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ST. KITTS AND NEVIS TO AMPLIFY ITS VOICE IN CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS AT COP28 WITH DIVERSE DELEGATION

Leocadia Hamilton
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ST. KITTS AND NEVIS TO AMPLIFY ITS VOICE IN CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS AT COP28 WITH DIVERSE DELEGATION

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 10, 2023 (SKNIS): In a decisive move to strengthen its influence in global climate discussions, St. Kitts and Nevis has expanded its delegation at the upcoming Conference of Parties-COP28. The Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Environment and Climate Action, during the November 8 edition of Infocus, emphasized the critical importance of this diversified representation, including various ministers and technical experts, to effectively address the multifaceted challenges of climate change.

Prominent regional and international organizations are strongly encouraging a strategic shift for greater participation of government representatives to counterbalance the dominance of lobbyists and activists in the climate arena.

The Minister stressed that COP28, set to take place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Expo City, Dubai, represents more than an environmental advocacy platform, as it showcases St. Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development. The inclusion of various ministers, including those overseeing energy, agriculture, and foreign affairs, reflects a holistic approach, acknowledging the interconnected nature of climate change with other sectors.

“What is really happening is a shift towards recognizing that climate action and climate change is not just about ministers of government and technocrats in the environment,” said Dr. Clarke.

“There are more lobbyists for oil companies at COP than there are environmental activists because it is a fight against fossil fuel versus renewable energy. It is a fight for gender and justice and young people and rich countries. It is a fight against Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and big countries who are making millions off of fossil fuels,” Dr. Clarke added.

To effectively navigate these complexities, collaboration is key. Dr. Clarke highlighted the importance of having various ministers, including those of energy and climate, working together. St. Kitts and Nevis’ approach was lauded at last year’s conference and is seen as essential for understanding and addressing the nuances of climate finance and sustainable development.

Dr. Clarke also underscored the critical role of international partnerships, particularly praising the support of the Republic of China (Taiwan). This partnership has been instrumental in ensuring St. Kitts and Nevis’ strong presence at COP28, including a dedicated pavilion for side events and significant youth involvement.

The Minister expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew’s commitment to participate in COP28, a move that aligns with the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) robust stance on climate issues, particularly in securing funds for loss and damage response.

This year’s COP28 participation by St. Kitts and Nevis, marked by an expanded and diverse delegation, represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient future, signaling a new era of climate diplomacy and action on the global stage.

HON. DR. JOYELLE CLARKE

ICH SECRETARIAT TO HOST SECOND C.O.R.E. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER CAMP

Leocadia Hamilton
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ICH SECRETARIAT TO HOST SECOND C.O.R.E. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER CAMP

The ICH Secretariat is hosting its 2nd annual C.O.R.E (Cultural Oriented Revival Explosion) Knowledge Transfer Camp. This activity starts on the 4th – 15th December, 2023 and begins at 8.30 am and ends at 2.30 pm from Monday to Friday for children ages 8- 16 years from across St. Kitts and Nevis. The camp will be held at the St. Johnson Community Centre, Basseterre. The goal of the camp is to transfer ICH knowledge and skills from existing Knowledge Bearers to the next generation of Knowledge Bearers and Practitioners annually.
 
Following this activity 60 young participants would get an exposure and learning experience about the origins of 5 prioritized folklore traditions which are String Band, Clowns, Moko Jumbies, Mummies and Actors.
 
PLEASE note that all registration forms are to be taken to the schools which will be collected on the 24th of November by an ICH officer.

Moko Jumbies

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew Explores Investment Opportunities and Heritage in Riyadh during CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit

Leocadia Hamilton
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Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew Explores Investment Opportunities and Heritage in Riyadh during CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 16, 2023,  (Press Secretary,  PMO) – Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, participated alongside fellow CARICOM leaders in the CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit held in Riyadh on Thursday, November 16, 2023.

The summit featured a significant Investment Roundtable, where CARICOM leaders engaged with the Saudi Arabian Minister of Investment, His Excellency Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih, and representatives from the private sector. This platform provided a unique opportunity for discussions on potential investment opportunities, with CARICOM leaders interacting directly with various Ministers of the Saudi Arabian Government and prominent business figures.

Following the fruitful forum, the CARICOM leaders were treated to a captivating tour of the historic city of Diriyah, known as the City of Earth, a distinguished UNESCO World Heritage Site. Diriyah boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century, founded by Imam Mohammed bin Saud, a key historical figure in Saudi Arabia.

Imam Mohammed bin Saud’s leadership transformed Diriyah into a pivotal center for political, cultural, and social life in the region. The resilient spirit, sacrifices, and triumphs of its people are symbolized by the majestic walls that stand as a testament to the city’s significance. Since its establishment in 1727, Diriyah has played a crucial role in shaping Saudi Arabia.

The At-Turaif Historical District within Diriyah was granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2010, highlighting its historical importance. The district houses various exhibitions and palaces, including the iconic Palace of Salwa, showcasing the prosperity achieved during the First Saudi State. Furthermore, Diriyah has been designated as the Capital of Arab Culture for 2030 by ALECSO, reinforcing its status as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s past, present, and future.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew’s participation in the summit not only focused on economic collaboration but also provided a unique cultural exploration, strengthening the bonds between CARICOM nations and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

CARICOM leaders and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud at Diriyah

Stakeholders meet to plan next Christmas Community Cleanse

Leocadia Hamilton
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Stakeholders meet to plan next Christmas Community Cleanse

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, 16th November, 2023 – The Ministry of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment hosted a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, 15th November, 2023 at the Ministry’s Secretariat to jumpstart the second Christmas Community Cleanse.

The Christmas Community Cleanse aims to promote partnerships with existing truckers and loaders and also to stimulate economic growth at the community level. These partnerships are necessary for community cleanliness towards the journey to becoming a Sustainable Island State.

The Community Cleanse will be executed by the Department of Constituency Empowerment in partnership with key stakeholders with the intention to promote improved, environmental spaces by undergoing an intense cleanup campaign island-wide.

Minister responsible, Hon Dr Joyelle Clarke said, “This year, we have decided to widen the stakeholder net because we realize that environmental health is a key part of why we clean up; and if we are really going to get Kittitians and Nevisians to get on board, we need more partners.”
 
These partners include the Parks & Beaches Unit, Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC), Skills Training and Empowerment Program (S.T.E.P), and newly added, Department of Environmental Health.

The Community Cleanse is directly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals implemented by the United Nations and is in line with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
 

HON. DR. JOYELLE CLARKE SEATED AT THE HEAD TABLE

Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Advances Bilateral Collaboration at CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit

Leocadia Hamilton
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Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Advances Bilateral Collaboration at CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, November 16, 2023 (Press Secretary, PMO)– Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, held a significant meeting with the Head of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, during the eve of the inaugural CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. The signing took place in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a build-up to the Saudi – CARICOM Summit which began today, Thursday, November 16, 2023.

L-R: Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew; Head of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad

The focus of the discussions was on fostering key projects for the development of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Prime Minister Drew expressed his commitment to fostering bilateral discussions and cooperation to attract investments to Saint Kitts and Nevis. Emphasizing their seriousness, he stated, “We are steadfast in our commitment to engaging in bilateral discussions and fostering cooperation, aiming to attract investments to propel the development of Saint Kitts and Nevis.”

During the discussions, Prime Minister Drew highlighted specific areas of interest aimed at boosting economic growth within the Federation. The agricultural project, collaborative energy investment, and the Federation’s sustainable island state master plan, incorporating the seven key pillars of the sustainable island state Agenda, were key topics of conversation.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad; Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew; Head of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)

In a significant development, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has agreed to contribute an amount of Saudi Riyal (SAR) 150,000,000, equivalent to US$40 million, for the Financing Development of the Expansion of Needsmust Power Plant Project. This project encompasses the installation of new generators and a meter system for the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC). By funding this project, SFD will help to support the nation’s energy supply, alongside the socio-economic development of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Caribbean nation to receive visa exemption to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it is the second CARICOM nation to formalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kingdom.

Both Prime Minister Drew and the Head of the Saudi Fund for Development expressed their mutual desire to further strengthen the ties of collaboration and friendship between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saudi Arabia. The commitment to ongoing discussions and joint initiatives signifies a new chapter in the cooperative relationship between the two nations.

L-R: Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew; Head of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad

Also present at the signing was the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of  Saudi Arabia to Saint Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Abdullah bin Muhammad Alsaihani, Minister of Foreign Affairs the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office Naeemah Hazelle, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office Wakely Daniel, Ambassador to CARICOM HE Larry Vaughan.

