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Tickets For Red Light Runners Coming

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Tickets For Red Light Runners Coming

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 6th November 2025) -Police have revealed that red light violators will soon be issued tickets.

“Another thing that will be coming soon, and we are saying it here, we are soon going to have red light cameras to detect red light violations,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Cromwell Henry revealed while speaking on Freedom FM’s ‘Issues’ programme on Wednesday 5th March 2025, hosted by Jamiella McPhail featuring members of the Police High Command. 

Commissioner of Police James Sutton and Assistant Police Commissioner responsible for Operations Travis Rogers, Assistant Commissioner of Police Andre Mitchell and Assistant Commissioner of Police responsible for Administration, Resources, Technology and Intelligence- James Francis were in the studio as well.

COP James provided summarized statistics for the photo radar data , recently introduced by the police which has seen over 200 violators.

 “Between the period 15th of October to 31st of October in the 20 mile per hour zone there were 230 violators; average speed 48.44 miles per hour or 72 kilometers; the lowest speed 40 miles per hour or 64 kilometers; high speed 65 miles per hour or 104 kilometers. In the 40 mile per hour zone, total recorded offenders 76; average speed 61.26 miles per hour or 98 kilometers; the lowest speed 55 miles per hour or 88 kilometers, high speed 83 miles per hour or 134 kilometers,” he shared.

Host Jamiella McPhail pointed out that some people are of the view that the public was not properly informed that such a policy was coming on stream to which Henry noted that the public was given sufficient notice about the photo radar system before its launch.

“We did send out a press release prior, I think about a week before we started. We sent out a press release entitled Photo Radar Coming Soon. And I think one media person asked me, well, we’ve been hearing about this for such a long time. When is soon? And I told him, within the month. And this was a media person asking me, when is soon? Because they’ve been hearing about this for a long time now. So for people to say that they had no prior notice, it is not accurate because we did send out a press release. You could go back to our Facebook page, you could go to our website, and you will see that press release early in October, and we started after the middle of October. So there was ample notice.”

Responding to the host’s follow-up question about the importance of putting in those measures in place at this present time, COP Sutton replied: “We have been implementing traffic stops for quite some time and one of the things that we would have realized-the VCPs, the vehicle checkpoints-is that when the police go out to conduct these operations, persons will be calling persons and it would be defeating the whole purpose. So we really want compliance because we prefer to have safety over convenience as we continue to make St. Kitts a safe place. So that is the objective behind it-how we could maximize technology to the best advantage for law enforcement.”

Host McPhail also indicated to the police that people are of the view that the police putting these measures in place-even the stop and search and the speed checks-is just a way for the government to make some money, as she questioned if this is the motivation for it?

Commissioner Sutton responded: “No. The motivation behind it is what happened last year, December, when we had a number of fatalities. The public called out to the police and we had to find ways to respond. And we respond in this way because one of the pillars was better use of technology. We went out, we had to conduct a number of RFPs to get persons to submit proposals, how best to partner with the police, and that was the objective behind it.”

Henry added: “And so, if persons think that that is the government’s way of raising revenue, then they can prevent the government from getting revenue from it. Just don’t commit any breaches. Just don’t speed and the government will not get any revenue.”

He went on to say: “Another thing that will be coming soon, and we are saying it here, we are soon going to have red light cameras to detect red light violations. We get complaints about, and we have a number of accidents at the traffic lights where persons run the red light and cause accidents, some serious. And so there’s an RFP [Request For Proposal] out now that, as the Commissioner just mentioned, for persons to tender for that project where we would install cameras to capture persons running the red light. And so we hope people do not say that that is revenue.”

Commissioner of Police James Sutton, during his remarks on the programme, spoke about the force being focused on protecting every community and strengthening public confidence.

“Our policing strategy is guided by seven strategic pillars which outline how we prevent crime, serve the public, and maintain order across the Federation. These pillars include preventing and improving our visibility, deepening community partnership, enhancing officer training and leadership, modernizing through technology, strengthening agency collaboration, applying data-driven decision making, and promoting safer roadways. Together these areas form the backbone of our policing approach combining enforcement with prevention, modern tools with human connection, and accountability with service.”

