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FARMERS IN ST. KITTS BEING EQUIPPED WITH TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT THAT PROMOTE THE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT USE OF WATER ON THEIR FARMS

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 14, 2023 (SKNIS) – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives in St. Kitts continues to ensure that local farmers are sufficiently equipped with the technologies and equipment to boost agricultural output, particularly in light of the challenges posed by effects climate change such as drought.
 
During a brief ceremony held on Tuesday (November 14) morning, the ministry commenced the distribution of rainwater harvesting and irrigation equipment to some twenty (20) farmers in St. Kitts.

 Honourable Samal Duggins

The minister stated that the distribution of these pieces of equipment goes hand in hand with the ministry’s thrust to achieve the CARICOM 25 by 2025 initiative, which is an effort to significantly reduce the region’s Food Import Bill.

Moreover, he said it also complements the objectives of the recently introduced Drought Resilience Irrigation Project [DRIP] programme that seeks to improve the efficiency of water use in farming.

“Our farmers need no one to tell them the pressing issues of climate change. As you plow your fields, as you grow your crops you know what the temperature outside is like; you know the days when you wish rain would fall and you know what it feels like when there is no rain and the impact of that. And so what we are saying to you [about climate change] is nothing new to you because you are the ones experiencing it, but what we are saying is that we are here. We are here in every way that we can … to support,” said Minister Duggins.

The distribution formed part of the Resilient Caribbean Initiative that is funded by the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The initiative supports Caribbean small island developing states (SIDS) using an integrated Water-Energy-Food nexus approach.
 
“Today, the FAO, the Mexican Government and CARICOM have come together on a project, the Water-Energy-Food nexus, and they have sought to deliver to twenty farmers equipment that would help them to be more resilient against climate change. This is what we have to do if we are serious about food security,” said the Minister responsible for Agriculture, the Honourable Samal Duggins during Tuesday’s distribution ceremony.

The equipment being presented to the twenty farmers includes drip irrigation systems solar water pumps, 1000-gallon water tanks, 5000-gallon water bladders, rainwater harvesting sheds, tension meters, as well as pH meters and timers.



The participating farmers also benefitted from weeks of essential training in the use of these technologies and equipment.

NIA signs contract for airport expansion project

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (November 14, 2023)– The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has signed a contract with Perez Engineering Construction and Consulting Services Limited to undertake a project that will see the expansion and upgrade of the Vance W. Amory International Airport.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance on November 10, 2023.  

The Honourable Alexis Jeffers, Special Advisor to the Premier of Nevis on Investment, said under this project the airport will get almost a complete overhaul to transform it into a larger and more modern first-class facility that will meet all international standards.

Hon. Alexis Jeffers, Special Advisor to the Premier of Nevis, and Mr. Leonardo Perez, Lead Engineer, Perez Engineering Construction and Consulting Services Ltd

“The signing is significant because they are now our partners in this project. They will be compiling the work and executing and overseeing the work that needs to be done over the next couple of months,” he said.

“What is envisaged at this time at the Vance W. Amory International Airport includes the extension and resurfacing of the runway, installation of a new and improved lighting system, the construction of a fuel farm, the construction of a hangar, improvements to the terminal building, a brand new facility for our Fire Officers and the procurement of additional fire tenders and so forth.”

In addition, the parking apron will be upgraded to accommodate more parking spaces.

The runway will be expanded to the East and the West to have 5500 feet of runway.

The Special Advisor said the dialogue with the Nevisian public will continue as the government keeps them abreast of what is being done and solicit their input.

“In order to get the Nevisian public up to date as to what we’ll be doing we will conduct various consultations. I believe we have one scheduled for the first week of December that will be to roll out the project to the Nevisian public and garner the different comments and ideas that might be presented at that time.”

Nevis Island Administration contract signing ceremony for expansion of the Vance W. Amory International Airport on November 10, 2023 (l-r) Mr. Wakely Daniel, Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry; Mrs. Hélène Lewis, Legal Counsel to the NIA; Hon. Alexis Jeffers, Special Advisor to the Premier of Nevis; Mr. Leonardo Perez, Lead Engineer, Perez Engineering Construction and Consulting Services Ltd.; Lucy Carrera Perez, Engineering Consultant 

Lead Engineer and Founder of Perez Engineering Construction and Consulting Services Limited Mr. Leonardo Perez said he is pleased to continue the engagement with the Nevis Island Administration to move forward with the development of Nevis’ airport. He said the company will prepare a presentation in December that will outline many of the technical aspects of the airport expansion project.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Engineering Consultant Lucy Carrera Perez, Legal Advisor to the NIA Mrs. Hélène Lewis, and Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry Mr. Wakely Daniel.