The MOU signing underscores SFD’s dedication to promoting sustainable development in the Caribbean area and reiterates the significance of global collaboration and unity in realizing the SDGs. This commitment aims to foster both social and economic growth, with a particular focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The MoU also reiterates the Prime Minister’s commitment to the overall advancement of the Federation towards becoming a sustainable island state. 

L-R: Right Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas; Foreign Minister; Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew; Head of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad

No One is Above the Law

Leocadia Hamilton
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No One is Above the Law

Locally, we often make reference to people being humbled when brought before the court despite whatever unruly public display of attitude or personality trait because ‘In dey no like out ya.’

This simply means that no one is above the law because justice is blind. Though some critics might argue that sometimes it appears that the scale of justice tips with biases in favour of some, the truth is that most of us have faith in the legal. And more truth be told, we are all whistleblowers in the justice system because many are not afraid to point out any flaws which could affect or appear to affect the public trust in the deliberation of any verdict passed down.

After all, there is quite a solid saying that ‘Justice must not be done but it should appear to be done.’ This sum up excellently the value and essence of the integrity of how a judicial system must always operate.

Police informed this week that former government minister and politician of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) Lindsay Grant was convicted on two charges-Battery of a police officer and assaulting a police officer. Automatically, persons would be divided on the topic in sharing their views.

Mr. Lindsay himself is a lawyer by profession so even that should be part of whatever discussions that take in the court of public conduct despite whichever side of the fence you stand. No doubt that some would say that he should have known better; others might applaud that update.

Another possible argument could be that Mr. Grant is only human and is therefore vulnerable to flaws as any of us would be.

This general topic is not meant to examine anybody’s morality and ethical values. However, it goes without saying that we should all strive to comply with the laws of our country and elsewhere because let us face it, laws help the guidance of a civil society and foster the good standing of civic-minded individuals.

Going back to the Lindsay Grant matter. There were many who were quite upset that such a high profile individual would have been accused of such and equally some questioned if anything would come out of the accused situation.

Now what is more is that in true social media style, there was cellphone video footage surrounding the allegation, and of course the court of public opinion had its evidence in analyzing and presenting their take on the matter.

Moving on to another aspect: It is quite easy for people to judge each other and sometimes-locally we use the well known adopted saying in presenting a view on a matter-that sometimes people become the ‘Judge, jury and executioner’ because they know what side to take accordingly. It must be noted that having integrity as human beings comes with being fair and honest regardless of whatever connections or biasness we might have towards a situation or person.

After all, right is right and wrong is wrong.

Former Gov’t Minister Lindsay Grant Convicted Of Attacking Police Officer By: Spokesman Newsroom 

Leocadia Hamilton
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Former Gov’t Minister Lindsay Grant Convicted Of Attacking Police Officer By: Spokesman Newsroom 

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 16th November 2023)-Former government minister Lindsay Grant has been convicted of two (2) charges namely Battery of a Police Officer, and Assaulting a Police Officer in relation to a 2022 Las Lap Bar incident.

A police spokesperson on Thursday 16th November 2023 informed members of the local media that: “Lindsay Grant was convicted on two (2) charges: Battery of a Police Officer, and Assaulting a Police Officer. The offences were committed on January 8th, 2022, at Last Lap Bar in Bird Rock, St. Kitts.”

It was further reported that Grant’s sentence will be passed on November 21st 2023.

In March 2022, about two months  after the alleged altercation made by a woman police officer accusing then government minister Lindsay Grant following an incident at Las Lap Bar in Bird Rock which took place in January 2022 was filed in a police complaint.

A summons to defendant document dated 2nd March 2022 addressed to Grant spoke to a complaint made that “you on Saturday the 08th day of January 2022 at Basseterre in the Parish of St. George in the Magisterial District “A” in the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis did beat Kerese Howe a member of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force while in the execution of her duty.” 

That document did not include the date when the officer’s complaint was made which some members of the public have been questioning. 

Police information informed that the incident involved three police officers. This media house had gathered from videos on the night in question, that the officers were on COVID-19 protocol duties.   

