The Ministry of Sustainable Development continues with its stakeholder consultations from all sectors of society on St. Kitts and Nevis’ Voluntary National Review (VNR), to get the country’s feedback in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The consultations are timely and important, as this year, for the first time, St. Kitts and Nevis will formally present its VNR’s Report during the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) slated for July 13-19, 2023, in New York City, U.S.A.

Auren Manners, Director of the Department of Public Sector Investment Planning within the Ministry of Sustainable Development, said that the consultations are progressing smoothly.



“The local VNR consultations started in 2022 and have continued on St. Kitts and in Nevis during the period April to May 2023. During the week of May 22 to 26, we will have our final validation workshop with national stakeholders,” said Mr. Manners. “However, the VNR Report must be submitted to the UN by June 09, and the audiovisual content by June 16. Main Messages were already submitted on May 03.”

Mr. Manners noted that Kevin Hope, an Economic and Development Specialist, has been appointed as Consultant to complete the VNR for presentation at the 2023 HLPF.

“The VNR Coordination Team organized focus group meetings aimed at filling any gaps in the Draft VNR Report produced in 2022, with particular emphasis on reflecting the thrust and achievements of the new Administration from August 2022 to date.  These focus groups included both the private sector and Civil Society Organizations in order to ensure that their contributions to and concerns about the SDGs are reflected.”

He added that the VNR Coordination Team will continue to hold regular meetings with all VNR consultants in order to “ensure that the deliverables remain on track and are reflective of the quality desired by the country for presentation at the HLPF (and) also, to ensure that the guidance provided by the UN is integrated within the VNR.”

The voluntary national reviews (VNRs) aim to facilitate the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges, and lessons learned, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The VNRs also seek to strengthen policies and institutions of governments and to mobilize multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Her Excellency Verna Mills, in a recent press engagement for Diplomatic Week organized by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the over 243 sanctions that the United States (US) government has imposed on Cuba are causing immeasurable suffering for Cubans and that St. Kitts and Nevis like the rest of the international community call for the lifting of the embargo.

“Cubans have been suffering for over six decades now and St. Kitts and Nevis is of the view that it is time that the US lifts this embargo. The whole international community is in support of the US lifting this embargo on Cuba…the people are the ones who are suffering day in, day out—fuel shortages, electricity problems…I can go on and on about all the hardships and challenges that we face as diplomats, as well as the Cubans there,” she said.  

“The US has over 243 sanctions levied on Cuba, and it affects us, especially diplomats living and resident there on the island in our engagement with Cuba. However, it affects the Cubans more than it affects the diplomatic community…the Cuban population is the one that really suffers from the challenges that its government is faced with,” Ambassador Mills added.

The US executed and maintains a comprehensive economic embargo on the Republic of Cuba since 1962, which was proclaimed by President John F. Kennedy.

“The Cubans have little to no access to technology because of the US sanctions. They don’t have access to affordable food because of the US sanctions again,” she said. “All of these issues affect us as a diplomatic community there too…the economic system in Cuba is not so favourable for Cubans because Cuba is a cash-strapped country so its reach is very limited and it can do very little for its own population whereas as a diplomat there you are in a better economic position so you can afford to purchase food even though it is much more expensive.”

Diplomatic Week was held in St. Kitts and Nevis from April 23-28, 2023, under the theme “Driving change: Advancing a vision for a sustainable Island State

https://www.facebook.com/sknismedia/videos/205720378919543

Scores of skilled workers stand to benefit from the recently signed agreement between the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the National Housing Corporation (NHC) with the East Coast Housing Development.

The contract is for the Trinidad-based developer to finance and deliver 2,400 affordable smart homes over a four-year period. Acting Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Housing and Human Settlement, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, said that this homeowner initiative is in keeping with the government’s “priority to create affordable housing solutions” to meet “the ever-growing housing demand.” He expressed pleasure with the tremendous opportunities for local employment.