Vance W. Amory International Airport, Nevis

Captain SDG: Unveiling the New Guardian of Environmental Sustainability in St. Kitts and Nevis

[Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 10, 2023 ] – In a thrilling and educational weeklong series of educational sessions taking place throughout various primary schools in St. Kitts, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment proudly introduced Captain SDG, the latest addition to the environmental superhero league. The acronym “SDG” derives its inspiration from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and Captain SDG is set to become the emblematic advocate for environmental sustainability and responsibility in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Captain SDG’s inauguration marks a significant milestone within the framework of the ‘Reduce Single-Use Plastics’ public awareness campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Environment. This charismatic character embodies the essence of environmental stewardship, encouraging students to take proactive steps in reducing the use of single-use plastics.

Key Highlights:
 
Inspired by Global Goals: Captain SDG draws its inspiration from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning perfectly with St. Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to sustainability.

Captain SDG (center) along with Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke and Eavin Parry, Environmental Scientist

Guardian of the Environment: Captain SDG is not just a superhero but also a guardian of the environment, championing practices that promote a cleaner, greener future.

Educational Outreach: The Department of Environment is set to intensify its efforts by visiting various schools in the coming weeks, where Captain SDG will take center stage. Through engaging presentations, Captain SDG will advocate for students to become active stewards of the environment and make informed choices to reduce single-use plastics.
 
Mr. Derionne Edmeade, the newly appointed Director in the Department of Environment, expressed his enthusiasm for Captain SDG’s role in environmental education: “We believe that Captain SDG will play a pivotal role in shaping the environmental consciousness of our young citizens. As we strive to create a more sustainable future, this initiative encourages our students to become change-makers, leading the way toward a cleaner and greener St. Kitts and Nevis.
 
The Single-Use Plastics campaign is part of a broader effort to curb plastic pollution and safeguard the pristine beauty of St. Kitts and Nevis. Captain SDG’s mission is to empower the youth, who are the future of the nation, to actively participate in this journey towards a cleaner and more sustainable paradise.

Captain SDG addressing primary school students

ONLINE ORDERING SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE AT THE BASSETERRE PUBLIC MARKET VIA 869ToGo.COM

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 10, 2023 (SKNIS) – The Basseterre Public Market has taken a huge step forward, as persons now have the option of ordering fresh produce from local vendors from the comfort of their homes, via an online portal.
 
The launch of the new online platform came after officials from 869ToGo provided E-Service training to staff of the Basseterre Public Market.

Vendor and buyer at the Basseterre Public Market

Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Samal Duggins addressed the launch ceremony on Friday, November 10. In his remarks, the minister said this new offering fits nicely with today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
 
“Our society has transformed from the society that wakes up at 5:00 a.m. on Saturdays and venture to the public market to pick up our fresh produce. People have become busier, work schedules more demanding and a number of other factors have really presented challenges for our people to do that. Here though, we are minimizing that gap. Here, we are transforming the sector because now one can stay in the comfort of their own home, they can stay at the desk in their office or wherever they are, go online and order food and have it delivered right to where they are. That is transformation,” said Minister Duggins.

Hon. Samal Duggins

In addition, the honourable minister said that this initiative augments well with other programmes of the Department of Agriculture, such as the hugely successful Agri-Night Markets, that increase accessibility to farmers in St. Kitts.

He said, “This is our commitment to you our farmers, not just to ask you to produce more food but to provide more access for you to sell that food because we understand that your hard work must be compensated with revenue from what you [produce]. You [farmers] deserve a high standard of living and you have our commitment from the ministry and the department to do everything in our power to make sure that we bring that hard-earned revenue to you.”

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Miguel Flemming commented that this is part of the ministry’s overall plan to fully upgrade the Basseterre Public Market.

“We’re going to continue of course not just to bring online ordering, but to upgrade the overall appearance of the public market, and so I am happy that we are able to launch today after having much conversation on how we can get persons to patronize the vendors in the market,” Permanent Secretary Flemming said.