In one of the cellphone footage videos circulated via social media on 10th January, the woman police office is heard saying in part: “Ah here by Las Lap and because I am here  and we speaking to Mr. Grant, he got all kinda tings goin on…the minister of government, I am not playing with him…” 

In that 0:45 seconds video, she is seen while talking on her cellphone call with-according to reliable information reaching this media house- is her superior who is a superintendent. 

Grant, of the People’s Action Movement (PAM), is also former Deputy Leader of that party politics organisation. He contested the Constituency Four seat in the August 2022 General Elections which was won by Samal Duggins of the ruling St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP).

Duggins: Carnival Is More Than Just Entertainment By: Spokesman Newsroom

Leocadia Hamilton
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Duggins: Carnival Is More Than Just Entertainment By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 16th November 2023)-Minister of Culture  with responsibility for Carnival Samal Duggins is encouraging everyone to do their part to enhance the Sugar Mas (St.Kitts-Nevis National Carnival) product because it is about more than just fun, frolic and entertainment.

He made the call while delivering remarks at a media update conference held on Wednesday 15th November 2023 at the Carnival Secretariat Extension located downstairs the EC Daniel Building on Cayon Street in Basseterre.

“It is important for us as a society to recognise that it isn’t just about fun [and] frolic and entertainment. It’s about economic boost. It is an advancement for our country, and so if we were to tally, we’d recognize that directly there were about 1000 direct jobs provided from just National Carnival alone and we could on and multiple how many indirectly that were created as well, and so National Carnival we would have seen last year would have captured everybody.”

Duggins stated that the last year’s objective was to ensure that Sugar Mas stands out as a beacon of carnivals within the region.

“We want Sugar Mas to be that carnival that people from all over the world decide ‘I must be there’ and I think we’re getting there.That was last year. This year we’re now days away from Sugar Mas and we have to have a mandate, and that mandate for this year is: To make sure that we have continued growth for our carnival product and by extension our national product because St.Kitts and Nevis in its almost twenty years of being a tourist destination –If we want to call it that-is still growing and it is activities like Sugar Mas which helps to promote and develop that product.”

The Carnival Minister added: “But it is a part that we all must play; not just inviting our families and friends back home but ‘What are we doing to market the destination and the brand globally?’ What role are we playing to ensure that someone in Taiwan, someone in Chile, someone in Alaska decides that the best place to spend Christmas season and Carnival is in sweet ‘Sugar City’ St.Kitts? What are we doing? And for me as Minister, I’m asking each and every one of you to contemplate on that question: ‘What am I doing to market my destination, my country, my Sugar Mas to the world?’.”

He went on to say: “I’m quite sure that on reflection and contemplation on that question, our ingenuity and our talent would emerge where we would see wonderful ideas coming out.And while we had one of the biggest j’ouverts last year, we plan to double it this year  with your help, while we had the biggest grand parade last year , we plan for it to be much bigger this year with your help.”

“And I believe that we have the people here to do it” Duggins noted while applauding the Carnival Chairperson Shannon Hawley who “assembled a world class team.”

 According to the Carnival Minister “… this year, I’m telling you that Carnival is poised to be a spectacle; let’s call it that!”

Front Page Image: Minister of Culture with responsibility for Carnival Samal Duggins while delivering remarks at media update conference held on Wednesday 15th November 2023 at the Carnival Secretariat Extension located downstairs the EC Daniel Building on Cayon Street in Basseterre. (Spokesman Screenshot via Facebook/St.Kitts&Nevis

Stanley Franks Jr.-‘Born In the Bosom Of Labour’ By: Precious Mills (General Secretary)

Leocadia Hamilton
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Stanley Franks Jr.-‘Born In the Bosom Of Labour’ By: Precious Mills (General Secretary)

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Monday 13th November 2023)- 82-year-old Stanley Franks Jr. MBE,MH,JP was laid to rest at the Springfield Cemetery in Basseterre following a funeral service -featuring a host of glowing tributes- held at the Wesley Methodist Church in Basseterre on Monday 8th November 2023.

“If anyone was born in the bosom of Labour, it was Stanley. As a child, he was there in the front seat of the struggle to establish the rights and dignity of the masses. There is a picture of the first Labour Day March through the streets of Basseterre with the then leaders of the Party, including Sir Robert Bradshaw, Sir C A Paul Southwell, Sir Joseph Nathaniel France and Thomas Manchester leading the march, and there is Stanley, a precocious child of seven or eight, right at the front of the march with them. Even at that age, Stanley had to be in everything.”