“Ninety-nine percent of the workforce for the development will consist of local contractors, civil engineers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, surveyors, draft persons and other local skilled workers,” Acting PM Dr. Hanley stated in a recorded address to announce the new project. “The Chairman of the National Housing Corporation (NHC), Mr. Shawn White, has met with the contractor association to garner their needs and concerns. It is my belief that this project will be a win-win for our local tradespersons. They will be gainfully employed and gain exposure to a new construction technique using reinforced concrete forms.

“In order for our tradespersons to remain relevant and competitive they must build their knowledge and expertise in cutting edge building technology, and this project allows them to do just that.”

A one-bedroom home is projected to run as low as EC$111,000. A two-bedroom is expected to run around EC$213,000, while a three-bedroom is EC$297,000. All homes will be equipped with a refrigerator, stove and solar water heater.

Interested applicants can sign up for a home online on Monday, May 08, 2023. Dr. Hanley added that financial institutions would provide low-interest mortgage loans to qualified applicants.

The Minister of Housing and human settlement said that the initiative “is a great opportunity” for young professionals, first-time homeowners, or a family to become homeowners.

Thursday’s (May 04) Interdenominational Day of Prayer in Nevis was welcomed by the Acting Prime Minister and Federal Minister responsible for Ecclesiastical and Faith-Based Affairs, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley.

In a recorded address, Acting PM Hanley said that the Ministry was pleased to partner with Evangelism Encounter Ministries, which coordinated this year’s annual event in Nevis under the leadership of Evangelist Peter Paul.

The theme for the 24^th annual Interdenominational Day of Prayer is “Pray Fervently in Righteousness and Avail Much.” The subtheme is “Praise in Prayer.”

Elreter Simpson-Browne, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Ecclesiastical and Faith-Based Affairs, travelled to Charlestown to participate in the spiritual experience. A number of pastors from St. Kitts also journeyed across to the sister isle to share in the event.

The scheduled activities included Morning Inspiration and Prayer, a Power Prayer and Praise Service, and a Prayer Caravan through Charlestown and surrounding areas. The day climaxed with a Power Praise and Prayer Rally at 6:30 p.m. at the New Testament Church of God in Bath Village.

The event runs from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook @centralpraiseskb and the Royal Central Praise Radio and Television. VON Radio also carried segments.

Greetings citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis. I am Ag Fire Chief Rommel Williams of the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services.

The St. Kitts and Nevis fire and rescue service continues to live up to its mission statement which is to prevent and safeguard the lives and property of the citizens and general economy by preventing or reducing the dangers and effects of fires and explosions.

With this in mind, the fire department has increased its efforts to sensitize the public to the dangers of fires and the importance of safe fire prevention practices at home or at work. We have increased our radio talk shows from once per week to twice per week on ZIZ and Winnfm enabling us to capture the ears of our citizens both at home and abroad.

The fire Department responded to a total of 544 reports in 2022 while responding to 603 in 2021. We saw a 9.78% decrease in number of reports received in 2022. Of the 544 reports received in 2022, 285 of these reports were brush fires. We continue to encourage our citizens to refrain from starting fires, especially in residential areas as it has a negative effect on the health of our citizens and our environment.

The fire department will continue to increase its efforts to further reduce the number of emergency reports received annually. We, therefore, solicit the cooperation and assistance of our citizens by investing in small portable devices such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers that are used to detect and combat fires in their early stages. These devices save lives and reduce or prevent long-term disruptions in the lives of our citizens.

As we celebrate International Fire Fighter Day with our brothers and sisters around the world, we thank God for the brave men and women of the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services who dedicate their lives to the call of service, enabling us to accomplish our mission.

The Ministry of Housing and Human Settlement and the National Housing Corporation (“NHC”), have entered into an agreement with East Coast Housing Development Limited (“ECHD”), a Trinidadian company, for the construction and turn-key delivery of 2,400 Affordable Smart Homes over four years. By the agreement, ECHD will finance and manage the construction by local contractors of 600 Smart Homes per year on lands allocated by NHC or personally owned lots. The Affordable Smart Homes will be available for purchase by residents of St Kitts.

Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Human Settlement, whilst expressing his pleasure with the agreement being executed, said “We have been in serious negotiations over the past few months with the developer and we are happy to now put pen to paper on the final terms of the agreement which will benefit thousands of our people. Not only will citizens and residents be able to finally purchase and own a home, but the construction will involve a majority of local contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other construction workers. This is massive for our economy and integral for the sustainable creation of wealth for many families. We hope to see construction begin on the East Coast model Affordable Smart Homes by the end of June 2023.”

“We are busy behind the scenes crafting our Housing Revolution. This Government promised our people that we would deliver housing solutions. This project is just one phase. We are negotiating other housing solutions. In fact, today, I also signed an MOU with one of the most successful developers in St Kitts, for modern-styled low-income and middle-income homes to be constructed throughout St Kitts. They are also beautiful architectural designs.”

The ECHD Affordable Smart Homes will have one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom options and will utilize a modern reinforced concrete system. They will be delivered with a full-size energy-efficient refrigerator, a four-burner gas stove and a solar water heater. Two model Smart Homes will be constructed in the next few weeks for examination by interested homeowners and for local contractors to learn the modern construction style.

Chairman of NHC, Mr. Shawn White, said that “local contractors and local skilled workers will build these homes using the modern civil engineering technique to be taught by the developer and the base materials issued from East Coast’s plant.”

“NHC has created a website by which anyone interested in owning one of these Affordable Smart Homes can apply. We will go live within the next few days and launch a full public information campaign. Whether you have land already or you don’t apply and NHC will guide you in the right direction to find your housing solution. We are also in discussions with the local banks to provide the best mortgage terms for applicants who own land. The Ministry has also promised to deliver townhouses and other forms of housing solutions for income earners throughout the economic spectrum,” said Chairman White.

The ECHD Affordable Smart Homes will be available for purchase through special mortgage loan programmes to be offered by local financial institutions and NHC. Further details can be obtained from NHC’s Headquarters at East Park Range, Basseterre, St Kitts and its website: www.nhc.kn.

Her Excellency The Governor-General Dame Marcella A. Liburd, GCMG, JP wishes to advise that she will be absent from the Federation for a short duration from Wednesday, May 3, 2023, to attend the Coronation Ceremony of King Charles The Third.
 
During Her Excellency’s absence, His Excellency Mr. Walford Vincent Gumbs, OBE, JP, will serve as Governor-General’s Deputy.  He was administered his Oaths at a brief ceremony at Government House earlier today in accordance with the Constitution. 

The St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force facilitated officers and cadets of the Venezuelan Training School Ship, Liberator Simon Bolívar for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph (War Memorial) on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, to pay homage to St. Kitts and Nevis and Anguilla soldiers killed in World Wars I and II.

“We gather today to recognize the men and women who lost their lives in the World Wars; also, to recognize our men and women martyrs of the successful Maracaibo Lake Battle which is approaching in June… said Chargé d’ Affaires Guzmán.

The Battle of Lake Maracaibo also known as the ‘Naval Battle of the Lake’ was fought on July 24, 1823, on Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo. The battle was won by the Republican forces and was the last battle of the Venezuelan War of Independence and the larger Spanish-American wars of independence. The ships belonged to the forces of Gran Colombia led by Simon Bolívar.

The Venezuelan naval vessel, Simon Bolívar, docked at Port Zante, Basseterre, on April 25, 2023.

“Yesterday, we welcomed the School Ship Simon Bolívar – the Ambassador of the Seas, the Ambassador without borders – in its tour to various destinations in the Caribbean as part of the activities of the 33^rd Overseas Training Cruise CARIBE 2023,” said Mr. Guzman. “This school ship is training a group of Venezuelan Cadets, future officers of our glorious Venezuelan Army that have among their purposes, a flagship of peace and freedom – a dream that our Liberator Simon Bolívar once had.”

Mr. Guzman thanked the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for warmly welcoming the ship and for the support given thus far. He wished the officers, cadets and crew a fruitful and rewarding visit.

The wreath-laying ceremony provided excellent content especially as the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates Diplomatic Week 2023 from April 23-27). It highlighted the respect and close relationship between both countries.

The ceremony was attended by the Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, Non-Resident Ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, His Excellency Dr. Norgen Wilson, as well as senior government officials.