He added: “But policing alone cannot end the violence. Real safety requires unity, cooperation, and active community participation. Every citizen, every organization, every neighborhood has a role to play in creating a safer space for our families and our future generations.”

MUDADA MEMORIES: A Tribute to Dawud ‘Mudada’ Byron

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MUDADA MEMORIES: A Tribute to Dawud ‘Mudada’ Byron

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Monday 3rd November 2025) – This media house, in tribute, wishes to highlight the words of remembrance shared during interviews with those who knew the late Mr. Dawud St.Lloyd ‘Mudada’ Byron earlier this year as family members, friends, and well-wishers gathered in the East Basseterre community at Leonard Dickenson Road (opposite the Newtown Play Field) for the official launch of the Youth On The Go Community Picnic Square in his memory.

Mr. Byron, who passed away on Tuesday 3rd November 2015 at the age of 71, was a well-known and long-standing newspaper editor at this publication.

The picnic square dedication event, held on Sunday 30th March 2025, was filled with heartfelt speeches and reflections, provided community members with an opportunity to share their most cherished “Mudada memories.” 

His granddaughter Naelah Bridgewater (child of his late daughter-Natasha ‘Shea’ Byron) did a poem during the event that highlighted: 

In the heart of St. Kitts, his legacy stands tall.

A stalwart of Labour, beloved by all.

With pen in hand, he shaped the truth, editor of voices, a champion of youth.

Through the Labour Spokesman, his words took flight, illuminating justice, igniting the fight.

A journalist’s soul, steadfast and true, he painted the world in a laborer’s hue, but not just in ink did his spirit soar.

With trumpet in hand, he opened the door to melodies that dance in the island breeze.

A musician’s gift, bringing the heart to ease.

Now, a picnic square will bear his name

A tribute to a man of enduring fame.

Dawud Mudada Byron, forever enshrined

In the rhythm of Labour, his spirit aligned.

This article, on the tenth anniversary of his passing, stands as a tribute from this media house in remembrance.

Here is what others had to say in speaking with this publication.

Neighbour Zhanique Connor-“My fondest memory of Dawud Byron, would be when you hear him singing, you know that he’s coming to your house and he’s not knocking, he’s just turning the door and opening them like he lives here. So that would be one of my fondest memories of him. It’s [the picnic park] a great initiative, especially because he was a family man and the picnic was dedicated for that, for families to come out and have a good time and not just stay in the house or stay in the yard. You know, so I like the idea of it and I hope to see many more initiatives for more Stalwarts from the community.”

Sharylle Richardson-“I knew Mudada since he was a teacher in Newtown Primary that is now Tucker Clarke Primary School. Well, I was in Tucker Clarke and Newtown School from 1966 until 1972. And he was a teacher there very briefly, but I remember him being very strict, very, very strict… He never taught me but he looked very, very intimidating. Well, we knew each other and then one day he said to me, I said something to him and he said people like you we need in the East Basseterre. And he told me when the branch meeting was going to be and I came and the rest as they say is history. So Mudada and I were very, very close. I was the secretary of the branch and he was the chair. And we worked, I mean, he was an ideal, if we could ever have an ideal pairing of chair and secretary, I think we were that pair. We went about giving out from invitations to ham to whatever.”

“On the campaign trail, packing drinks. I mean, it’s everything that needed to do. But other than that, I was the chief cook and bottle washer. I mean [this space dedication], it couldn’t happen to a better person. You know? I mean, Mudada is very deserving. I think Mudada-well he passed before Dr. Geoffrey Hanley [Parliamentary Representative came about], but he would have been here. He would have been doing whatever he had to do to make sure that the St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party won. And the thing with Mudada, right, he and everybody, Labour, PAM, whatever they were, he and them were friends. He didn’t pick out… I believe he persuaded a lot of people to vote for us maybe secretly because they’re PAM family and so, but I believe just because of Mudada, he got people to go out and vote and give Labour a chance, and he really, really- they didn’t tell any lies about him in terms of looking out for people. I know he gave his cash to people and, you know, whenever he could help somebody get a job or anything, he just worked tirelessly looking out for people.”

