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National Parliament unanimously supports Geothermal Development on Nevis

Leocadia Hamilton
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National Parliament unanimously supports Geothermal Development on Nevis

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (November 21, 2023)- Premier of Nevis the Honourable Mark Brantley has hailed the passing of a Resolution on developing geothermal energy on Nevis in the National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis, as an historic national development.

By unanimous vote Members of the National Assembly in Basseterre on Monday, November 21, 2023 signaled their support for a Resolution that outlines the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis’ and the Nevis Island Administration’s (NIA) commitment to collaboratively pursue the development of geothermal energy on Nevis.

Premier Brantley, Minister of Public Utilities and Energy in the NIA, said the ability to harness geothermal energy would unlock immeasurable economic independence for St. Kitts and Nevis that would redound to the benefit of all of its citizens.

“We can power St. Kitts and Nevis and have a paradigm shift in terms of how we develop…We have all the stars aligned, all we needed was the will. That’s why today for me is historic because we have a public demonstration of the will to make this happen. 

“This asset has to be deployed for the benefit of the nation. That is what has to happen, and all of us must be able to benefit from this gift…We have the resource, and if we have it then I think it would be negligent, it would be criminal, not to develop it for the benefit of all of the people of this country.”

He thanked the Federal Government led by Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew for its cooperation and for having the foresight to collaborate with the Nevis Island Administration in  advancing the development of the renewable energy resource.

“We have given a lot of lip service to being the best small island state in the world; I actually feel that we can achieve it. We can become the best. We can become the model…Geothermal represents our gold, our oil, our timber, our diamonds. It is the natural resource that we are blessed with and I’m happy to finally have a partner in Basseterre that understands that this benefits everybody; that not because it is located in Nevis it benefits all of us.”

Prime Minister Drew also underscored the tremendous economic benefit that would be derived from harnessing geothermal energy on Nevis, saying the time had come to put political differences aside for the good of the country and its citizenry.

“We are obligated, I don’t care what our politics is, to each member of St. Kitts and Nevis that they would have the opportunity to live the best life that they can.

“St. Kitts and Nevis is going to take this on as a federal project and this document is a clear representation that St. Kitts and Nevis are not merely speaking words of working together, but this Resolution passed in the parliament by Members who are here, actioned together, opposition and government, saying here is the document, we are ready to act.”

The Nevis Island Administration has secured a $17 million recoverable grant from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to fund the drilling phase of the Nevis Geothermal Project. By March 2023 more than 30 companies had expressed interest via the drilling tender process.

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew and Premier of Nevis the Honourable Mark Brantley

MINISTER DUGGINS EMBRACES THE CHALLENGE OF LEADING THE BUILDOUT OF THE MEDICINAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

Leocadia Hamilton
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MINISTER DUGGINS EMBRACES THE CHALLENGE OF LEADING THE BUILDOUT OF THE MEDICINAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 21, 2023 (SKNIS) – With the passage of the amendments to the Cannabis Act in the National Assembly on Monday, November 20, the responsibility for the buildout of a thriving medicinal cannabis industry now lies with the Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Samal Duggins.

Beforethe amendments were approved during Monday’s sitting, the responsibility for the Medicinal Cannabis Authority was held by the Prime Minister.

In his contribution to the debate on the Cannabis (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Minister Duggins welcomed the transfer of responsibility.

“Cannabis is a crop Madame Deputy Speaker, and for too long it has been treated not like it ought to have been. As a crop, its development should be aligned with the overall development of the agricultural sector, and so moving the mechanisms into the realm of agriculture speaks to the alignment that should be taken when it comes to the development of cannabis,” the minister said.

Minister Duggins said this move also presents new opportunities for farmers who can now bring their years of expertise in crop production to the fore for the development of the medicinal cannabis industry.