The Basseterre Public Market’s online ordering services can be accessed via 869ToGo.com.

L-R: Director of Agriculture Jeanelle Kelly; Minister of Agriculture Samal Duggins; PS in Agriculture, Miguel Flemming

PRIME MINISTER RUBBISHES MALICIOUSLY MISLEADING REPORTS ON THE ST. KITTS AND NEVIS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME AND ECONOMY

Basseterre, St Kitts, November 9, 2023 (Prime Minister’s Office): The posts, published on November 8, 2023, have alleged that the Citizenship by Investment Unit is ‘grappling with significant challenges, particularly in meeting payments to service providers’ and ‘the once-thriving [Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme] may face closure, plunging the nation into a severe financial crisis.’ The IMI Daily post quoted extensively from the SKN Times blog, but went further to attribute statements to the Prime Minister that he never made and penned other outright fabrications.

The Prime Minister has staunchly refuted the baseless allegations woven into these deceptive narratives, which not only attack the integrity of St. Kitts and Nevis’ esteemed Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme but also brazenly seek to undermine trust in our Federation’s economic stability. The Prime Minister views such spurious blogging with utmost disdain, vowing to confront this abhorrent breach of truth and public trust head-on.

“I want to categorically state that these claims are entirely untrue, reckless, and appear to be fuelled by ulterior motives. Our CBI Programme remains well-funded, well-managed, and has, in fact, seen improvements and increased revenues under the guidance of our new administration. We have worked tirelessly to ensure transparency, efficiency, and the highest standards of due diligence in the processing of CBI applications and administration of the CBI Unit, all to ensure its sustainability,” said Prime Minister Dr. Drew.

Contrary to the misinformation presented, Prime Minister Dr. Drew has confirmed that the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme is not facing closure. The Head of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, Mr Michael Martin, has indicated that since the July 2023 amendments to the Citizenship by Substantial Investment Regulations serious developers have been clamouring to invest in St Kitts and Nevis by way of its CBI Programme.

“The claim that the CIU is grappling with significant challenges, financial or otherwise, is baseless and an attempt to undermine the reputation of our nation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Over the past few months, real estate developers, public benefactors and high value property owners have applied regularly to participate in the CBI Programme,” said Mr Martin.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew, who also serves as Minister of Finance, expressed his concern with the wholly false claim that the Government is in a ‘severe financial crisis’ and stated that “it is well known locally that the SKN Times blog is the unscrupulous mouthpiece of the opposition; but for an external blog to extract their politically motivated lies to fabricate statements I did not make, is even more abhorrent. The content of these reckless blogs is an affront to the principles of responsible journalism and the democratic fabric of our society.”

“The financial stability of our country is intact, and we continue to responsibly manage our resources to meet the needs of our citizens. Our country has hundreds of millions of Eastern Caribbean dollars in reserve and has increased our reserves since taking office in August 2022. We have been fiscally responsible by striking the right balance between stimulating our economy and implementing numerous social safety net policies to help our most vulnerable people recover from the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic”, added Prime Minister Dr. Drew.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew has stated that the Government’s decision to raise minimum requirements was an intentional move to ensure that the CBI Programme maintains its reputation as a premium and secure investment option in the investor immigration industry.

“This has not only strengthened the integrity of our programme but has also attracted high-calibre investors who understand the long-term value of contributing to the development of our nation”, said Prime Minister Dr. Drew.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew assures the public that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis stands steadfastly behind its CBI Programme. Contrary to the malicious insinuations propagated by unreliable sources, the Prime Minister emphatically affirms that our CBI programme is not only resilient but stronger and more secure than ever. The Government remains resolute in safeguarding the integrity of this vital initiative, ensuring its continued success for the prosperity of our nation.

PRIME MINISTER HON. DR. TERRANCE DREW

URBAN DEVELOPMENT UNIT SET TO PROPOSE URBAN RESILIENCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO CABINET

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 9, 2023 (SKNIS): The Department of Urban Development, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, is set to propose an Urban Resilience Development Plan to the Cabinet on November 13.
 
One of the movers of this plan, Director for the Urban Development Unit, Rhon Boddie, explained that the plan entails several projects that are designed to enhance the Greater Basseterre area.
 