Suelika Creque (Neighbour)-“I think it’s a wonderful gesture to name this space in Mudada’s memory, giving him another avenue for his memory to live on as he has made many contributions to this community and country as a whole. He was truly an individual who thought of others before himself, and I would always remember when he would be practicing his instrument on a Sunday afternoon or I’d hear his loud outburst whenever he received a joke. May he continue to rest in peace.”

The tribute given by family, friends, and community members serves as a testament to Dawud ‘Mudada’ Byron’s lasting legacy. His contributions to both his community and his country-whether through his work in the newspaper industry, music industry, his community activism or his kindness-are remembered by all who knew him.

The dedication of the Youth On The Go Community Picnic Square in his name ensures that his spirit will continue to inspire future generations in East Basseterre.

Local Workers Get Praise for St. Peter’s Main Road Project

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Local Workers Get Praise for St. Peter’s Main Road Project

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 6th November 2025)- The local work crew of Rock & Dirt Construction Limited is being applauded for their skill, dedication and professionalism for the now officially opened St. Peter’s Main Road, described to be of international standards.

Such recognition came during the official opening ceremony held on Wednesday 5th November 2025 at the St. Peter’s Anglican Roundabout whereby the work collaboration with project engineers, the consultants- Construction Engineer Association Limited (Trinidad) and also the Public Works Department was highlighted.

Contractor and Managing Director of Rock & Dirt Construction Limited Alexis Hazel expressed gratitude and pride in his team’s achievement, highlighting the hard work and determination that went into fulfilling his promise to the St. Peter’s community.

“I’m simply here because one year and a half ago I promised the people of St. Peter’s that I’m going to deliver a road to them that is second to none. And so I put a team together out of this world-locals-and so we decided we’re gonna make this work happen whether or not we have the courage sometime by the critics to do it but we get up every morning and we put our all into it,” he said.

He also voiced appreciation for the encouragement of Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Eight, Dr. Terrance Drew, and the overall confidence of the government.

“I want to say thanks to the Prime Minister who really pushed me on this project. He sometimes call me and make me feel like I can do things that is impossible but here we are, and we’re going to present this road to you today for opening…. I also want to thank the government for having the confidence in me as a local contractor -a young man, humble from Newton Ground -to get this project. I want to say thanks.”

He identified challenges during the project including traffic control and drainage management along the busy route.

“One of the things that challenged me most by doing this road is basically how can I drain this road? How can I control the flow of traffic while I’m doing this road? It was very difficult for us, and so what we did at the beginning is create this [northern] road here. This road was never part of the project but I figured if I put this road in, I could control the traffic that goes along this road because we have a lot of traffic up here. And with doing that, I start to see how easy the project can be done,” he explained.

Hazel also credited the Public Works Department for their technical support.

“This project was a design and build, and so I had to get the technocrats and had to use them locally. I want to acknowledge Calvin Esdaille, who was my main surveyor. I want to acknowledge the help of Public Works. When I was having some difficulty and I called the engineers and said, ‘Let me look at this,’ especially doing this [retaining] wall here that was causing a little problem but we got it figured out and all in all the project was a success to me,” Hazel said.

Of note, Hazel’s company was selected through an invitation for tenders process conducted by the Public Works Department.

Meanwhile, Senior Engineer at the Public Works Department, La Reine Gumbs, provided an overview of the EC$31.3 million budgeted St. Peter’s Main Road and FT Williams Highway East Rehabilitation Project, describing it as “a project that stands as a clear reflection of our commitment to delivering infrastructure that is modern, resilient and built to the highest engineering standards.”

She explained that the project, spanning 6.22 kilometers (approximately 3.865 miles), represents a major investment in the nation’s road network.

“The scope of works includes full road reconstruction, base stabilization and asphalt resurfacing, as well as the installation of retaining walls, curbs, wider roads and sidewalks to enhance pedestrian and road user safety. A major component was the construction of a new roundabout at the Anglican Church junction here where we are gathered today,” she said.

Gumbs further detailed additional works, including the addition of a lane at the Shadwell Roundabout to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

“We also prioritized drainage and flood mitigation which involved the installation of underground concrete box drains, covered side drains and improved culvert systems. These upgrades ensure that the roadway remains serviceable during periods of heavy rainfall, reducing erosions and surface drainage over time,” she explained.

She noted that the project required close coordination with utility providers to relocate and integrate telecommunications, water, and electricity infrastructure, minimizing service disruptions. From a management perspective, she said, the project was executed with strong focus on efficiency, safety and cost control.

“The project was completed within its approved budgeted amount of EC$31.3 million, even with the accommodation of several important variation works, which includes the upgrade at the Shadwell Roundabout, the turning lanes at Kayan Jet Terminal, and improvements which are still to be carried out along the upper section of Taylor’s Road,” Gumbs stated.

She added that despite a necessary 102-day extension to ensure quality and safety, the project was completed under strict supervision and achieved zero loss-time safety incidents.

“While the project experienced a necessary extension of 102 days to ensure quality and safety, it was completed under strict supervision and achieved zero loss-time safety incidents- a testimony to the professionalism of our engineers, supervisors, contractors and the workforce at large,” she said.

Gumbs further commended the efforts of local contractor Alexis Hazel and his team at Rock and Dirt Construction Limited, the project engineers, the consultants- Construction Engineer Association Limited (Trinidad), and also the dedicated Public Works Department’s team for their technical competence, discipline and team work throughout the project’s life cycle.

 “Your collective efforts have delivered an outcome that meets international standards and reflects our department’s capacity to manage complex infrastructure works,” she remarked.

What Kind of Play is Guy Fawkes?

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What Kind of Play is Guy Fawkes?

As November 5th approaches and passes each year, the sounds of firecrackers and the glow of Roman candles fill the night air in communities. History highlights that Guy Fawkes Night is of European observance, rooted in the story of the failed Gunpowder Plot in an attempt by schemers to blow up the British Parliament in 1605. For many years in our local context, it has been a period of “fun” and mischief for some of our youth. But what kind of play has it really become?

In recent times, what we see unfolding on our streets can hardly be called harmless enjoyment. Children-mostly if not entirely boys-run through communities (with eyewitness reports about the Basseterre area) with Roman candles in hand, pointing them at each other like toy guns, firing live sparks while shouting and laughing as if they were in a game of combat. The thrill and laughter may seem innocent, but there is an undeniable danger lurking behind the smoke and noise. Some have taken the “play” to the roadsides, darting into traffic without care, their excitement blinding them to the very real risk of injury-or worse.

Older generations may look on and recall their own youthful excitement during Guy Fawkes nights-lighting small “bombs,” sparklers or watching the skies come alive with color. But even they will admit that times have changed. The fireworks today are louder, more powerful, and often handled with less supervision or awareness of safety. In 2024, a teenage boy suffered injuries to his face and hand after a firework exploded. That frightening moment shocked the country and raised once again questions about the dangers of these firework items.

Of course, authorities in recent times have tightened restrictions on the importation and use of certain fireworks, but the responsibility cannot rest with enforcement alone. Parents, this is where we must step in. We must talk to our children about the dangers of reckless play, about how quickly fun can turn into tragedy. We must remind them that bravery is not shown in who lights the biggest bomb or who fires the brightest spark-it is shown in being wise enough to stay safe and protect others.

Guy Fawkes night may have its cultural roots abroad, but here, it has become a reflection of our own values and choices. It can be a time of creativity, togetherness, and celebration-but only if we treat it with the respect and care it deserves. Let us guide our children toward safer traditions and a better understanding of what real fun looks like-joy without harm, excitement without danger.

Because the question remains: What kind of play is Guy Fawkes? The answer depends on what lessons we choose to teach today.

Drone Survey Uncovers 17 Promising Groundwater Sites Across Saint Kitts

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Drone Survey Uncovers 17 Promising Groundwater Sites Across Saint Kitts

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, October 17, 2025 (SKNIS): The groundbreaking initiative taken by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis to conduct a semi-airborne drone survey to identify new sources of groundwater has yielded positive results.

The report from the survey conducted across Saint Kitts was presented to the Water Services Department on October 06, 2025. At the Sitting of the National Assembly on Friday, October 17, 2025, Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Konris Maynard, shared that 17 sites have been identified with the promise to provide potable water – that is, water safe for consumption.

The sites are as follows: one in Cayon, two in Molineux. two in Tabernacle, one in Belle Vue, and two in Saddlers. One site was also discovered between Parsons and Dieppe Bay, one in St. Pauls, one in Newton Ground, three sites in Sandy Point, one in Stone Fort, one in Old Road, and another in Challengers.

“We intend to pick the first best 10 of those sites as we go through the report to identify which ones have the best production capabilities,” Minister Maynard stated. He added that the Water Services Department is also assessing the Western and Northern sides of the island to ensure that “we maximise the groundwater resources” on the island.

While that assessment continues and testing is set to begin on the two-million-gallon Desalination Plant at the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Park, Minister Maynard said that the ministry took a proactive approach by advancing the procurement process to contract a driller for the new potable water sites expected from the hydrological survey. The bid was won by Water and Oil Well Services Ltd. out of Trinidad and Tobago, and the contract signed on September 22, 2025.

Following the report from the hydrological survey, the contractor received the “Notice to Proceed” on October 10, 2025, and work at the first site is expected to commence in December 2025.

SKELEC Bids Farewell to Corporate Communications Manager Ms. Patrice Harris

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SKELEC Bids Farewell to Corporate Communications Manager Ms. Patrice Harris

Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 23rd, 2025)— The St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (SKELEC) announces the departure of Ms. Patrice Harris, Corporate Communications Manager, who has served the company with distinction for the past five years.

Since joining SKELEC in 2020, Ms. Harris has played a pivotal role in reshaping the company’s corporate image. Through strategic branding, community engagement, and innovative communications, she successfully modernized SKELEC’s public presence, making it more relatable, and customer-focused. Her efforts helped build stronger trust between the company and the public, and positioned SKELEC as a forward-thinking utility provider in the region.

In addition to her communications role, Ms. Harris also served as SKELEC’s Hurricane Coordinator for two hurricane seasons. In this capacity, she led the company’s disaster preparedness and response communications, ensuring timely and accurate information reached customers during critical weather events. Her leadership during hurricane seasons was instrumental in maintaining public safety and operational readiness.

Mr. Clement Williams, General Manager of SKELEC, expressed his appreciation for Ms. Harris’ contributions towards SKELEC for the past 5 years. “Ms. Harris brought a level of professionalism and passion to our communications that elevated how we connect with our customers and stakeholders. Her dedication and insight have left a lasting impact on our team and the wider community. We thank her for her years of service and wish her continued success in all her future endeavours,” Williams said

Ms. Harris’s departure marks the end of a meaningful chapter at SKELEC, and the company extends its heartfelt gratitude for her commitment and excellence throughout her tenure.

Nevisian businesswoman Shobaina Prince wins Taiwan ICDF Entrepreneurial Elite Pitch Competition

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Nevisian businesswoman Shobaina Prince wins Taiwan ICDF Entrepreneurial Elite Pitch Competition

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (October 22, 2025)- Nevisian entrepreneur Shobaina Prince, owner of Native Radiance, has been named winner of the Entrepreneurial Elite Pitch Competition, hosted under the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund’s (ICDF) Women’s Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Inclusion (WEEEFI) Project.

The competition, held recently at the Nevis Performing Arts Center (NEPAC), featured six female-led businesses vying for the top prize. Each participant delivered a five-minute presentation and responded to questions from a panel of judges for a chance to win the top prize of a US$3,000 grant.

Project Coordinator Claudia Walwyn explained that this phase of the initiative is a continuation of the WEEEFI Project, now operating under the Sustainable Island State Phase One Project. 

“This is a second iteration of the WEEEFI project and the aim of this project was to provide opportunities for women and men to garner entrepreneurial advancement in skills areas thereby creating an increase in economic development,” she said.

“Fuelled by equitable and meaningful participation in the skills market here in St. Kitts and Nevis, the WEEEFI project provided opportunities for women’s involvement through vocational skills training and entrepreneurship development counselling. At the end of various training cohorts, individuals benefit from cash grants to either start up or improve their businesses.”

The Entrepreneurial Elite Award recognizes three entrepreneurs who have successfully completed all stages of the WEEEFI Project and demonstrated outstanding innovation and potential for sustainability.

(l-r) by His Excellency Edward Tao, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St. Kitts and Nevis; Vincia Alexander (3rd place); Shobaina Prince (1st place); Patricia Haliday (2nd place); and Honourable Spencer Brand, Minister of Labour in the Nevis Island Administration, at ROC Taiwan ICDF Entrepreneurial Elite Pitch Competition at NEPAC

Taking second place was Patricia Haliday, owner of Vera SKN Hair and Skin Care, who received a US$2,000 grant, while third place went to Vincia Alexander for her renewable energy microgrid project for community resilience in St. Kitts and Nevis, earning her a US$1,000 grant.

All six participants were presented with certificates of participation, while the top three awardees received their prizes from Honourable Spencer Brand, Minister of Labour in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), and His Excellency Edward Tao, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St. Kitts and Nevis.

Prince’s victory highlights the growing impact of initiatives that empower women entrepreneurs in Nevis and the wider the Federation, strengthening economic resilience through innovation and skills development.

Ministry Of Agriculture Turns World Food Day’s 2025 Message Into Meaningful Action

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Ministry Of Agriculture Turns World Food Day’s 2025 Message Into Meaningful Action

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, October 21, 2025 (MOA):

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources continued its tradition of community outreach by partnering with the St. Christopher Outreach Center to provide hot, nutritious meals to members of the community at its annual luncheon on Friday, October 17, 2025.

The initiative formed part of activities marking World Food Day, the flagship event of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which is being observed under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.”

In addition to the hot meals, fresh local fruits and bottled water were also donated by the Department of Agriculture, promoting the use of healthy, locally grown foods while supporting sustainable farming practices across St. Kitts and Nevis.

The outreach activity, held at the Outreach Center on the Island Bay Road, formed part of the Ministry’s annual efforts to support vulnerable groups and reinforce the importance of compassion, collaboration, and food security.

The Ministry underscored that the event embodied this year’s theme by translating the message of solidarity and collaboration into tangible community impact as World Food Day serves as a reminder that achieving food security requires partnership at every level.

The St. Christopher Outreach Center continues to provide weekly meals and care to the underprivileged and shut-ins across the island. The management of the Center extended sincere appreciation to the Ministry for its continued partnership and annual contributions, emphasizing that such acts of generosity bring comfort and stability to those most in need.

NRP Official Says SSZ Act Is Not About Nevis Alone

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NRP Official Says SSZ Act Is Not About Nevis Alone

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 22nd October 2025)-Deputy Political Leader of the opposition Nevis Reformation Party (NRP), Dr. Patricia Bartlette, is calling on citizens and residents on both islands of the Federation to pay close attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the Sustainable Space Zone (SSZ) Act, warning that it is not a Nevis issue.

“St. Kitts and Nevis collectively have to wake up and start paying attention,” she urged, while speaking on ‘Issues’ aired live on Freedom FM with host Juni Liburd on Wednesday 22nd October 2025.

Dr. Bartlette dismissed the notion that the matter is only of concern to Nevisians.

“By the time I leave here today, I want St. Kitts people to understand that this issue is not a Nevis issue, and then that is why I was looking forward to coming back because the last time I was here, I was getting the impression that on the ground here in St. Kitts that people are thinking that this is a Nevis issue but it’s not,” she said.

She added: “I know that a lot of people have been coming around now and have realized now what we have been saying, and I’m hoping that today we’ll delve a little deeper and that at the end of the day, we all would be pushing forward as one with the same accord.”

According to Dr. Bartlette, the NRP is developing a schedule of activities aimed at educating and engaging the public about the SSZ issue.

“…we’re not going to relent. We have to keep full throttle on this one and so we’ve been reaching out to people on a one-on-one basis,” she said.

She revealed that she has been fielding questions from constituents who still lack access to official information.

“A lot of people still have questions related to this. I don’t know how many copies of the SSZ has been circulated on St. Kitts but I’m still aware that a lot of people on the ground in Nevis have not gotten a hard copy and I have invited some people to go online and get these things,” she explained.

“And so we’re hoping that we’ll be able to saturate the whole of Nevis. Nobody within the population ought to be ignorant about what is happening as it relates to SSZ and so our activities within NRP, we’re strategic… and deliberate and so we want to go to public when it is the most opportune time.”

