The Ministry of Education is currently receiving applications for the post: Clerk of Works in the Project and Building Management Unit. Applications should be submitted to the Permanent Secretary’s office, The Cable Building, Cayon Street, Basseterre. The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, 4th October, 2024. Applicants should ensure that their application packages contain all requested documents and information.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew Visits McIlhenny Company, Home of Iconic Tabasco® Brand
Avery Island, Louisiana, October 01, 2024 (SKNIS): In a significant move to strengthen agricultural ties and explore innovative agribusiness opportunities, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew toured the McIlhenny Company’s manufacturing and agricultural operations, the home of the world-renowned TABASCO® Brand, on October 01, 2024. This visit comes amid growing efforts by St. Kitts and Nevis to enhance its agricultural sector through international partnerships, knowledge sharing, and investment in sustainable food production.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew’s visit, which took place on Avery Island, Louisiana, followed the footsteps of a previous delegation from St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ministry of Agriculture, which toured the facilities in 2023. That earlier visit was led by Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Samal Duggins, and focused on understanding McIlhenny’s advanced pepper-growing techniques, DNA crop research, and the pepper mash ageing process—critical areas of interest for St. Kitts and Nevis as it seeks to modernise and diversify its agricultural practices.
During his tour, Prime Minister Dr. Drew was given an in-depth look at the TABASCO® Brand’s iconic production processes, including a behind-the-scenes walkthrough of the company’s pepper mash warehouse and manufacturing plant. He participated in a mash tasting, sampling pepper products at various stages of ageing, and held talks with McIlhenny’s Agriculture Division on the latest advancements in crop management and food processing.
Dr. Drew’s discussions with McIlhenny’s President and CEO, Harold Osborn III, and Special Envoy for Investment, Development, and International Business Relations, Her Excellency Hadiya Claxton, focused on potential collaborative projects aimed at leveraging sustainable agricultural technologies in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew said his visit not only highlighted the country’s commitment to fostering innovation within its agricultural sector but also underscored the importance of international partnerships in achieving food security and resilience in the face of global challenges.
Youth Urged to Help Older Persons as Caribbean Pushes Digital Transformation
Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 01, 2024 (SKNIS): Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 01, 2024 (SKNIS): Strategies to push forward Digital Transformation in the Caribbean are being discussed by delegates participating in the Caribbean Telecommunication Union Information and Communication Technology (CTU ICT) Week taking place in St. Kitts and Nevis from September 30 to October 04, 2024.
At a press conference on Monday, September 30, the Honourable Hassel Bacchus, President of the CTU, said that while most of the energies to improve digital transformation are focused on young people, there is a need to ensure the older population is not left behind. He called on the region’s youth to embrace this responsibility.
Photo: Honourable Hassel Bacchus
“We worry a lot about the older people in our societies, how are they going to adapt to this technology? We can expose them to it and we can do a number of things but the young people represent the bridge to them,” he stated. “Children and grandchildren are the people that the elderly look to to do things for them as they get older.”
Honourable Hassan, who is a Senator and Minister of Digital Transformation in Trinidad and Tobago, indicated that there will be many opportunities for young people to be exposed to the latest information and communication technology (ICT) and be certified in many areas through various programmes. The aim is to keep pace with their peers in more developed countries while driving growth and sustainable development across the region.
Senator Hassan stated that we cannot afford to foster an attitude of self-interest; instead, we must embrace the idea that our actions have a direct impact on one another.
“I don’t want the young people of the Caribbean or any generation in any way to get the idea that they will see about themselves and the other people will see about themselves. They also have a responsibility to help, guard and guide the elderly through this transition that we are building lest they be left behind,” Honourable Hassan said.
CTU ICT Week 2024 is being held under the theme “Bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.”
Saint Kitts and Nevis Launches New CIU Corporation
Saint Kitts and Nevis Launches New CIU Corporation
Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis — October 1, 2024: The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis proudly announces the official launch of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) as a statutory corporation. This pivotal moment marks a significant step in strengthening the country’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme and enhancing its global reputation. The transition to a statutory corporation represents a bold move toward greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the CBI operations.
Speaking at the launch event on October 01, 2024, Acting Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, expressed the significance of the transformation, stating, “Today, we gather to celebrate a pivotal moment in the history of the Citizenship by Investment Unit as it transitions to a statutory corporation. This transformation is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of our CBI operations.” Dr. Hanley further highlighted the greater autonomy and streamlined decision-making processes this new structure will provide, ensuring improved service delivery to both applicants and stakeholders.
Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley
The Acting Prime Minister emphasised the necessity of this shift, explaining, “The decision to restructure the CBI Unit was driven by the need to adapt to the evolving global landscape of citizenship by investment programmes. This change will allow us to better serve the interests of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, ensuring that our programme remains competitive while safeguarding our national interests.”
Acting Prime Minister Hanley also extended his gratitude to outgoing Head of the CIU, Mr. Michael Martin, whose leadership over the past two years guided the Unit through transformative change. He called on the newly formed Board of Governors to act with “utmost integrity, transparency, and accountability” as they oversee the future of the Unit. “The success of the CBI Unit depends on your commitment to these principles,” he said, urging the Board to maintain high standards as the Unit evolves.
As a statutory corporation, the CIU is set to solidify its position as a key economic driver for the country. The new structure is expected to streamline operations, making the CBI programme more responsive to global trends and more appealing to high-net-worth investors.
Dr. Hanley concluded his remarks by underscoring the importance of the CBI Unit in the nation’s economic and social fabric, stating, “The transition of the CBI Unit to a statutory corporation marks a significant step forward for our nation. It is a testament to our commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.”
For more information about the Citizenship by Investment Corporation, please contact the CBI Unit or visit our official website at ciu.gov.kn.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew Meets With PAHO Director to Discuss Strengthening Health System in St. Kitts and Nevis and CARICOM
Washington, DC, September 30, 2024 (SKNIS): The urgent need to fortify public health systems across Small Island Developing States (SIDS) took centre stage during bilateral talks between Prime Minister and Minister of Health of St. Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and Dr. Jarbas Barbisa da Silva, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the PAHO Headquarters in Washington DC.
The bilateral meeting, held on the sidelines of the 61st PAHO Directing Council, also highlighted the matter of gun violence, which Prime Minister Dr. Drew deemed a serious public health crisis. He referenced the US Surgeon General’s perspective on addressing violence and emphasised that St. Kitts and Nevis, along with CARICOM, would be looking at crime and violence from a public health perspective. He noted that CARICOM will be placing this issue on its agenda and seeking PAHO’s assistance in pushing this forward.
The discussions also underscored the critical challenges facing SIDS, such as climate-related health impacts, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and access to quality services.
Prime Minister Drew emphasised the importance of resilience.
“Health is at the core of our nation’s development. Strengthening our health systems not only ensures the well-being of our citizens but also enhances our ability to respond to crises, particularly as we face the growing threats posed by climate change,” said Dr. Drew.
During the bilateral, Prime Minister Dr. Drew also highlighted St. Kitts and Nevis’ efforts to improve healthcare delivery through digital health initiatives, the building of a smart hospital, expanded healthcare training, and partnerships aimed at improving disease prevention and control. He stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration with PAHO in addressing health inequalities and preparing the country for emerging health threats.
Dr. Barbisa da Silva reaffirmed PAHO’s commitment to supporting the government’s health agenda, stating that PAHO would continue to provide technical assistance in areas such as pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and combating the growing prevalence of NCDs. He further acknowledged the strides made by St. Kitts and Nevis in healthcare innovation and capacity building, noting that these efforts are crucial to improving the overall health and well-being of the population.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew also used the opportunity to call for stronger regional collaboration in tackling the shared health challenges of the Caribbean, with a focus on building resilient and inclusive health systems that leave no one behind.
The bilateral meeting marked a significant step in deepening the relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis and PAHO, with both parties agreeing on continued cooperation to advance the health and wellness agenda of the nation.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew was joined in the meeting by Dr. Hazel Laws, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Chief Medical Officer.
Activities for Month of Older Persons Begin on October 1
Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 30, 2024 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities is leading St. Kitts and Nevis’ celebration of older persons by hosting a number of activities in October.
The start of the annual local celebration is founded on the precepts of the International Day of Older Persons observed on October 01, every year. The global theme of this year’s commemoration is Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.’