Mr. Boddie provided this information while appearing on InFocus on November 8, 2023.
 
He also said that the plan was created in 2022 when the Urban Development Unit hired a consultant to analyze the space of Greater Basseterre and make recommendations for the future.
 
Questions included: “How can we make Basseterre resilient and how should we look at the development of Basseterre and come up with a number of projects that would lead to making our beautiful Basseterre a resilient, sustainable space?”
 
Mr. Boddie also highlighted that the plan focuses on protection, access, mobility, partnership, and various key areas.
 
He also emphasized the issue in relation to abandoned properties.
 
“The difficulty has been getting ownership of these properties,” he said. “In the first instance, we are not looking for ownership, we are looking for partnership.”
 
For example, he stated that if the department observes that a property is abandoned, the department can pursue a lease agreement with the owner for a set amount of time for the property to be developed and then later returned.
 
“I know as well that the Attorney General’s Office is collaborating with urban development, and we are looking into legislation on how we deal with abandoned properties because we have found that there are a lot of properties, especially around Basseterre where there is difficulty getting to owners and they are health hazards and security hazards,” said Mr. Boddie.

MR. RHON BODDIE, DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT UNIT

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS TO SEE COMPREHENSIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS, SAYS ATTORNEY-GENERAL WILKIN

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 07, 2023 (SKNIS): In a noteworthy announcement at today’s (November 07) press conference with Cabinet Ministers at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, outlined a comprehensive plan for criminal justice reform in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The proposed changes aim to expedite the legal process and deliver swift justice for the people of the Federation.

The Attorney-General detailed a set of ambitious measures designed to overhaul the current system. These include the potential elimination of paper committals in the Magistrate’s Court, reducing the number of jurors in criminal trials, introducing judge-only trials for specific offenses, and implementing plea deal legislation. These reforms are intended to streamline the criminal justice system, ensuring that those charged with offenses can expect a resolution of their cases within one to two years—a significant improvement on current timeframes.

Highlighting the urgency of these reforms, the Attorney-General pointed to examples within the Caribbean region where individuals remain on remand for an average of ten years.

“We do not want to follow in those footsteps, therefore, we are determined to move in the opposite direction,” said AG Wilkin. “My objective is to guarantee swift justice for everyone while in office.”
Another critical aspect of these reforms is the financial savings they are expected to bring. AG Wilkin spoke to the tens of millions of dollars spent in compensating individuals who have been held on remand for excessive periods, deeming it a mismanagement of public funds.

“By reforming our justice system, we can redirect those funds towards beneficial projects that contribute to creating a sustainable island state,” he said.

Attorney-General Wilkin also shared that insights and strategies from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Academy Conference, which took place in Barbados in October 2023, will be instrumental in these reforms. These proposals are set to be enacted by the summer of 2024, marking a new chapter for the legal framework of St. Kitts and Nevis.

These transformative changes, he said, signal the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of its citizens through a more efficient and just legal system.

AG HON. GARTH WILKIN

AG WILKIN UPDATES GENERAL PUBLIC ON THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 07, 2023 (SKNIS): Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, provided an important update on the advancements within his ministries during the Prime Minister’s Press Conference with Cabinet Ministers held at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on November 07, 2023.

Since September 2023, the civil and criminal divisions of the two High Courts and the Judge’s Chambers have been operating from their new location at the Charles Amory Building by the Cenotaph in Fortlands Basseterre. Meanwhile, the Registry of the High Court has been temporarily situated at the Sir Lee L Moore Annex at the East Independence Square Basseterre, St. Kitts.

In addition to the logistical changes, the Attorney-General warmly welcomed the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Adlai Smith, acknowledging the significance of his role and expressing high hopes for his tenure.

The Attorney-General outlined a medium-term plan aimed at refurbishing the Sir Lee L Moore Judicial and Legal Services Complex to restore it as the central hub for the two High Courts, Judges Chambers, and High Court Registry. AG Wilkin disclosed that a request for proposals is being finalized to address the longstanding structural issues within the building, particularly the water problem in the basement that has persisted since its initial construction.

Minister Wilkin detailed the comprehensive works planned for the complex, including roof repairs, window replacements, internal wall removals, and mold eradication, with a targeted completion timeline set for 2024.

