Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 26, 2024 (SKNIS): In a landmark move towards preserving the environment and advancing sustainability, the Federal Cabinet of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced the implementation of a phased ban on single-use plastics. The announcement, made in the National Assembly on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, by Senator the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, marks a pivotal step in the nation’s environmental policy.

The ban will be rolled out in three stages, targeting the importation, sale, and distribution of specific single-use plastic products. The initial phase, starting December 31, 2024, will see the ban on importing T-shirt plastic shopping bags, followed by a prohibition on their sale and distribution by March 31, 2025. The second phase will commence with a ban on importing Styrofoam food containers and plastic straws by April 30, 2025, and their sale and distribution by July 31, 2025. In its final phase, the ban will extend to the importation of single-use plastic cups, plates, and utensils by August 31, 2025, with these items no longer being sold or distributed by November 30, 2025.

The move is in line with similar actions taken by several countries in the Caribbean including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Eustatius, Saint. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as Trinidad and Tobago. All twelve countries have placed a ban on the use and import of single-use plastics and Styrofoam.

Reflecting on the landmark decision made by the Federal Cabinet of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Clarke passionately shared the significance of this moment for the country’s environmental future.

“Tuesday, March 26, 2024, marks a significant milestone for environmental protection for St. Kitts and Nevis. This action is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protect our natural environment and foster a sustainable future for our nation,” said Dr. Clarke. 

Senator Dr. Clarke said that St. Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to environmental stewardship and transitioning to a sustainable island state requires the input, collaboration, partnership and policy adjustment of every ministry and sector. 

“I am compelled to remind every Kittitian and Nevisian that every small action collectively, creates major movements in recycling, upcycling and limiting the use of plastics,” said Dr. Clarke. “The small changes today will lead to incremental improvements in human and environmental health.” 

The initiative falls in line with several United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health & Well-being, Clean Water & Sanitation, Sustainable Cities & Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life below Water, and Life on Land.

With this move, St. Kitts and Nevis joins a growing list of over 100 countries in implementing a full or partial ban on single-use plastics. According to Senator Clarke, this policy is a precursor to the anticipated Environmental Protection Bill 2024, formally known as the Restriction on Single-Use-Plastic Bill, further solidifying the Federation’s environmental conservation efforts.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 25, 2024 (SKNIS) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis took a huge step towards modernising and enhancing the services at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport today, March 25, 2024, by switching to a 4th generation Border Management System that features automated passport control kiosks. This move ensures that St. Kitts and Nevis remains at the forefront of technological advancements that promote efficiency.

The new system integrates the online entry application (KNA travel form), facilitates E-Visa processing payment, and features the Advanced Passenger Information (API) Dashboard among other systems.

Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew signed the agreement for the kiosk machines. Dr. Drew was also one of the first persons to utilise one of the kiosks. He described the system as efficient and user-friendly, and noted that its introduction is in keeping with the government’s build-out of its sustainable island state agenda.

“In establishing a sustainable island state, technological advancement has to be a part of it, and this is the next step in that direction, and so I can say to our people here in St. Kitts and Nevis that we are becoming more modernised,” Prime Minister Drew said.

Minister of Tourism, Honourable Marsha Henderson, who was also on hand to witness the operationalisation of the 4th generation Border Management System, commended the collaborative approach taken by the relevant ministries and agencies that led to its successful implementation.

She stated that the implementation of this system aligns with one of the key goals of the Ministry of Tourism, which is to improve the overall experience for visitors. Minister Henderson highlighted that the launch serves as a clear testimony of the ministry’s active efforts in this direction. 

“We continue our efforts in tourism to make sure that we deliver a sterling product and this time partnering with national security and immigration, we are definitely on the right track,” Minister Henderson said.

By using the automated passport control kiosks, arriving passengers will avoid long queues and lengthy manual passport checks by an immigration officer. Built-in components such as cameras and pre-approved checks will maintain the integrity of the secure entry protocols into the Federation.

The system will initially cater to returning nationals and persons bearing passports from member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Passport holders from the member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States will be included at the end of March.

By: Spokesman Newsroom

Basseterre, St. Kitts – The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is witnessing a remarkable transformation in environmental conservation, with recycling practices becoming ingrained in every community’s daily routines. This significant cultural shift is largely attributed to the successful collaboration between the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund and the local St. Kitts Solid Waste Management Recycling Project.

Initiated on June 20, 2022, this recycling project has been pivotal in promoting the Sustainable Island State Agenda’s vision for a No-Plastic Future. It encourages the Federation’s citizens to conscientiously recycle plastic bottles, caps, and aluminum cans, contributing to a greener and more sustainable environment.

The project’s impact is evident in the steadily increasing volume of recyclables collected at designated drop-off stations across the island. These stations, set up weekly in various urban and rural locations, have seen a surge in usage, reflecting the community’s growing commitment to recycling. The data speaks volumes: from 38,749 lbs of recycled plastic collected in 2022, the figure almost doubled to 73,492 lbs in 2023. This remarkable increase underscores the Federation’s dedication to combating plastic pollution and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

The surge in recycling awareness and practices didn’t happen overnight. It resulted from concerted efforts by project partners and stakeholders who embarked on vigorous awareness campaigns. These initiatives included community and school visits, stakeholder engagements, and the distribution of educational materials both physically and through social media platforms, all aimed at instilling good recycling habits among the populace.