Lyncia Dore, Coordinator of the Seniors Enrichment Programme said that October’s celebration encapsulates the idea behind the theme, which is to promote healthy living for seniors allowing them an opportunity to grow old with respect and dignity.
Activities begin on October 01, with a Church Service at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Sandy Point at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 15 is a Sports and Fun Day at the Frigate Bay Lawn. The fun-filled day will feature favourites such as lime and spoon, sack races, dominoes and more. Friday, October 25 is the popular Seniors’ March. The seniors are usually joined by persons from different generations including primary school students as they proudly march through the streets of Basseterre. A Paint and Sip experience with the members of the Seniors’ Day Programme and school students will run from October 28-30, when the respective groups meet in St. Peter’s, Newtown, St. Paul’s, Ottley’s/Lodge/Cayon, Tabernacle and Sandy Point.
The final activity takes place on November 02. The 2nd annual Seniors’ Prom will be hosted at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. The magical night turns back the clock for many of the senior citizens as they dress elegantly and dine in an atmosphere of excitement with a night filled with fun and entertainment.
Also during October, a series of consultations will gather the opinions and suggestions of the seniors on crime and violence and ways to create a safer environment for their age group, and society as a whole. The information will be collected as part of the 90-Day Campaign on Violence and Crime.
Ms. Dore strongly encouraged persons from all walks of life in St. Kitts and Nevis to show love to older persons as the prosperity of the nation is founded on their sacrifices decades ago.
Eight Schools to Compete in Independence Elocution Competition Finals
Basseterre: St. Kitts, Thursday, September 30, 2024: Eight students, from the four school zones around St. Kitts will represent their schools in the finals of the Independence Elocution Competition to be held on Thursday, October 3, at the Antioch Baptist Church at 5:00 p.m.
The Cayon Primary School and the Saddlers Primary School have both advanced to the finals from the East Zone Eliminations and will be represented by Tattiana Creary and Xamique Taylor respectively.
The Immaculate Conception Catholic School and the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School are the finalists of the Basseterre Private Zone and will be represented by Taylor Allen and Malachi McDermott respectively.
The Basseterre Public Zone Eliminations saw Halliday-Smith (Irish Town) Primary School with Daniella Jarvis and the Beach Allen Primary School with Juneliyah Whyte as finalists.
The finalists from the West Zone Eliminations are Leraine Langley of the St. Paul’s Primary School and Alanna Warner of the Sandy Point Primary School.
The students will perform excerpts from Calypsonian the Mighty Ali’s song, “Nation Moving On”. The Elocution Competition is one of the most anticipated events on the annual Independence celebration calendar in the Federation.
Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew Attends Key PAHO Meeting in Washington D.C.
Washington, DC, September 30, 2024 (SKNIS): In the face of mounting public health challenges in the Americas, the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, is actively participating in the 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The meeting, which commenced today, Monday, September 30, 2024, with an opening ceremony at PAHO Headquarters, brings together high-level health officials to discuss critical strategies for advancing health across the region.
The council convened amid ongoing concerns over health inequities, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for more robust health systems to address current and future public health threats.
The ceremony was attended by Fernando Boyd Galindo, Minister of Health of Panama and outgoing President of the Directing Council; Loyce Pace, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO.
Also present were prominent figures including Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS); Pablo Ibarrarán, Chief of the Social Protection and Health Division at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), addressed the council via video message.
Throughout the week, from September 30 to October 04, participants will analyze strategies, set priorities for regional cooperation, and shape policies aimed at fortifying healthcare systems. These efforts are pivotal as the region looks to recover from recent health crises and strengthen its ability to respond to future challenges.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew, known for his commitment to improving healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis, will contribute to the discussions, sharing insights from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as the Head of Government responsible for Human Resource Development, Health and HIV/AIDS in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet. Dr. Drew is expected to advocate for enhanced technical cooperation to benefit small island developing states. His participation underscores the critical importance of regional collaboration in addressing the health needs of populations in the subregion and across the Americas.
United Under One Flag: Break Political Divide Over National Colours
For yet another year, as we bring September to a close-a month that sees the celebration of both National Heroes Day and Independence Day-it is the perfect time for reflection. Our anthem so captures the essence of our collective journey, “With God in all our struggles, St. Kitts and Nevis be A nation bound together, With a common destiny.” But what does that mean for us as a people? Are we living up to this ideal, or are we allowing divisions, particularly political ones, to fracture the foundation of unity our forefathers envisioned?