This was what his brother Sam Franks said while delivering the eulogy (formal remembrance) during the service.

According to him: “Our Grandfather, Poppa, was a cooper – a master craftsman who made and repaired wooden barrels, buckets and casks, then used to store and ship muscovado sugar as well as rum, wine, pickled meats etc. This was before the advent of plastics so he did a respectable trade among the residents of Prickly Pear Alley and its environs, making and repairing leak-proof buckets, tubs etc. out of wood and without glue. Poppa’s skills and attention to details were neither lost on our father nor to Stanley, both of whom established themselves in their chosen profession as master craftsmen. Poppa was also involved in easing the plight of Kittitians at that time, the drudgery of life and the conditions of work. In fact, Poppa was one of the twelve persons who gave birth to the St.Kitts Nevis & Anguilla Workers League, later the St. Kitts Nevis Trades & Labour Union which spawned the Labour Party. The motto that was adopted and espoused by the Workers League and remains even today is: “For the good that we can do”.

“Few have championed this anthem that our Grandfather helped to coin, as Stanley has done,” he added.

In sharing details about Stanley’s early life, Sam Franks highlighted: “Stanley Reginald Franks, he loved to be called Stanley Franks Jnr., was born to Wentworth Stanley Franks and Mazie Benjamin on 1st May 1941 in Prickley Pear Alley. He was born in very humble and challenging circumstances and lived with his mother until she went to Curacao to make a better life and our grandfather, Poppa, took him to live with him and his wife. Until that time his mother was ‘living out’ as a servant (for that’s what it was) to a family residing at Fortlands.”

He added: “Stanley would recall that at Christmas, he and his friends would patrol Fortlands just to smell the ham that most residents there would boil and then bake on Christmas Eve. He considered himself privileged then, for he would get some of the ham skin that his mother brought home and then the soup she would make later with the ham bone.”

Among those who gave tributes-written and spoken collectively- were: The St.Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU) of which Stanley Franks Jr. was an executive member having served as General Secretary and Treasurer during his tenure, the St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), St.Kitts Football Association, Methodist Men’s Commission Choir, Nsima Udo (granddaughter), Verd Franks (brother), Methodist Circuit Choir, St.Kitts Cricket Association and Leeward Island Cricket Board.

Front Banner Image Member of the St.Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU) Executive Committee (Right to left) Eva Henderson, President Sydney Bridgewater, General Secretary Precious Mills, Sean Kelly, Kevion Hodge Huggins along with Trustee Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence take a photo while at the Springfield Cemetery. (Spokesman Snap)

Photo: Funeral service flyer for the late 82-year-old Stanley Franks Jr. MBE,MH,JP

Photo: Carissa Franks-Benjamin, one of the daughters of the late 82-year-old Stanley Franks Jr. lays a wreath at the grave site on Wednesday 8th November 2023 at the Springfield Cemetery in Basseterre. Widow Blondell Franks can be seen on the left side (aback of Carissa Franks-Benjamin, her daughter) looking on. (Spokesman Snap)

Ministry of Sustainable Development collaborates on Mangrove Restoration Training

Leocadia Hamilton
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Ministry of Sustainable Development collaborates on Mangrove Restoration Training

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, 17 November 2023 – The Ministry of Sustainable Development through the Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) supported the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) who led a four-day mangrove restoration training. It took place from 7 – 10 November 2023 at Reggae Beach Pond and Major’s Bay Pond with key stakeholders. The training was guided by the theme “Improving Environmental Management through Sustainable Land Management in St. Kitts and Nevis”.

Facilitated by Dr. Milena Berrocal, IUCN Restoration Expert, the focus of the training was for stakeholders to understand the importance of mangroves, learn how to assess them, and learn/demonstrate low-cost mangrove restoration techniques.

Department of Environment, Department of Marine Resources (St. Kitts and Nevis), Department of Physical Planning and Environment (Nevis) and a research student all benefitted from the training that included a day of theory and three days of practical work in Mangrove Ecosystems in St. Kitts.

At the end of the training, participants were able to establish nurseries at one of the sites. It contained seedlings that will be maintained. The growth will be monitored until next year when the plants will be planted during the rainy season when they are large enough.

The aim of the project, which is funded through the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is to restore at least twenty hectares of mangroves.

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