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Childhood Unit Conducts Leadership Workshop

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Childhood Unit Conducts Leadership Workshop

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 15th February 2024)-The Early Childhood Development Unit (ECDU) recently conducted a professional development retreat for early childhood supervisors and proprietors, aiming to enhance the leadership and teamwork within the early childhood education sector.

The one-day event, themed “Building a Winning Team,” took place in the CUNA Conference Room on Friday 9th February 2024 in Basseterre, St. Kitts

Director of ECDU Kimona Brown, set the tone with her opening remarks, emphasizing the retreat’s goal to fortify relationships, establish trust, and cultivate a high-achieving team dynamic. She inspired attendees by highlighting the importance of unity and collective growth, referencing Helen Keller’s philosophy, “alone we can do little, together we can do so much,” to underscore the power of collaboration.

The retreat was designed to not only foster professional growth but also to encourage open dialogue and fun, setting the stage for a constructive and enjoyable learning experience. Participants engaged in a series of thought-provoking activities and workshop sessions, sharing insights and best practices to enhance their approach to early childhood care and education.

Brown urged everyone to approach the retreat with an open mind and heart, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen their team and elevate the sector. She drew an analogy between the sector and a ship, with supervisors and proprietors as captains, navigating towards a common goal with skill and commitment.

This 2024 Professional Development Retreat marks the beginning of a series of initiatives by the ECDU to support continuous improvement and excellence in early childhood education, signifying a step forward in building a more cohesive, empowered, and winning team in the sector.

Agricultural Self-Sufficiency with the 25 by 25 Agenda

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Agricultural Self-Sufficiency with the 25 by 25 Agenda

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 15th February 2024)- In a move towards agricultural self-sufficiency and economic resilience, the Ministry of Agriculture in St. Kitts has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at reducing the nation’s food import bill by twenty-five percent by the year 2025.

This initiative, known as the 25 by 25 Agenda, seeks to leverage the local farming community’s potential to increase the production of key crops within the Federation.

At the heart of this initiative are four primary crops: watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and sweet peppers. These were selected for their viability and demand within the local market, with the goal of not only meeting domestic needs but also exploring export opportunities.

On Wednesday 7th February 2024, Ministry officials, including Minister of Agriculture Samal Duggins, Permanent Secretary Miguel Flemming and Director Jeanelle Kelly convened a meeting with local farmers specializing in the production of sweet peppers and tomatoes. This gathering, dubbed the 25 by 25 Crop Farmer Commodity Meeting, served as a platform to detail the Crop Production Agenda and foster collaboration between the government and the agricultural sector.

The Department of Agriculture is committed to supporting these farmers by providing essential inputs necessary for the successful implementation of the Crop Production Agenda. This support underscores the ministry’s comprehensive strategy, which encompasses the entire value chain from production to market.

Minister Duggins emphasized the strategic nature of this initiative, stating, “Our phased approach to the 25 by 25 agenda is designed to ensure that we cover every aspect of the value chain, enhancing our agricultural sector’s efficiency and productivity.” He further highlighted the potential for surplus production, which opens up avenues for agricultural trade with neighboring islands such as St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, and the British Virgin Islands.

“This means that once we satisfy our local demand, we can extend our reach to neighboring markets, providing what they need and further strengthening our agricultural sector,” Minister Duggins explained. This vision for export aligns with the ministry’s objective of not just achieving food security but also becoming a key player in the regional agricultural market.

The ministry has also been engaging with local market leaders to ensure alignment between the crops produced and the market demand, ensuring that the efforts of farmers are both effective and profitable.

In recognition of their commitment to the 25 by 25 Agenda, the farmers participating in Wednesday’s meeting received certificates, marking their integral role in this national endeavor.

Of note, this initiative not only aims to reduce the import bill but also to empower local farmers, stimulate the economy, and promote environmental sustainability through increased local food production. Through strategic planning, collaboration, and support, St. Kitts is on a promising path to achieving its 25 by 25 goal, setting a precedent for agricultural innovation and resilience in the Caribbean.