The debate around wearing patriotic colours is a yearly one, showing a deeper issue of how we view national pride through the lens of political affiliation. When the colours we wear are scrutinized and linked to political parties, we lose sight of what they truly represent-our nation. Why should the simple act of wearing a shirt or any other clothing in the colours of our flag be so politically charged? Shouldn’t we all be celebrating the achievements and milestones of St. Kitts and Nevis together, regardless of political affiliation?
This past Independence celebration, like those before, has seen some citizens/residents refusing to wear colours affiliated with political parties they do not support. But isn’t it time we asked ourselves, what do the colours of our flag represent if not a united St.Kitts and Nevis? Our red, green, yellow, black, and white stand for the diversity and richness of our beauty, heritage, struggles and triumphs as one people. By refusing to wear certain colours because of political biases, we diminish our national pride, reducing it to a political statement rather than a celebration of our identity as a united people.
Let us be colour blind politically when it comes to national pride. Our future depends on our ability to come together, to work together toward common goals, and to celebrate our achievements not because of a political party, but because of who we are as Kittitians and Nevisians. We must strive to be a nation bound together, with a common destiny, not just in words, but in actions.
What do we want for our nation? We want progress, peace, and prosperity for all. But achieving that requires togetherness. It requires us to rise above political affiliations and recognize that the betterment of St.Kitts and Nevis is a collective responsibility. Let us embrace our diversity of opinions, but let us also stand firm in our commitment to work together, for the good of our nation, our people, and our future.
Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis Celebrates Regaining Top Spot in 2024 CBI Index Report
Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, 25 September, 2024 – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis proudly announces that the country has reclaimed the number one position in the 2024 Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Index, scoring an impressive 76 points. This prestigious recognition reaffirms Saint Kitts and Nevis as a global leader in the CBI industry, underpinned by a steadfast commitment to regulatory excellence, due diligence, and the continuous enhancement of its CBI programme.
In a testament to its robust framework, Saint Kitts and Nevis has demonstrated exceptional leadership in adhering to and implementing the directives set forth by the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). This commitment was pivotal in securing the top spot in this year’s CBI Index.
Notably, the country has made significant strides in fortifying its CBI programme through recent legislative and structural advancements. The passage of the Citizenship by Investment Unit Act, which formally establishes the CBI Unit as a corporate body, marks a new chapter in the programme’s governance and operational efficiency. Complementing this, the establishment of the Continuing International Due Diligence (CIDD) Unit underscores the government’s proactive approach to international security concerns. The CIDD Unit will conduct ongoing vetting of CBI citizens residing abroad, working in tandem with international law enforcement agencies to mitigate perceived risks and maintain the integrity of the programme.
The 2024 CBI Index further highlights Saint Kitts and Nevis’ dominance in key areas, with the country ranking first in the Ease of Processing Pillar and Due Diligence Pillar. The maximum points score in Ease of Processing is a clear indication of the programme’s successful balancing of rigorous vetting procedures with efficient processing workflows, ensuring both security and accessibility. Retaining the top position in the Due Diligence Pillar reflects Saint Kitts and Nevis’ relentless dedication to transparency and the implementation of the ‘Six Principles’ alongside enhanced due diligence standards, as demonstrated by the recent introduction of the CIDD Unit.
Moreover, Saint Kitts and Nevis stands out as the only country to achieve a perfect score in the Certainty of Product Pillar, a testament to its swift and effective response to unprecedented international scrutiny. This pillar evaluates a programme’s resilience across various dimensions, including longevity, popularity, stability, reputation, and adaptability—areas where Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to excel.
Prime Minister Dr Terrance M Drew expressed his pride in the country’s achievement, stating, “This recognition is not just a reflection of our leadership in the CBI industry but a testament to our nation’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of governance, security, and integrity. Saint Kitts and Nevis will continue to innovate and adapt, ensuring that our Citizenship by Investment Programme remains the gold standard globally. We are proud to offer a programme that not only meets but exceeds international expectations.”
As Saint Kitts and Nevis celebrates this significant milestone, the government remains dedicated to further strengthening its CBI programme, ensuring its continued success and its contribution to the nation’s economic growth.