Members of the Federal Cabinet, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Heads of Departments recently participated in and successfully completed training in high-level management training in public service.
 
Permanent Secretaries were the first to benefit from the training sessions. Their exercises were held during the period Monday 13th  to Friday 17th February at the Koi Resort. This was followed by the training of Heads of Departments and Directors at the CUNA Conference Center from Tuesday 21st to Wednesday 22nd February.
 

Members of the Federal Cabinet were then engaged in the two-day (February 23-24) high-level leadership and governance training programme. This session was facilitated at the Cabinet Room in the Prime Minister’s Office at Government Headquarters.
 
All three sessions were facilitated by Dr. Roger Koranteng, Adviser and Head of Public Sector Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat. St. Kitts and Nevis’ High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Dr. Kevin Isaac is credited for initiating the conversation with the Commonwealth Secretariat in partnering with the Government on this venture.
 
Facilitator Dr. Koranteng has over 28 years of combined experience in lecturing, consultancy and international management and leadership. Currently, he is responsible for governance and public sector programmes in all the 53 Commonwealth countries. In this role, Dr. Koranteng dialogues with Heads of Government and senior public officials and development partners for their support, resources and buy-in for public sector reforms.
 
Since joining the Secretariat in 2008, Dr. Koranteng has delivered over two hundred and fifty (250) senior level executive seminars and capacity development programmes around the world.
 
Topics covered during the training sessions included good governance, ethics and integrity, emotional intelligence, effective public sector management, organization compliance, risk management, conflict management and the application of the ‘Pareto Principle’ in the civil service.
 
Commenting on the high-level training sessions, Head of the Civil Service in the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, Ms. Thelma Richard stated that, “The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, having recognized the need for improvement in key areas, has committed to improving the quantity and quality of sessions offered in order to improve access to information, build capacity of civil servants and improve service delivery.”
 
The training sessions for Cabinet members, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments were the first in a series of sessions planned for the civil service in 2023.

The Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas continues to forge strong partnerships on the side-lines of the 44th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

On Thursday 16th February, 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas held bilateral talks with the Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Matsubara Yukata.

The engagement covered a wide range of issues including expanding cooperation to tackle current challenges to food security, fisheries, and sustainable marine life and tourism.  Both sides also expressed their commitment to continue to support each other in the international arena.

Foreign Minister Douglas used the opportunity to congratulate Japan on its successful bid to host EXPO 2025 in Osaka, confirmed Saint Kitts and Nevis’ participation, and wished Japan well as it continues to prepare for this highly anticipated international exhibition.

Ambassador Matsubara also congratulated Dr. Douglas on his appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and reiterated the strong and friendly bonds that both countries have built on a firm foundation of shared values.

Turning attention to the Japanese presidency of the G7 and the Summit in Hiroshima in May 2023, Dr. Douglas in extending congratulations and wishes for success, also articulated some of the pivotal issues Small Island Developing States (SIDS) continue to confront and expressed appreciation in advance for Japan’s advocacy role in this premier international forum.

Saint Kitts and Nevis and Japan enjoy almost 40 years of strong collaboration to build capacity and strengthen systems in key areas such as diplomacy, disaster management, fisheries and the environment.

Minister of Foreign Affairs et al, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas attended the Seventeenth Special Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in Nassau, The Commonwealth of the Bahamas on Wednesday, 15^th February, 2023.  

This important Organ, COFCOR of the Caribbean Community is capitalizing on the Forty-Fourth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of CARICOM to engage with several State and non-State actors including the Republic of Korea, the United States of America, the European Delegation, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Azerbaijan to fuel the Region’s own efforts to recover and build resilience in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This forum offered the opportunity to the Region’s top diplomats to realize one of COFCOR’s main objectives to coordinate foreign policy. In addition to receiving reports from the Chairs and co-Chairs of subcommittees emanating from the Ninth Summit of the Americas, Foreign Ministers received reports on preparation for upcoming global events and provided input on multiple multilateral initiatives to advance the development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).  

Discussions centered on key priorities for the CARICOM inter alia, food security, climate action and financing for development.  The Ministers reiterated the call for the transformation of the international financial architecture to create greater access to development funds and for a Multi-dimensional Index that accurately reflects the realities of SIDS.

Minister Douglas supported his regional counterparts in advocating for enhanced assistance in being able to move renewable energy projects to a “bankable” stage.

 Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, while addressing the opening ceremony of the Forty-Fourth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), called on international financial institutions to give greater consideration to using the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) that takes into consideration the unique characteristics and climate vulnerabilities of small island developing states when they want to access concessionary funding.
 
Prime Minister Dr. Drew said CARICOM strongly believes that the Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index is a more holistic metric for addressing the complex issues in the region.
 
“The MVI Matrix is more closely aligned with the ever-present dangers we face on an annual basis, having to endure the ravages of natural disasters, including hurricanes, drought, volcanic eruptions, and rising sea levels. Assessing our high GDP does not adequately consider our vulnerability to economic and climate-related shocks. The global development agenda demands the pursuit of a holistic approach to addressing vulnerability, and the provision of solutions that are consultative, effective, and sustainable,” he said while delivering his maiden address at the high-level regional meeting which is being held in The Commonwealth of the Bahamas from 15^th -17^th February, 2023.
 