“Our farmers would now be able to legally cultivate and utilize their skills within the field of medicinal cannabis, and when we look at that Madame Speaker, … we then see possibilities for the development of our agricultural sector. The last time we had a crop that generated hundreds of millions of dollars would have probably been sugar in St. Kitts and Nevis. Since then, our agricultural sector plummeted from leading the gross domestic product (GDP) contribution to now just over one percent. Madame Speaker, we are saying now here is a chance to revive agriculture, diversify our economy and ensure that the agricultural sector can move again to contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to our economy,” said Minister Duggins.

The Cannabis Act was also amended to increase the number of persons appointed to serve on the Medicinal Cannabis Authority Board.

Minister Duggins said, “In the development of a significant aspect such as this, we must be guided by the right advice. We cannot do this wrong and hope to correct it later, and so as we move along and develop this entire scope and how we approach this, I believe by including more voices we can have better advice.”

Duringa recent visit to Southern University (SU) in Louisiana, United States of America, Minister Duggins had the opportunity to tour the university’s food production and research facilities and the medicinal cannabis growing, research, and quality control operations.

“When I looked at what they are doing at Southern University in the development of medicinal cannabis, we can do that here quite easily. In fact, I think we are better positioned to do that here given our natural resources and all that we have available to us,” the honourable minister said.

Mover of the Bill, Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew opined that the amendments made to the Cannabis Act during Monday’s Sitting of the National Assembly will help to ensure the proper rollout of the Federation’s medicinal cannabis industry.

Hon. Samal Duggins

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON VAT REDUCTION THAT WILL STIMULATE THE ECONOMY AND BOOST HOMEOWNERSHIP IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

Leocadia Hamilton
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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON VAT REDUCTION THAT WILL STIMULATE THE ECONOMY AND BOOST HOMEOWNERSHIP IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 21, 2023 (SKNIS) – In addition to passing four instrumental pieces of legislation on Monday, November 20, 2023, the National Assembly of St. Christopher and Nevis also adopted a resolution giving approval to the Government’s special Value Added Tax (VAT) reduction measures.

The Resolution, which was moved by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, signals the government’s commitment to bringing significant financial relief to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Resolution reads:
Whereas it is provided by Section 27.2 of the Value Added Tax Act that the Minister may calculate the rates of tax at such other rates as the Minister may by order specify and that such order shall be the subject to the affirmative resolution of the National Assembly. And whereas the Ministry of Finance considers it expedient to introduce a measure to create a fiscal stimulus. Now be it resolved therefore that the National Assembly of St. Christopher and Nevis hereby affirms the order of the Minister of Finance to reduce the rate of VAT (a) on 15th December and 16th December 2023, to a rate of five percent on all sales of VATable goods commencing from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on each day, and (b) from the 19th September 2023 to 31st December 2024, to a rate of 13 percent on eligible building materials for first-time homeowners and for home renovations and repairs. 

Prime Minister Dr. Drew said, “As you can see Madame Speaker, this Resolution does a number of critical things to bring relief to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. First, by having two additional days, meaning we would have had [Reduced VAT] days before during this year, and also to recognize that to stimulate the construction industry we are reducing VAT on building materials. Because of inflation, the cost of building has gone up significantly and this government understands that, and that is why we have sought to reduce the VAT down to 13 percent.”

Prime Minister Dr. Drew acknowledges the impact of lower VAT rates on government revenue but emphasizes the significant benefits expected from this decision.

Dr. Drew added, “We want our first time house owners to be able to have an affordable home. That is why we have come with a number of critical measures. For example, you can look at National Bank and their HOME initiative where they have a number of facilities to help our people to get affordable mortgages so that they can get the home that they desire. Madame speaker, here in St. Kitts and Nevis, we have started our Housing Revolution with two model homes being built , one in Conaree and one in Taylor’s, with new technology that is on the way already. This gives our people a greater opportunity to own a home.”

The Resolution on the special VAT reductions was adopted with the full support from the Members of Parliament.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew

Saint Kitts and Nevis Secures Promising Bilateral Engagements on the sidelines of the Inaugural CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit

Leocadia Hamilton
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Saint Kitts and Nevis Secures Promising Bilateral Engagements on the sidelines of the Inaugural CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit
Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew and delegation engaging in bilateral discussions with Government officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the CARICOM-Saudi Arabia summit in Riyadh.

