and other timely diagnoses.

The items will allow for usage for colon cancer screening, which is the third highest cause of cancer deaths in St. Kitts and Nevis, after prostate and breast. The new equipment will also allow for diagnostic investigation of rectal and oral bleeding, abdominal pain, and other ailments.

The pieces of medical equipment were purchased by the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, demonstrating its continued commitment to the delivery and advancement of healthcare in the twin-island Federation. The items were presented to the management of the general hospital during a brief ceremony on Tuesday, October 08, 2024.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Social Security, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew; Director and CEO of the Social Security Board, Christopher Louard; Director of Health Institutions, ⁠Dr. Jenson Morton; Medical Chief of Staff, Dr. Daveen Wilkin; Director of Institutional-Based Nursing Services, ⁠Mrs. Kerry Williams-Tuckett; Assistant Director of Institutional-Based Nursing Services, Mrs. Sandra Lestrade-Caines; Operations Manager at JNF, Stacey Battice; Chief of Surgery, JNF General Hospital, ⁠Dr. Joylette Woodley-Fassale; Consultant General Surgeon and Subspecialist in Endoscopy, ⁠Dr. Mark Grant, as well as ⁠staff of the Operating Theatre and Outpatients Department and other members of the Social Security Board.

(L-R): Consultant General Surgeon and Subspecialist in Endoscopy, ⁠Dr. Mark Grant; Director and CEO of the Social Security Board, Christopher Louard; Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew; Chief of Surgery, JNF General Hospital, ⁠Dr. Joylette Woodley-Fassale

Prime Minister Dr. Drew thanked the Social Security Board for this intervention which complements the government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery in St. Kitts and Nevis and the overall well-being of the people.

Dr. Mark Grant, a national living in the Diaspora with international training in Endoscopy, said hospital staff will be trained in the proper usage and care of these valuable pieces of medical equipment.

Consultant General Surgeon and Subspecialist in Endoscopy, ⁠Dr. Mark Grant

“We want to make sure we have the appropriate management of the equipment. It can’t be like past systems where anybody takes care of it because when anybody takes care of it, it means that no one is taking care of it, and so now we are trying to get specific nursing management to address the system around it,” said Dr. Grant.

Tuesday’s presentation from the Social Security Board also included two (2) endoscope towers, an endoscope storage cabinet with UV light sterilisation and a mechanical endoscope washer.

Premier’s Ministry hosts CTU ICT Week delegates at a cocktail reception at Nevis’ MGR Park

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Premier’s Ministry hosts CTU ICT Week delegates at a cocktail reception at Nevis’ MGR Park

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (October 03, 2024)- The Premier’s Ministry on Wednesday evening, October 02, hosted the delegates of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Week at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, Pinneys Beach, Nevis.

The delegates are in St. Kitts for the 2024 CTU ICT Week from September 30 to October 4, held under the theme ‘Bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future’.

Premier of Nevis the Honourable Mark Brantley greeted the Ministers of Government of ICT from across the region, along with other professionals and stakeholders in the local, regional and international information, communications and technology industry.

Premier of Nevis the Honourable Mark Brantley engages with delegates from the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) ICT Week at a cocktail at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, Nevis on October 02, 2024
Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) ICT Week delegates enjoy a cocktail hosted by the Premier’s Ministry at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, Nevis on October 02, 2024
Deputy Premier the Honourable Eric Evelyn (far left) and Premier of Nevis the Honourable Mark Brantley greet Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) ICT Week delegates at a cocktail at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, Nevis on October 02, 2024

“I want to extend a very warm welcome to all of you to this side of paradise, the island of Nevis. We are grateful that all of you would have journeyed over to see us and thank you for being here.

“We have for you great food, great drinks and great music, and we are hopeful that you enjoy yourselves and avail yourselves of some of the incredible hospitality for which the island of Nevis is well known.”

The Honourable Konris Maynard, ICT Minister in the Federal Government led the delegation to Nevis as part of the activities organized for the CTU ICT Week conference attendees. He thanked Premier Brantley for organizing the reception.

“We are St. Kitts and Nevis so I thought it would be fitting that they journeyed over to Nevis. I want to thank the Cabinet of Nevis led by the Honourable Mark Brantley for hosting us this evening.”

Deputy Premier the Honourable Eric Evelyn, who attended Monday’s conference session in St. Kitts, said he was extremely pleased that so many of the delegates had taken the opportunity to travel to Nevis for the cocktail, and encouraged them to return to the island in the future.

More than 100 CTU ICT Week delegates, including the Honourable Stephenson King of St. Lucia, the Honourable Haydn Hughes of Anguilla, the Honourable Otis Morris of the Grand Turk, the Honourable Michel Chebat of Belize, and Ervin Williams, CEO, National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) St. Kitts and Nevis, enjoyed the evening of sumptuous food, refreshing drinks and live local entertainment.

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