She added that the party has “given the government a little chance for them to do what they should have done in the first instance,” but questioned whether the series of town hall meetings being held would make any difference.

“I don’t know that it makes …a lot difference now the ways things have proceeded because ultimately all these town halls that they are having, not likely it seems to change minds as it relates to their timetable as to what they’re gonna get done, and we don’t even know what their commitments are and the timetable for delivering on their commitments. All we know is that they are in a haste to do things.”

Asked what legal options were available for the NRP to pursue the matter, Dr. Bartlette explained that her party has been leading the way in raising public concern about the legislation.

“As it relates specifically to the SSZ, we have been on the forefront. We have been leading on that. I think we are the ones who started calling ‘Fire, Fire’,” she stated.

“And it is very comforting to me now that we have the engagement of the legal luminaries on St. Kitts who-they carry some weight when they speak. I’m hoping that they are the ones who see now that we NRP would have done as much as we can as a political party but recognizing that we would have already established that this issue transcends politics; that this issue goes to the core of who we are,” she continued.

“These are sentiments that are not just residing over in our camp as it relates to being a political party. This is something that we all of us ought to be engaged on, and so we’re hoping that the politicians would have done as much as they can up to this point. We should be able now to pass on the baton to the legal fraternity; let them challenge the legality of what has been laid out in terms of supporting the advancement of this SSZ in Nevis.”

Dr. Bartlette shared the view that the SSZ initiative might have started on Nevis but its impact will not stop there.

“And the thing is SSZ might have started in Nevis but I can assure Kittitians that SSZ is not going to be limited to Nevis,” she expressed.

Police Void 113 Photo Radar Tickets

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Police Void 113 Photo Radar Tickets

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 23rd October 2025)- The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) has announced that a total of 113 traffic penalties issued through the new photo radar speed monitoring system have been voided as an act of good faith, following widespread public concern about the rollout of the technology.

In an official statement titled “Public Clarification: Speed Monitoring & Photo Radar Enforcement,” the Police Force acknowledged that the sudden introduction of the photo radar system-particularly in areas such as Old Road Bay and Frigate Bay-had prompted confusion and questions among motorists.

The RSCNPF emphasized that its goal is not to punish drivers but to protect lives, citing a troubling rise in road fatalities and serious accidents linked to speeding.

 “Our objective is not to penalise drivers, but to protect lives,” the release stated. “Over the past year, the Federation has recorded multiple road fatalities and serious collisions, many directly linked to speeding.”

According to the statement, the new initiative forms part of a broader Road Safety and Speed Reduction Programme designed to curb dangerous driving habits and prevent further tragedies. However, the police acknowledged that the public rollout could have been handled better.  

“We recognise that our communication could have been clearer,” the statement read. “We therefore acknowledge the concerns shared by the public, commit to increasing public education about speed zones, signage, and speed conversions, and will host a Community Road Safety Forum before the month’s end to invite additional feedback.”

As part of its transparency measures, the Force also pledged to publish verified details about the technology used and the legal provisions governing speed enforcement through photo radar.

Police confirmed that all 113 traffic penalties generated by photo radar up until October 20th, 2025, will be voided. However, any penalties recorded from 12:00 a.m. on October 21st, 2025, onwards will stand.  

“In this spirit of good faith, the RSCNPF has taken the decision to void each of the one hundred and thirteen (113) traffic penalties generated by photo radar up until October 20th, 2025,” the statement said. “Be advised, however, that all traffic penalties recorded by photo radar from 12 AM on October 21st, 2025, onwards, will stand.”

The Force reiterated that the overarching mission of the initiative is to save lives, not issue fines, and encouraged members of the public to continue offering constructive feedback as it works to make the nation’s roads safer for everyone.  

“This is not about punishment; it is about prevention,” the RSCNPF affirmed. “We always appreciate your feedback and invite you to continue sharing your views in a respectful and constructive manner as we work together to make our roads safer for everyone.”

Front Page Photo: In this file photo used for illustration purposes only shows an officer is seen observing traffic going about the Bay Road within the vicinity of RAMS supermarket in Basseterre.

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