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, November 21, 2023 (Press Secretary, PMOSKN)- Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew concluded a highly productive visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking his participation in the inaugural CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit in Riyadh. During this significant Summit, Prime Minister Drew engaged in several impactful bilateral discussions that were aimed at fostering robust partnerships and advancing Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Island State agenda.

Amidst the CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit, Prime Minister Drew held pivotal meetings with key Saudi officials, exploring prospective investment opportunities crucial to furthering his nation’s sustainable mandate. The discussions centred on financing renewable energy initiatives, collaborating on funding for establishing a desalination plant, facilitating training programs for government officials, fostering people-to-people exchanges, and offering scholarship opportunities to citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

(L-R) H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development and Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew

A compelling offer was extended after in-depth conversations with H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). His Excellency Al-Marshad pledged support by offering to provide expert engineers to oversee the design and construction of the desalination plant scheduled for 2024 and expressed commitment to financing the remaining funding of US$20 million which is required for the completion of the drilling work for the geothermal project in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

(L-R) His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy and Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew

During another bilateral engagement, Dr. Drew held consultations with His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy who extended an offer for scholarship and capacity development in the areas of energy, water, agriculture, and food security. The training opportunities will be aimed at advancing efforts to diversify energy sources and employ renewable energy options to reduce costs.

Expressing his satisfaction with the outcomes of these discussions, Prime Minister Drew underscored the significance of these collaborations in advancing the Sustainable Island State agenda. He emphasised the potential long-term benefits these partnerships hold for the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

“The engagements during this summit mark a pivotal step towards realising our vision of a Sustainable Island State. The offers and commitments extended by Saudi Arabia solidify our mutual dedication to fostering sustainable development, empowering our citizens, and ensuring a brighter future,” the Prime Minister stated.

Prime Minister Drew extends his gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their generous commitments and collaborative spirit towards Saint Kitts and Nevis’ sustainable island state agenda. The progressive partnerships forged during the CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit are an indication of the significant strides that have been made towards a greener and more resilient path for the development of the Federation.

Increasing cost to supply water likely to result in rate increase, says Minister Spencer Brand  

Leocadia Hamilton
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Increasing cost to supply water likely to result in rate increase, says Minister Spencer Brand  

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (November 20, 2023)- The Honourable Spencer Brand, Minister with responsibility for Water Services on Nevis, says due to the increasing costs associated with supplying water to consumers, residents will likely see an increase in the rates in 2024.  

“I want to say to the people of Nevis that in 2024 there is serious consideration for the increase of our water rates,” Hon. Brand said during the November 06, 2023 Sitting of the Nevis Island Assembly. 

“It is becoming extremely challenging to ensure that we have the capacity to provide the necessary water supply on the island of Nevis for a number of reasons. Many of our wells are well past their useful life and we have had to extend pumping of those wells. We have also seen the rapid increase [in the cost] of everything to do with water- our water meter prices have escalated since COVID, our stationery, our pipes, our fittings, our motors- all have increased exponentially.”  

The Minister further explained that the NIA is in the advanced stages of plans to drill three additional wells to increase the supply of potable water to the people of Nevis. 

The project is presently out to tender, and the government estimates the drilling will come at a cost of over five million dollars. 

“We want to ensure that we continue to have a stable and adequate supply of water for the people of Nevis, therefore we are looking at a possible increase in 2024 of our water rates. We will have to decide on that very shortly because as we are aware the Budget discussions are ongoing.”  

The Hon. Brand appealed to consumers to do their civic duty by paying their water bills on time and in full in order that the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) can have the necessary resources to provide the critical commodity to the people of Nevis.  

The Honourable Spencer Brand, Minister with responsibility for Water Services in the Nevis Island Administration

PARLIAMENT PASSES BILL TO CURB LEAKS OF SENSITIVE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

Leocadia Hamilton
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PARLIAMENT PASSES BILL TO CURB LEAKS OF SENSITIVE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 20, 2023 (SKNIS):  In a landmark session on Monday, November 20, 2023, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, successfully led the debate on the Unauthorized Disclosure of Official Information Bill, 2023. The Bill, which focuses on preventing leaks of sensitive government information, was passed following extensive discussion in Parliament.

The Bill addresses a critical issue in the civil service – the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive government information. It establishes clear boundaries for government employees and contractors regarding the handling of confidential data, ensuring that such information is not stored in personal email accounts or disclosed outside the formal freedom of information process.

Attorney-General Wilkin expressed his views on the importance of the Bill.

“This Bill represents a pivotal step in safeguarding the integrity of our government. In frank and plain language Madame Speaker, a culture has developed in our civil service where there is no respect for the confidentiality of sensitive government information and documents,” said Attorney-General Wilkin.

The Unauthorized Disclosure of Official Information Bill, 2023, serves as a complementary piece to the Freedom of Information Act. While the Freedom of Information Act provides public access to non-sensitive government information, the new Bill ensures that confidential, privileged, and sensitive data is protected from unauthorized leaks.

AG Wilkin highlighted that the protection of sensitive government information is a standard practice not just locally but also globally. The Bill aligns St. Kitts and Nevis with international best practices in safeguarding crucial state information.

With the passage of this Bill, the government of St. Kitts and Nevis takes a significant step forward in reinforcing the legal framework surrounding the security and integrity of official information. It marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its governance structures.

The Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs

WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION BILL, 2023, SUCCESSFULLY PASSED INTO LAW 

Leocadia Hamilton
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WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION BILL, 2023, SUCCESSFULLY PASSED INTO LAW 

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 20, 2023 (SKNIS):  The Whistleblowers Protection Bill, 2023, aimed at safeguarding individuals who report illicit activities within the public service, was successfully passed into law at the Sitting of Parliament on Monday, November 20, 2023, marking a significant stride in the government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability.

The Whistleblowers Protection Bill, 2023, defines a whistleblower as an individual who exposes any kind of information or activity deemed illegal or corrupt within an organization, particularly in the public sector. The primary objective of this legislation is to provide these individuals with the necessary protection to report such activities without fear of reprisal, thereby fostering an environment of transparency and integrity in government operations.

The Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, spearheaded the debate on the Bill. He reflected on the government’s mandate since taking office 15 months ago. He noted that upon assuming office, ministers were tasked by the electorate with upholding principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability, as outlined in the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party 2022 Manifesto. 

Attorney-General, the Honourable Garth Wilkin

This Bill, he said, is a crucial step towards fulfilling that mandate. It not only empowers individuals to report corrupt or illegal activities but also strengthens the Anti-corruption Act by providing a secure framework for whistleblowers.

“The roots of the Whistleblowers Protection Bill, 2023, delve deep into the administration’s commitment by words and actions, to transparency, accountability and the continuous refinement of our good governance transformation legal framework,” said Attorney-General Wilkin. “As a nation, we have made significant strides in bolstering our institutions, fortifying the foundations of justice and upholding the principle of good governance.”

This new law is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in St. Kitts and Nevis. By protecting whistleblowers, the Bill ensures that those with knowledge of corrupt or illegal activities can come forward without fear, thereby supporting the government’s broader effort to rebuild public trust and confidence in its institutions.

Photo Compliments: Google

MINISTER OF STATE PHILLIP CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AGAINST SENIORS AND OTHER VULNERABLE PERSONS

Leocadia Hamilton
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MINISTER OF STATE PHILLIP CONDEMNS VIOLENCE AGAINST SENIORS AND OTHER VULNERABLE PERSONS

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 20, 2023 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of State responsible for Gender Affairs, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, used the national platform offered by the Federal Parliament to reiterate a strong condemnation against all forms of violence, particularly against society’s most vulnerable.

The statement on Monday, November 20, 2023, was made in light of a recent act of violence perpetrated against senior citizen Jason “King Pharaoh” McClean. Mr. McClean was returning home from the inaugural Seniors’ Prom organized by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities on November 10, 2023, when he was attacked.

Minister of State Phillip, who is also a Senator in the Parliament, said Mr. McClean is “in very good spirits and is doing well” after the incident. She then denounced the actions of the perpetrators.

“I take the opportunity to condemn all forms of violence especially when it comes to our vulnerable citizens, residents, especially our seniors,” Honourable Phillip said “The work of the ministry and the unit is to ensure that our seniors are well respected and they are treated with kindness and care, particularly as they would have contributed [to national development] for so many years. We want to condemn all forms of violence, neglect and assault, especially towards our seniors and any vulnerable populations in our Federation.”

Mr. McClean was crowned Prom King at the Seniors’ Prom.

Senator Phillip presents at the Parliament Sitting on Nov. 20, 2023,

MURAL AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TO BE UNVEILED NEXT WEEK

Leocadia Hamilton
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MURAL AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TO BE UNVEILED NEXT WEEK

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 17, 2023 (SKNIS): A mural advocating for an end to domestic violence in St. Kitts and Nevis will be unveiled on November 27, 2023, as the Department of Gender Affairs prepares to observe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.

The mural will be painted on the wall along Pond Road in Newtown. It will depict the aftermath of physical abuse on a female. Senior Gender Officer Shinnel Charles said that having a visual representation of the effects of domestic violence will be impactful.

“I don’t think that we have any murals in our country that depict domestic violence so I believe that it is important for us, and as the Minister [Hon. Isalean Phillip] said is just a start for us when it comes to the murals,” Mrs. Charles stated. “We will have more murals around the country so that we can never forget domestic violence or violence against women, children or men and ensure it is never placed on a side burner.”

The unveiling of the mural will be featured at the end of a ceremony marking the start of activities for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which runs from November 25 to December 10, 2023. Other scheduled activities include a Safe Space for Men Engagement on November 28; Self-Defence Training on December 02; and a Public March Against Domestic Violence on December 10, 2023. 

Senior Gender Officer, Shinnel Charles, shares information on InFocus

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSES CRUCIAL AMENDMENTS TO GUIDE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICINAL CANNABIS AUTHORITY

Leocadia Hamilton
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0
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSES CRUCIAL AMENDMENTS TO GUIDE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICINAL CANNABIS AUTHORITY

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 20, 2023 (SKNIS) – Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew moved two key legislative amendments in the National Assembly today, (November 20, 2023), that are critical to the buildout of a robust medicinal cannabis industry in the Federation. 

The Cannabis (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Medical (Amendment) Bill, 2023, both had their second reading in the National Assembly and successfully passed. 

The Cannabis Act was amended to transfer the responsibility of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority from the Prime Minister to the Minister responsible for Agriculture and also to increase the membership of the authority. Meanwhile, the Medical Act was amended essentially to change the classification of cannabis from a poison. 

Prime Minister Dr. Drew said the legislative amendments will help to ensure that the medicinal cannabis industry is rolled out in a proper and sustainable manner. 

“Basically what we are doing is making sure that this industry has the legal framework and underpinning that are necessary to ensure that it is built out correctly and would benefit our people and Federation in a positive way,” Dr. Drew said. 

The Prime Minister further emphasized the significance of the Government utilizing the skills and knowledge of citizens beyond the public service sector.

“It is very critical that we get this right. This cannot be just an activity for the government alone. The government must partner with those who are already part of the industry, such as the Rastafarian Community and others. The government must also recognize that the expertise that is needed does not always lie within the government and that we should reach out to other experts in the private field, so that we can bring them in to assist us in developing this industry,” Dr. Drew said. 
 

Prime Minister Dr. Drew added that this initiative has the potential to create hundreds of well-paying jobs, marking a significant triumph. He said that St. Kitts and Nevis has the opportunity to establish its unique brand and variety, reducing the Federation’s reliance on imports from other regions.
 

The Medicinal Cannabis Authority is headed by Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Garfield Alexander.

Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew
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