“These efforts are not just about refurbishment but are also a commitment to the resilience and efficacy of our justice system,” said AG Wilkin. “We are dedicated to providing a dignified and suitable environment for the administration of justice in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

The Attorney-General said that the government of St. Kitts and Nevis reaffirms its commitment to enhancing its judicial infrastructure, which is pivotal for upholding the rule of law and ensuring the smooth operation of justice throughout the Federation.

HON. GARTH WILKIN

CITIZENS URGED TO DO THEIR PART IN MITIGATING THE SPREAD OF VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES LIKE DENGUE

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 7, 2023 (SKNIS) – With about twenty-two (22) laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue fever in the Federation, Prime Minister and Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, is urging citizens and residents to join the Ministry of Health in its quest to mitigate the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.

In October, the Ministry of Health issued an advisory on vector-borne diseases, including dengue, associated with an increase in rainfall. The ministry noted then that the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) had reported an upsurge in laboratory-confirmed cases of dengue in the region, with outbreaks reported in three CARPHA member states.

As such, the Ministry of Health in St. Kitts and Nevis has ramped up its awareness campaign and has taken action to reduce the spread of the virus through measures such as coordinated fogging in communities.

“I want to thank the CMO [Chief Medical Officer] and the Ministry of Health. They have sat with the persons who are directly involved with the fogging, and the fogging schedule comes out. So, we have been able to limit the number of cases because we are very aggressive,” said Prime Minister Drew on Tuesday, November 7, during his Press Conference with Cabinet Ministers.

The honourable prime minister also used the platform to call on each citizen and resident of the country to get actively involved in preventing the spread of the mosquito-borne disease by eliminating possible breeding areas for mosquitoes.

He said, “Dengue is spread by a mosquito called the Aedes aegypti. That mosquito bites and when it bites it spreads the dengue virus, and therefore we want to eliminate any breeding grounds. So, if you have any stagnant water such as buckets with water or drums with water, either turn them over or bore holes in them, but stagnant water needs to be eliminated … so that these mosquitos can’t breed.”

The Ministry of Health also advises residents to protect themselves by using personal repellents on skin and clothes, use bed nets if adult mosquitoes are prevalent, wear protective clothing like long pants and long-sleeved tops and protect their homes by using screens for doors and windows.

Dengue is a flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults. Symptoms usually begin four to ten days after being bitten by a dengue-infected mosquito. The symptoms include high fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains and skin rash. The illness can evolve into severe Dengue, characterized by intense and continuous abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and mucosal bleeding. Affected persons should access medical care at the nearest health center or hospital if these occur.

PRIME MINISTER HON. DR. TERRANCE DREW

GOVERNMENT OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS WOULD NEVER WAVER IN THE DUE DILIGENCE PROCESS FOR ITS CBI PROGRAMME AND PROTECTION OF THE COUNTRY’S REPUTATION

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, November 7, 2023 (SKNIS) –“We have not laxed our security measures. As a matter of fact, we have strengthened them and we have added a new layer of security, a second layer, and we are going to add a third layer in short order,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew said during his Tuesday, November 7, 2023, Press Conference with Cabinet Ministers.

The third layer of security referenced by the prime minister entails the establishment of an international security office that will actively monitor the status of persons granted St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship.

“This Government has taken the decision to take all the necessary measures to protect our country and to protect our people,” Dr. Drew said.

The honourable prime minister said these added security measures will undoubtedly boost international investor confidence in the programme and strengthen the Federation’s reputation as a responsible member of the global community. 

He added, “Our first thrust was to upgrade the programme, making sure all the necessary security measures are in there so that we say to our international partners in the UK [United Kingdom], the EU [European Union] or wherever they are that St. Kitts and Nevis is serious about that. As you can now see that St. Kitts and Nevis is the only Caribbean country that I know of that just recently got visa-free access to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is done after an assessment is done and it is determined that our country is safe to have that type of relation with, and that is a significant foreign policy win for St. Kitts and Nevis.”

In September of this year, St. Kitts and Nevis’ CBI programme scored high marks in the Financial Times’ seventh CBI Index, as it was ranked as the best option in the investment migration industry worldwide.

The Federation’s programme received the highest scores on four of the nine pillars used to rate the CBI programmes, with Due Diligence being one of those indicators.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew