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St. Kitts and Nevis Checks Box for Ban of Single-use Plastics

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St. Kitts and Nevis Checks Box for Ban of Single-use Plastics

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 11, 2024 (SKNIS): The announced ban on single-use plastics in St. Kitts and Nevis will bring the twin-island Federation one step closer to becoming a sustainable island state, and is in keeping with previous actions taken by other member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The details of the ban were outlined during a Sitting of the National Assembly on March 26, 2024, by the Minister of Environment and Climate Action, the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke. Dr. Clarke appeared on the April 10 edition of the radio and television programme InFocus and shared why this initiative, which started back in 2019, and gained momentum in 2022, is finally being implemented.

Minister Dr. Clarke and Director Edmeade appeared on the April 10 edition of InFocus

“If not now, when?” asked Dr. Clarke. “That’s really the question at the ministry and it has been such a long time that we have been working on moving towards the ban of single-use plastics.” The minister acknowledged the work done prior to her assuming office and noted “If we are going to transition to a sustainable island state there are a number of checkboxes, and plastic pollution was one we had to deal with so now is the right time.”

Director of the Department of Environment, Derionne Edmeade, noted that numerous wide-ranging conversations were held with stakeholders prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to get retailers and importers prepared for the eventual ban. A similar exercise was repeated in 2022, after the government changed to ensure that persons were still on board.

“One of the pushbacks we got coming into the department from meetings with various stakeholders … was there were no more consultations needed, just ban it!”

The ban speaks primarily to the manufacturing, commercial importation, and retail distribution of single-use plastics. The importation of T-shirt plastic shopping bags will be banned as of December 31, 2024, and sale and distribution as of March 31, 2025. Styrofoam containers, plastic straws and egg boxes will no longer be imported as of April 30, 2025, and sales of such ceased on July 31, 2025. The ban on importing plastic plates, cups and utensils comes into effect on August 31, 2025, and the ban on selling such takes effect on November 30, 2025.

Plastic bottles, hard plastics commonly used at home and local gatherings, trash bags, and plastic bags used to package bread, meat and other items are allowed and will not be impacted by the ban. Biodegradable plastic bags are also excluded from the ban.

Human Resource Management Department Receives All-clear to Operate at Full Capacity

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Human Resource Management Department Receives All-clear to Operate at Full Capacity

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 11, 2024 (SKNIS): The Human Resource Management Department (HRMD), located at Government Headquarters, has received the all-clear to resume operations at full capacity, effective immediately. All services that were temporarily suspended will once again be available to employees and stakeholders.

This decision comes after a series of precautionary measures were implemented, including the temporary closure and comprehensive cleaning of all HRMD offices. Additionally, an efficacy test was conducted post-cleanup to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety were met.

Head of the Civil Service, Thelma Richard extended her deepest gratitude to all stakeholders who played a pivotal role in the swift and efficient response to the comprehensive cleaning process. She especially thanked the staff of the HRMD, who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and commitment to their duties under less-than-ideal circumstances.

“Our sincere appreciation extends to the dedicated staff of the HRMD, who have shown exceptional dedication and professionalism under challenging circumstances,” said Ms. Richard. “Their efforts, alongside the invaluable support from the team at the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards (SKNBS) Multi-Purpose Laboratory; the Ministry of Health; First Choice Refrigeration, and Advanced Business Maintenance Systems (AMBS) have been crucial in ensuring the health and safety of our employees were prioritized at every step.”

Ms. Richard said that the health and well-being of the workers and citizens will remain the highest priorities for the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“As we resume full operations, we remain vigilant in our health and safety protocols, continuing to prioritize the well-being of our employees and the communities we serve. We are confident that the measures taken have strengthened our resilience and preparedness for any future challenges,” the head of the Civil Service added. 

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Nursing and Midwifery Services Unveils Five-year Strategic Plan to Enhance Healthcare Delivery

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St. Kitts and Nevis’ Nursing and Midwifery Services Unveils Five-year Strategic Plan to Enhance Healthcare Delivery

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, April 10, 2024 (SKNIS) – During a historic ceremony today (April 10, 2024), the Ministry of Health facilitated the launch of the St. Kitts and Nevis Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan 2024-2028, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards advancing healthcare excellence in the Federation.

The strategic plan is essential for ensuring ongoing organisational success and to help guide the St. Kitts and Nevis Nursing and Midwifery Services Organisation through planned arrangements and activities.  

Principal Nursing Officer (PNO), Dr. Rondalyn Dennis-Bradshaw, stated during the launch event that the strategic plan embodies their collective vision, dedication and commitment to elevating the standard of care provided to all patients.

“It reflects our unwavering resolve to embrace innovation, foster collaboration and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and compassion in our noble profession,” Dr. Dennis-Bradshaw added, while thanking all stakeholders for their invaluable contributions and tireless efforts in shaping the strategic plan.

The PNO further stated that the development of a strategic plan by the nurses and midwifery services represents a notable achievement for the organisation on a national and regional level where such initiatives are still rare.

She noted however that, “While being among the pioneers is praiseworthy, the true value of this strategic plan lies in its potential to drive performance excellence and continuous improvement in the nursing and midwifery services organisation.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, who is also the Minister of Health in the Federal Cabinet, acknowledged the significance of a strategic plan to the advancement of the noble profession of nursing.

Dr. Drew said that the strategic plan should be viewed as the blueprint that determines the vision, actions and outcomes of the nursing profession, “and therefore, having a strategic plan convinces me that we are serious about enhancing and upgrading the nursing and midwifery profession here in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

Prime Minister Drew urged the nursing and midwifery community to hold their heads high and be proud of the important roles they have played so far in elevating and improving the standard of healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis. This includes helping the Joseph N. France General Hospital to attain the accreditation of a Baby-Friendly Hospital, and for their part in significantly reducing the child mortality rate in the Federation.

“In spite of the challenges, you have achieved a lot—celebrate your achievements,” Dr. Drew emphasised.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Nursing and Midwifery Strategic Plan outlines a comprehensive set of goals that define the organisation’s scope of work. The strategies entailed will serve as the foundation for various programmes and projects to be implemented over the next five years.  

Vacancy – Assistant Registrar – Cooperatives Department

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Vacancy – Assistant Registrar – Cooperatives Department

VACANCY-NOTICE-–-ASSISTANT-REGISTRAR

Vacancy – Senior Clerk

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Vacancy – Senior Clerk
Vacancy-Senior-Clerk

Vacancy – Customer Service Manager

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Vacancy – Customer Service Manager
Vacancy-Customer-Service-Manager-–-Water-Services-Department

Establishment of the Caribbean Center of Excellence at CFBC to Boost St. Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Development

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Establishment of the Caribbean Center of Excellence at CFBC to Boost St. Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Development

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, April 09, 2024 (SKNIS) – The Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), and by extension the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, took a major step towards sustainability and green energy transition today, April 9, 2024, through the launch of the pioneering Caribbean Center of Excellence in Research, Innovation and Workforce Training (CRIWT) project.

The CRIWT Project is being implemented under an agreement between the CFBC and the Green Solution International SKN Incorporated (GSI), which is a non-governmental organisation that supports the region’s transition to renewable energy sources, and promotes environmental sustainability and resilience against climate change. Funding for the project is being provided through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.

The Caribbean Center of Excellence in Research, Innovation and Workforce Training is expected to be a leading facility for training in Solar PV installation and electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and repairs, helping to transition the Federation into a hub for sustainable research in the field of green energy, innovation, and 21st-century workforce development.

Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew lauded CFBC and its partners for embarking on this bold initiative that aligns with the government’s own goals towards creating a sustainable future through the promotion of the use of renewable energy resources.

He stated further that his administration fully understands and appreciates that renewable energy is the gateway to the Federation’s economic and financial freedom. This, he said, is the reason why the government is moving swiftly and aggressively with its sustainable island state agenda, which has green energy transition as one of its pillars.

“In our sustainable island state plan, there are seven pillars and at the centre of it is energy and [through] that plan, which is so thought out, if we resolve the energy issue which is at the centre of the wheel…then all the others fall in line,” Dr. Drew said.

The six other pillars guiding the sustainable island state agenda are food security, economic diversification, sustainable industries, the Creative Economy, COVID-19 recovery, and social protection.

Moreover, Dr. Drew stated that the establishment of the Caribbean Center of Excellence in Research, Innovation and Workforce Training complements other initiatives being implemented by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in the area of green energy, pointing specifically to the build-out of the solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage plant.

“If we are going to create a solar farm that is so large, and if we are saying to the world that we are going to become the first sustainable island state and we have taken that bold step, then we have to take the other bold step, which is to create the largest certification programme here in the OECS [Organization of Eastern Caribbean States] so that our people can be trained for those jobs. So we are going to take them right from the college to the job site so that they can see the purpose and essence of their work,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew said, noting that this conversation has already taken place with the principles of the solar farm.

The CRIWT project commences with a six-week train-the-trainer workshop. Through this workshop, participants will be engaged in five weeks of online, self-paced instruction and a one-week face-to-face practical component.

CCCU Donates Smart Electronic Item to Cradles Learning Centre

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CCCU Donates Smart Electronic Item to Cradles Learning Centre

Basseterre, St. Kitts, Monday, April 08, 2024: In a gesture aimed at enhancing early childhood education, the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) has generously donated a Smart Board to the Cradles Learning Centre. The brief ceremony which took place on Monday, April 08, marked a significant contribution to the educational development of young learners. 

Ms. Denise Garfield, General Manager of CCCU, highlighted the importance of listening to the needs of the community and taking proactive steps to address them. 

“Last year the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions took a decision to get more involved in the community that we are physically based in. We met with the team at Cradles, we asked them what their needs and priorities were and one of those priorities was getting a Smart Board to teach the children. As such, we are grateful to present the Smart Board to the Cradles Learning Centre this morning.”

Ms. Kimona Browne, director of Early Childhood Development Unit (ECDU), extended sincere appreciation to CCCU for its inestimable contribution. 

“Today, we gather not only to celebrate the growth and progress of this centre, but also to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions, for their invaluable contribution. This generous donation has arrived at a crucial time, enabling us to enhance the learning environment for our young leaners. This support reaffirms the power of collaboration, and highlights the importance of community partnerships, in nurturing the potential of our children.”

Gratitude to was expressed to CCCU by Ms. Khadijah Mulley, teacher at Cradles Learning Centre,

“To the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions, we sincerely appreciate your kind and generous donation to the children. This 55-inch interactive white board enables us to further engage our students in active participation in, not only learning concepts but as we integrate technology in the classroom. Our future leaders will be equipped with the skills necessary to

navigate a world that is becoming more effective and efficient in productivity driven by advances in technology.”

The donation from the CCCU represents a significant milestone in the journey of Cradles Nursery towards excellence in education. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of partnerships in driving positive change within communities and empowering young minds to reach their full potential. 

Shawn Richards: ‘I Am Stepping Aside, Not Away’

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Shawn Richards: ‘I Am Stepping Aside, Not Away’

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 4th April 2024)-“In stepping aside, I make room for that leadership to take the helm and carry forward the torches of progress, innovation, and unity. Let me be clear. Stepping aside does not mean stepping away. I remain committed to the People’s Action Movement’s ideals and St. Kitts and Nevis’ future goals.”

So said the soon-to-be former Political Leader of the People’s Action Movement Shawn Richards (PAM) who revealed during a live party media conference held on Thursday 4th April 2024, that he has decided not to seek leadership at PAM’s next convention when the current three-year term ends.

Notably, the last convention was held in April 2021 which saw him (the sitting Deputy Prime Minister at the time) being reelected unopposed as the party’s political leader.

“This morning, I stand at [a] crossroads in my career and our party’s journey. After deep reflection on our collective achievements and the path ahead, I have made a decision born from love for our party and belief in the principles of leadership renewal. With a heart full of gratitude and hope, I sit before you today to humbly announce my decision not to seek leadership at our next convention when this current three-year term comes to an end. Therefore, I am officially stepping down as the leader of the People’s Action Movement,” stated at the press conference,

He went on to say that “After careful contemplation and many heartfelt prayers, I am at peace with this decision. For, as the scripture reminds us, to everything there is a season-Ecclesiastes 3, verse 1.”

According to Richards: “This decision was not made lightly, but from a conviction that for our movement to thrive, for our nation to reach new heights, we must embrace transformative change. Change that ushers in new perspectives, ideas, and vibrant energy of fresh leadership.”

The outgoing PAM Political Leader pledged his “full support to the transition, offering counsel to ensure a smooth, effective handover.”

He pointed out that this movement calls on all party members and supporters to unite behind a momentary leader whoever he or she may be.

“Unity has always been PAM’s strength and as we embark on this transition, see how it is possible to stand together in reforming our shared principles and goals is paramount. Let us approach this change with the same spirit of collaboration, dedication and passion that defines us. Let us rally behind new leadership with encouragement and a unified vision for the future. Together, we will continue building upon the foundation’s lead, forging a path toward an even brighter, more prosperous St. Kitts and Nevis.”

“The road ahead will be long but our party’s mission remains unshaken. To uplift the downtrodden, empower the next generation, and work tirelessly to leave our nation’s vineyard even more bountiful than how it was before,” he added.

When questioned by a local reporter whether he would be stepping down as Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Five, Richards had this to say: “

“As I indicated in my remarks that though I’m stepping down from this role, my commitment to PAM endures. My service as the elected representative for constituency number five.”

Why Litter?

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Why Litter?

Unfortunately in some people’s minds, littering seems to be a minor offense or just not a big deal to be fussing about. 

However, if a lot of people think in such a way then we could automatically see how and why it is in fact a major issue to just carelessly dump garbage whether openly or in areas which prohibit illegal dumping.

No doubt, many of us have come across a dirty area or seen garbage thrown away carelessly which brings about the thought: ‘Couldn’t he or she find a garbage can somewhere.’

But apart from being mindful about not spoiling the beauty of our communities and by extension our country, we must first and foremost think about protecting and caring for our natural environment as our personal responsibility which comes about to be a collective approach.

In efforts to address littering, it goes without saying that one of the most powerful tools is teaching our children about the personal responsibility of instilling such values for generations to come.

And into adulthood, we must not depart from protecting and caring for our environment. As adults, it is our responsibility to lead by example thus incorporating lessons about recycling and up cycling too.

Together, each of us has a role to play in combating littering such as properly discarding our waste and even picking up litter which includes partaking in beach and street cleanups.

Why be a litterbug? Don’t you care about OUR environment?

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