Hip Hip Hooray For The Orange Economy

Leocadia Hamilton
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Hip Hip Hooray For The Orange Economy

Editorial Friday 14th July 2023

Many of us enjoy the arts and culture and all other related elements of the creative sector here in St.Kitts and Nevis. But how many of us seriously consider, respect or appreciate that our artistes and others who fit the category of creatives are key players in the economic development of our nation?

Case in point, there are some parents/guardians who do not see being a make-up artiste, a dancer, a videographer, a musician-and the list goes on-as “real jobs”.  Many parents want their children to choose what can be described as the traditional occupations such as doctors and lawyers. And this topic does not mean that there should be a battle between “real jobs” because all jobs are real…but you see- it is the mindset of some people, and that is the real issue.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Lisa Pistana recently made quite a valid point when she spoke about parents providing opportunities for children to discover themselves.  

The theme chosen for this year’s Child Month March itself gives the impression that our ‘Empowering Our Children Through STEAM [Science Technology Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics] Education’ is quite telling about the appreciation and open mindedness that society must have when it comes to the endeavours and career path of our future leaders. When you think about it, the diversity of our economy and the world over thrives on the different skills and talents of all professionals and the upcoming ones.

Our federation is filled with many talented creatives! And even while reading this piece, many of you can pinpoint some of those whom you know personally, know of personally of and even those with potential that needs to be unlocked so that she or he can be known.

It must be noted that the St.Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union values the importance and significance of the orange economy because “creatives are workers too!” as perfectly put by the Director of the Creative Economy Roberitine Webbe when she spoke in the capacity as guest speaker at the Union’s conference held in October 2022. 

 In her thought-provoking presentation, she encouraged ending the stigma about creatives so as to improve equality, diversity and the inclusion of the orange economy across the country. 

As a creative herself being a professional dancer, and a young one at that in her early 20s (the youngest director in the civil service), it is no doubt that her contributions is fueled by passion, experience, exposure and genuine attention in relation to doing her part geared towards the growth and development of the Creative Economy (the orange economy) in pushing towards a bright future. The Minister is a creative himself so kudos to such involved perspectives.

Best wishes to the movers and shakers of the Department of Creative Economy in their efforts to change the mindset of our people here in St.Kitts and Nevis as it relates the arts and culture, thus giving our talented creatives the respect and acknowledgement that they deserve!

Crime Prevention Is Everybody’s Business, Right?

Leocadia Hamilton
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Crime Prevention Is Everybody’s Business, Right?

On the subject of crime, especially gun violence, there is always a divide among our people-be it political, personal or otherwise. As our natural human emotions would dictate, there is never a shortage of the collective expressions of sadness, shock, anger, disappointment as well as advice sharing on possible solutions to remedy the situation.

The varied emotions of course is quite the norm because crime and violence is abnormal to the accepted civil conduct among human beings. Hence, reactions are often based on either our relationships with the victims-knowing them personally or their loved ones, assessing the state of affairs in the country in wanting a change in government or fresh approach to tackle the matter at hand.

Automatically, many individuals and groups choose to share their sentiments in different ways with radio programme call-ins, social media postings and street side conversations being common avenues-and even calypsonians might choose to address the issue through social commentary songs.

Family members and other loved ones are left to grieve deaths of those whose lives have been taken away from such brutal acts and oftentimes many describe these killings as ‘senseless’ as they try to comprehend why.

Opposition politicians respond almost in campaign mode-grading the current government and in so doing point to what ought to be done whilst making a comparison with their past performance during their time in office.  

It is right there and then that it appears that crime becomes a political football which lends to a hot topic debate among our people, dividing our people in a sea of blame game.

It is quite clear that we all have our views on how crime and violence should be tackled but we must be quite mindful not to let it divide us thus feeding negativity on when in reality our efforts should be geared towards immediate and long-term positive impact for a peaceful society.

In our own way, big or small, we can all play a role in seeing to a peaceful society. Family members, community residents and leaders, the government must do their part.

The perpetrators themselves must be held accountable as well for choosing such a way of life negatively impacts the lives of other people on different levels. 

Above and beyond trying to address what is happening now though, we must fully recognize that there are generations upcoming and yet unborn, and so we must envision as a people what kind of St.Kitts and Nevis we want to see.

After all, crime prevention is everybody’s business, right?

Grant Pays For Convicted Charges By: Spokesman Newsroom

Leocadia Hamilton
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Grant Pays For Convicted Charges By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 23rd November 2023)- A police spokesperson has updated members of the media that former government minister Lindsay Grant has paid $1,500.00 ECD on two of each charges (totalling $3000) he was recently convicted of in relation to the Last Lap Bar incident of January 2022.

On Thursday 23rd November 2023, it was stated that: “The fines were paid at the cashier’s at the Magistrate Department and Mr. Grant was discharged.”

Reportedly on November 21st, 2023, Grant, “who was found guilty on two (2) charges namely Battery of a Police Officer and Assaulting a Police Officer, was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of fifteen hundred dollars ($1,500.00) ECD on each charge.”

 It was ordered that the fines be paid forthwith or in default, Grant would serve one (1) month imprisonment on each charge at His Majesty’s Prison.

Former government minister Lindsay Grant

Third Young Man Survives Following Double Homicide Shooting By: Spokesman Newsroom

Leocadia Hamilton
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Third Young Man Survives Following Double Homicide Shooting By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 23rd November 2023)- Two young men from St. Peter’s have been killed  while another is currently nursing injuries following a shooting incident which occurred on Wednesday 22nd November 2023 in the Upper Monkey Hill community.

Dead are 29-year-old Lequani T. James and 24-year-old Kevin Collins, both of Upper Monkey Hill.

Injured is 21-year-old Kejaun Connanier of Carty Alley, Newtown.

This media house understands that the incident took place sometime before 12noon that day.

A police statement informed that responding to the scene, law enforcement officers observed two (2) males laying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds about their bodies, and that they were shortly identified.  Reportedly, both succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

Police say Connanier sustained gunshot injuries to both legs. He was subsequently transported to the Joseph N. France General Hospital by ambulance where he was treated and is currently warded.

The Crime Scene Unit (CSU) of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF)

processed the scene and took into custody some items of evidential value.

According to the local authorities, an investigation into the incident is ongoing and the public will be kept appropriately abreast of its developments.

The RSCNPF expresses sincere condolences to all who have been adversely affected by this incident.

A continued call has been made to urge members of the public with information about any criminal activity to contact the nearest Police station, or call the Crime Stoppers’ Hotline, 707.

Homicide victims (L-R) Dead are 29-year-old Lequani T. James and 24-year-old Kevin Collins

PM Drew Says Gov’t Committed To Addressing Violence By: Spokesman Newsroom

Leocadia Hamilton
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PM Drew Says Gov’t Committed To Addressing Violence By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 23rd November 2023)-“It was my sincere intention to personally engage with the affected families and the community before addressing the public, a commitment I fulfilled throughout the course of yesterday and early this morning.”

Such sentiments were expressed by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew during a statement to the nation-made on Thursday 23rd November 2023-on the recent shooting incident in St. Peter’s whereby he called on all citizens and residents to unite against violence whilst also giving assurance that the government is committed to taking all necessary measures within its power to put an end to such behavior.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I address the recent and deeply troubling incident that took place in Upper Monkey Hill, St. Peters, where three young men fell victim to an act of senseless violence. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the two young men who tragically lost their lives, and my thoughts are with the survivor as he faces the difficult journey towards recovery.”

Dr. Drew added: “Upon learning of the incident, I promptly halted all birthday celebrations and personally visited and extended my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. It was my sincere intention to personally engage with the affected families and the community before addressing the public, a commitment I fulfilled throughout the course of yesterday and early this morning.”

The National Security Minister also extended his “heartfelt condolences to all citizens and residents across the nation who may have been affected, and I want to assure our citizens and residents that the Government is committed to taking all necessary measures within its power to put an end to such behaviour.”

“We, as a nation, must unequivocally condemn these acts of violence that have become all too prevalent in our communities. The loss of these promising lives is a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address the root causes of such incidents.”

Dr. Drew also called on the young men to put down the guns.

“To the young men who find themselves entangled in the web of violence, I implore you to reconsider the path you are on. Put down the guns and embrace a future that holds promise and positivity. Our nation mourns the loss of potential, and we cannot let these senseless acts define our collective destiny.”

“It is incumbent upon all of us to unite against violence and to work together to build a society where our youth can flourish and thrive. Let us channel our grief and outrage into actions that promote understanding, compassion, and community building,” he added.

The National Security Minister has issued a call to the entire nation to stand together against gun crimes, saying: “ In memory of the lives lost and in solidarity with those affected, I call upon the entire nation to stand together against gun crimes. It is our shared responsibility to create an environment where peace and security prevail.”

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find strength and solace during this difficult time,” Dr. Drew also commented.

Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew

EXPERTS FROM THE IAEA CONDUCT SUCCESSFUL RADIATION INVENTORY IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

Leocadia Hamilton
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EXPERTS FROM THE IAEA CONDUCT SUCCESSFUL RADIATION INVENTORY IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 24, 2023 (SKNBS): In a collaborative effort to enhance radiation safety measures, a team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Headquarters in Vienna, including United Nations (UN) inspectors Juan Carlos Benitez and Zhour Yahyaouy, concluded a comprehensive radiation inventory in both St. Kitts and Nevis this week, from November 20 to 24, 2023.
 
The inspection team worked closely with local authorities, including representatives from the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards (SKNBS), the Customs and Excise Department, and the Ministry of Health, engaging in training sessions and identifying radiation sources across various facilities. This joint initiative aimed to bolster the Federation’s capacity to detect and manage radiation risks effectively.
 
Juan Carlos Benitez, one of the UN inspectors, emphasized the significance of conducting such an inventory.
 
“It is important because it is the way we can guarantee that the public is not exposed to radiation unnecessarily,” he explained. “At the same time, it’s important to ensure that the users of this radioactive material know how to use the equipment and are protected. In the end, the intention is to protect the public on one side and protect the workers exposed to this equipment on a day-to-day basis.”
 
Mr. Benitez shared surprising findings from the inspection. He stated that for a small nation, they expected to find fewer radioactive materials.  
 
“To our surprise, there are many more radioactive materials than we were expecting, which is positive because it means that there is already a culture of using this kind of sophisticated equipment to guarantee road construction or any other construction,” said the inspector. “By using this kind of equipment there is a guarantee of the quality of the foundation for the roads or for other construction.”
 
He emphasized the importance of bringing these materials under control, stating, “These sources have to now be in better control because they were not under control. So, one of the main findings is that, okay, they are here already, now, we have to put them under control. Under control means that the Bureau of Standards, as the regulatory body, has to provide them with authorization, inspect them as to how they are stored, how they are using these devices, and control disposal and ensure they are safe and securely stored in order not to create any unnecessary exposure to the public.” 
 
Mr. Benitez praised the professionalism and openness of the local facilities, noting, “Every facility we visited was very open, very transparent. They were very receptive also to any of our recommendations to have, for example, proper windows and proper doors for the shielding of the facilities to protect the public. Everyone was very receptive and very open in communication.”
 
St. Kitts and Nevis, being a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 2022, designates the Bureau of Standards as the official contact point for radiation safety.
 
Starting in 2024, all vehicles entering the Federation will undergo radiation inspections before boarding any vessel. Customs, Health, and Port officials will also be equipped with radiation detection devices to identify and address potential threats at the ports.
 
The successful completion of this mission marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and security of the Federation against potential radiation hazards.

UN Inspector, Mr. Juan Carlos Benitez

The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis signed the Samoa Agreement at the OACPS Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium

Leocadia Hamilton
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The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis signed the Samoa Agreement at the OACPS Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium

On 22 November 2023, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis joined an increasing number of Member States of the Organization of Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific States in signing the Samoa Agreement at the OACPS Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

The signing ceremony culminates what can be described as an extended and highly spirited negotiation process, which commenced in September 2018 in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. The lead negotiators initialed the Agreement in April 2021.   

The official signing ceremony for the new OACPS-EU Partnership Agreement now referred to as the Samoa Agreement, was held during the 46th Session of the ACP-EU Joint Council of Ministers in Apia, Samoa on 15 November 2023. The Agreement was signed by the EU and its Member States alongside Members of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.

The Samoa Agreement sets the foundation for a new legal framework for relations between the European Union and 79 OACPS Member States comprising 47 African, 16 Caribbean, and 15 Pacific countries and the Republic of Maldives over the next 20 years.

The new Agreement prioritizes six areas namely democracy and human rights, sustainable economic growth and development, climate change, human and social development, peace and security, and migration and mobility.

The Samoa Agreement replaces the previous partnership framework, the Cotonou Agreement adopted in 2000 to replace the 1975 Lome Agreement. The Samoa Agreement covers approximately two billion people and is expected to build on the long-standing partnership between the European Union and Member States from the African, Caribbean, and Pacific regions.

The Agreement is underpinned by a common foundation that applies to all parties and three regional protocols focused on addressing the specificities of each region.  It also signifies a binding commitment by both sides to address global challenges, promote economic growth, and foster sustainability.

The provisional application of the agreement will commence on 1 January 2024. The Agreement will enter into force upon consent by the European Parliament and the ratification by the EU Member States and at least two-thirds of the OACPS Membership.

The Samoa Agreement will ensure that all Parties to the Agreement are better positioned to address the emerging needs and global challenges, including climate change, ocean governance, migration, and peace and security through an estimated Euros 60. bn fund envelope distributed through the following geographical allocations. The Neighborhood Euros 19.323 bn, Sub-Saharan Africa Euros 29.181bn, Asia, Middle East and Pacific Euros 8.849 bn and the Americas and the Caribbean Euros 3.395 bn under the new development instrument called the Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument for 2021-2027. The Caribbean is expected to benefit from a Euros 800 mn allocation out of 3.395 bn allocated to the Americans and the Caribbean for 2021-2027.

Samoa Agreement Signing Ceremony OACPS Headquarters Photos – 22 November 2023

Dr. Norbert Richard Ibrahim, Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Political Affairs and Human Development (PAHD) of the OACPS Secretariat, OACPS Member States Heads of Missions from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Grenada, Niger, and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis at the Samoa Signing Ceremony held at the OACPS Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium (left to right).
Heads of Missions from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Grenada, Niger, the Embassies of Eastern Caribbean States, and Dr. Norbert Richard Ibrahim, Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Political Affairs and Human Development (PAHD) of the OACPS Secretariat.
Dr. Norbert Richard Ibrahim, Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Political Affairs and Human Development (PAHD), and Desmond Simon Charge de Affaires a.i. Embassies of Eastern Caribbean States to Belgium and Missions to the EU. (left to right).
European Union representative, Desmond Simon, Charge dé Affaires a.i. Embassies of Eastern Caribbean States to Belgium and Missions to the EU, and Mr. Morgan Githinji, Expert Relations, Governance and Protocol (left to right).
Heads of Missions from the Embassies of Eastern Caribbean States, Niger, Grenada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi (left to right).

FOREIGN MINISTER DR. DENZIL DOUGLAS CONCLUDES VISIT TO DUBLIN WITH PRODUCTIVE TALKS

Leocadia Hamilton
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FOREIGN MINISTER DR. DENZIL DOUGLAS CONCLUDES VISIT TO DUBLIN WITH PRODUCTIVE TALKS

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 23, 2023 (SKNIS):  Today, November 23, 2023, marks the departure of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Foreign Minister, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, from Dublin, Ireland. His visit was primarily for participating in the inaugural Ireland-Latin America and Caribbean Business and Economic Forum.
 
During his second-to-last day, Minister Douglas had a meeting with Ireland’s Foreign Minister, Michael Martin. They reflected on the successful Forum, with Dr. Douglas advocating for the event to become a regular fixture, suggesting a rotating hosting arrangement among Ireland, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
 
Minister Douglas urged Ireland, given its influence in international organizations where the Caribbean lacks representation, to champion the causes of Small Island States. He emphasized the need for support in adopting a universal multidimensional vulnerability index and sought assistance for St. Kitts and Nevis in building capabilities to tap into green financing.
 
Committed to strengthening ties with Ireland, Dr. Douglas informed Foreign Minister Martin about his government’s plans to appoint a non-resident ambassador to Ireland and establish a diplomatic presence in Dublin.

Foreign Minister Dr. Douglas (right) with Foreign Minister Martin.
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