“The time has come for international financial institutions to take positive action to address the realities we face and enable us not only to recover from national disasters but adapt to the existential threat of climate change by building stronger, more resilient communities to benefit the lives of our people,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew added.
 
Prime Minister Dr. Drew said that the Caribbean Community faces myriad challenges including vulnerability to external economic shocks, heavy dependence on a few products or services, frequent and more intense natural disasters, and high costs associated with debt and climate change adaptation and mitigation, among others.
 
“These overlapping challenges are cross-cutting in their effect. They impact all sectors of the economy, forcing us to play catch-up as we advance our respective development agenda. CARICOM has remained an effective forum for its members to carve out a space for dialogue in the international community to seriously address the structural challenges we face as small island developing states,” said Dr. Drew.

The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has committed itself to help strengthen regional integration as it wholeheartedly embraces the importance of regional integration to strengthening Caribbean economies.

This view was proffered by Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, at the Opening Ceremony of the 44th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government on February 15, 2023, in The Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

“St. Kitts and Nevis remains committed to the strengthening of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which we regard as a training ground for engaging with the wider global economy,” said Prime Minister Dr. Drew. “We believe in the free movement of skills, services, goods, capital, and all the other key elements of the CSME. We view the region as a single space for the people of our region to live, engage in robust economic activity and advance the economic, social, and cultural prospects of our region.”

Prime Minister Dr. Drew mentioned that intra-regional travel is an important component of advancing regional integration.

 “Mr. Chairman, it is difficult for us to extol the virtues of the CSME without addressing the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’ – intra-regional transport. The reality is that it is too difficult and too costly for the people of the region to move and enjoy the benefits of true integration within the single space which has been created for them to do so at optimal levels,” said Dr. Drew. 

“Coming to this meeting in the beautiful Bahamas is an example of a disconnect between our countries. A number of delegations had to transit through Miami, and perhaps overnight there before flying to our sister CARICOM-Member destination.  It should take less than 24 hours to move from country to country within our region.”

Prime Minister Drew added, “Compared to developed countries with highly developed transport means and modalities, the Caribbean remains at a disadvantage in realizing the benefits of the CSME that the framers of the CARICOM Treaty envisaged. Moving from New York to Washington DC takes a mere four hours by car and less than two hours by aircraft. The contrast is a stark reality of the challenge we face on an ongoing basis.”

Dr. Drew referenced Chapter Six of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which provides the framework for inter alia namely, the organization of efficient, reliable, affordable transport services throughout the Community, as well as the promotion of co-operative arrangements for the provision of transport services.

While attending the Seventeenth Meeting of the COFCOR, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas carved out valuable time to dialogue with bilateral partners on deepening ties to generate mutual and sustainable yields.

In a side meeting with US Special Presidential Advisor Chris Dodd, the Minister commended the United States for its recent efforts to engage at a deeper and more frequent level and expressed appreciation for the benefits that accrue as a consequence. Minister Douglas shared security concerns that have long existed and reiterated the government’s request to address the ongoing issues.

In another meeting, the Minister seized the opportunity to forge a more meaningful relationship with a non-traditional partner – Azerbaijan, with the potential for greater cooperation. The Honourable Dr. Douglas was happy to share that a national is currently pursuing studies in Azerbaijan. The Minister intimated that “given our high literacy rate of 98% and a youthful population, there is a growing demand to pursue higher education and therefore St Kitts and Nevis welcomes and appreciates the offer of scholarships”. Dr. Douglas stated some areas that exist for closer collaboration. During the meeting, Azerbaijan Ambassador, H.E. Rushan Rzayev extended an invitation for high-level participation from Saint Kitts and Nevis in the upcoming Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Contact Group on Post-Pandemic Recovery to take place in Baku on 2^nd  March, 2023.

Saint Kitts and Nevis and Azerbaijan established diplomatic relations in 1995, but interactions have been sparse. It is hoped that this recent “tete-a-tete” will serve as a launching pad for more effective engagements.

Good day fellow citizens and residents. It is with a heavy heart that I address the nation today. On Tuesday 14^th February after the close of school, a shocking, senseless act of violence unfolded on the premises of the Irishtown Primary School. This horrific crime has resulted in the death of one of our security officers. I am appalled at the callous disregard for human life and condemn ALL acts of violence. Our schools are Safe Zones where members of the school community should feel safe. Therefore, the Ministry of Education views this violent act as a direct attack on the education fraternity and the wider school community. I am certain that the effects from this heinous crime will reverberate throughout the school and surrounding neighbourhood and as such we pledge to do everything within our power to re-establish that sense of safety and security at the Irishtown Primary School.

Every member of staff is viewed as being critical to the daily operation of the school and this officer was no different. The education sector has lost a stalwart who will be remembered as a punctual, kind-hearted helpful officer. My heart and prayers go out to the family. Words are inadequate to quell the grief you may feel, however, I pray that the good Lord strengthens and upholds you during this very difficult time. The Ministry of Education mourns with you and we pledge our continued support.

Parents and Guardians, kindly take note that we have closed Irishtown Primary School for face-to-face instruction from today, Wednesday 15 to Friday 17 February to allow our staff and students to receive compassionate care. Furthermore, school updates will be given on Friday 17 February, via ZIZ and other media houses.

Citizens and residents, it is imperative that the family, students and staff are given the opportunity to grieve with little to no intrusion and I ask that you respect their privacy. Today, in my capacity as Acting Prime Minister, I am urging all of you to give your support to and cooperation to the police as they work diligently to solve these crimes. The Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, who is currently on duty overseas wishes to convey his sincerest condolences to the family, staff and students of the Irishtown Primary School.

In closing, citizens and residents we have a collective responsibility to be agents of peace so that our federation remains a ‘country where peace abounds’.

Have a good day and may God continue to bless and comfort us all.

Thank you.


Access Video via Link: https://youtu.be/8VAGvmEbqvQ

The Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Lanein Blanchette, headed the delegation of St. Kitts and Nevis to the Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations hosted by the President of the 77^th UN General Assembly and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.  The two-day meeting is convened under the theme “Water for People and the Planet: Stop the Waste, Change the Game, Invest in the Future” and brings together Parliamentarians from around the world in a lively debate on the looming inter-continental water crisis in order to renew a sense of purpose and solidarity to address these challenges and create modalities for crisis management and transformation.  Some of the topics that will be explored include:

• Sustainable Development Goal 6 as a linchpin of Sustainable Development;
• Access to safe water and sanitation as a human right;
• Climate Change and Water Scarcity: Building Resilience to avoid the worst;
• Financing infrastructure for sanitation and water services: The trillion-dollar challenge;
• Towards a more inclusive water policy: Leaving no one behind.

“The main aim of the meeting is to explore what parliamentarians can do to address the water challenges that we face in common as relates to ownership, management and financing,” said Ms. Blanchette.  “Water scarcity is a challenge we face in St. Kitts and Nevis and I intend to use my platform to bring the issue of human rights to water and sanitation to the fore and help to spur better decision-making within our legislature for more inclusive and effective water delivery and management policies for the public good”.

The Parliamentary Hearing is a major event preparatory to the upcoming United Nations Water Conference that will be held at the United Nations  Headquarters on 22nd -24th March 2023.  “Given the critical importance of water to our Federation, I have been assured that St. Kitts and Nevis will be well represented at the upcoming Water Conference, which is the first of its kind to be held since the 1970s.  Cooperation and partnerships between countries are essential to addressing our challenges and obstacles and to explore best practices and innovative solutions for accelerating progress in this key plank of our sustainable development agenda,” said H.E. Nerys Dockery, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations.

“The government of St. Kitts and Nevis through its parliamentary and diplomatic representatives intends to do its utmost to ensure that its multilateral engagements will lead to concrete results through concrete actions and plans on the ground. Nobody can prosper until we all prosper; nobody can lead a healthy life until the entire environment and the people around us are healthy too,” Ambassador Dockery concluded.

On Friday 10^th February, 2023, The Right Honourable Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Investment received a courtesy call from His Excellency Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Saint Kitts and Nevis. His Excellency Srinivasa’s visit was part of the celebrations to mark the occasion of the Republic Day of India observed each year on January 26^th.
 
High Commissioner Srinivasa recalled the strong diplomatic relations and the mutually beneficial interests shared between the two states in areas of trade, social, economic and cultural ties, capacity building and international cooperation. His Excellency provided an update on outstanding projects to be concluded with Saint Kitts and Nevis including the funding for the construction of the New St. Peters Health Centre under the India- UN Partnership Fund programme, and pledged to expand the areas of cooperation to include energy, agriculture, agro-processing, security and security-related matters.
 
 
The Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas congratulated The Republic of India on its Independence and Republic Day and commended India for its stellar leadership and being a reliable partner in a world continually shifting geopolitical dynamics. The Foreign Minister noted that “the world is dramatically changing and India is a country upon which the world will have to rely upon”.  The Right Honourable Douglas further noted India’s strong support and commitment to the Caribbean region, CARICOM and in particular, Saint Kitts and Nevis adding that “India has been kind to us in making the transition post-COVID and providing strong support in healthcare, and we are extremely grateful for that.”
 
The Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas assured His Excellency of the Government and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ solidarity between the two states adding that “India can rely on Saint Kitts and Nevis as a partner” and its commitment to the further deepening of the bonds of friendship for the greater advancement of the people of our countries.
 
Among the matters discussed were energy and sustainability, agriculture, security, capacity building, information technology, job creation and investment, and cooperation in international fora.
 
High Commissioner Srinivasa also paid courtesy calls to Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd GCMG, JP, Governor-General, Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and other members of the Federal Cabinet of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
 
Also, a celebratory reception was hosted by His Excellency Srinivasa with the members of the Indian community in honour of Republic Day 2023.