Supporting these grassroots efforts, the introduction of key policies such as the National Conservation and Environmental Management Bill and the imminent ban on single-use plastics, set to be authorized in 2024, are reinforcing the Federation’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

As St. Kitts and Nevis continues to lead by example in the Caribbean, the emphasis on recycling and sustainable practices is paving the way for a healthier, cleaner future. The success of the recycling movement in the Federation is a testament to the collective will of its citizens and their commitment to preserving, conserving, and protecting their environment.

As we celebrate World Recycling Day on March 18, 2024, it’s crucial to recognize the #RecyclingHeroes not only within our Federation but also across the region and the globe. Their relentless efforts and dedication are crucial in securing an eco-friendly and sustainable future for all.

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, March 21, 2024 (SKNIS) – The partnership between the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) and the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, continues to bear fruit, as another batch of deserving students were granted assistance through the institution’s scholarship awards programme.

During a ceremony held at the RUSVM Campus on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, ten (10) students were awarded scholarships to pursue studies at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) and the Nevis Sixth Form College. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Her Excellency the Governor-General, Dame Marcella Liburd.

The Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Scholarships Awards Programme was established to assist academically deserving students, who face financial challenges  that would have otherwise hindered their ability  to enrol at  the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College or the Nevis Sixth Form College.

However, Dean of the RUSVM Dr. Sean Callanan, said scholarship recipients are chosen for more than just their financial needs.

 “When I read the documentation it’s very clear that you are not only developing yourselves, but you are also developing many of your colleagues, and you’ve also in your relatively short lives, given so much to the community and I am so glad that that has been recognized in how we award these particular scholarships,” he said.  

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, said he was proud to be part of a ceremony that celebrated the dedication and excellent achievements of students.

“These scholarships are not just a recognition of your past accomplishments but also a testament to your potential,” Deputy Prime Minister Hanley said. “This scholarship is an investment in your future and a vote of confidence in your ability to bring about positive change in the world. Therefore, you should deem yourselves privileged to have been chosen for these scholarships.”

Dr. Hanley extended profound gratitude to the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine for its continued investment in the educational advancement of the nation’s youth. He further noted that the collaboration between Ross University and the Ministry of Education embodies the ministry’s guiding theme of fostering holistic partnerships for advancing education.

“Without a doubt, it is evident that Ross is a true partner who is committed to the growth and development of our people, especially our youth. This 40-year partnership has benefitted countless citizens across our socio-economic landscape — eighty-three (83) of which were scholarship recipients,” Honourable Dr. Hanley said.

The Ross University scholarship programme provides coverage for books, fees, and includes an allowance for uniforms and transportation. It  supports students across a diverse spectrum of disciplines, including business,  natural sciences, hospitality, automotive engineering, accounting, electrical and electronics engineering, teacher education, law and sociology.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 14, 2024 (SKNIS): The two climate-smart model homes developed by East Coast Housing Development (ECHD) Ltd were officially handed over to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis on Thursday (March 14, 2024) during a ceremony at Conaree.

Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Housing, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, and several members of the Federal Cabinet joined officials from the National Housing Corporation (NHC) and ECHD to witness the momentous occasion.

Jonelle Rawlins, NHC’s General Manager, said that the ceremony “marked a significant milestone in our collective journey towards redefining the landscape of housing development in our beloved nation.”

She expressed that the two model homes and the 2,000-plus homes that will follow in the coming years are described as smart, as they incorporate more than technological features.

“While these homes certainly incorporate advanced construction technology, materials and methodologies, their smartness extends beyond the digital realm to encompass a holistic approach to sustainability, efficiency and a quality of life,” Ms. Rawlins added.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Hanley congratulated the local contractors who stepped forward to be trained in the new construction method that utilizes concreform, steel meshes, and concrete.

“Together we are shaping the future of housing,” he said, describing the homes as havens for families. “They have been meticulously designed to withstand disasters ensuring the safety of residents. … These homes also allow for expansion on the top providing families with the flexibility to grow without hassle.”

“These homes represent our commitment to progress, innovation, and the well-being of our citizens” Dr. Hanley continued, noting that the design aligns with the agenda to transform St. Kitts and Nevis into a sustainable island state.

Special commendation was expressed to all involved in the construction process, as well as Ambassador, His Excellency Leon Natta-Nelson and the NHC Board for guiding the initiative. TDC Ltd was recognized for outfitting the homes, the Craft House for constructing the cupboards, and Rams Supermarket for stocking the cupboards with groceries.

At the end of the ceremony, the keys to the climate-smart home at Conaree were presented to Shamarah Huggins while Belinda Buchanan received the keys to the Taylor’s home.