The Cabinet Ministers met under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, on Monday 23rd, January, 2023 and made several significant decisions to improve the well-being of our people.
The Cabinet approved a key financial injection of over EC$1 million for the St. Kitts Music Festival. A portion of this support will facilitate the coverage of outstanding debts from the June 2022 staging of the Festival and assist with early marketing and promotion of this year’s event. The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration remains committed to this world-renowned and leading Caribbean Music Festival which was established in 1996 under a previous Labour Party Administration. The 25th edition of the St. Kitts Music Festival is slated for June 2023.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the construction of the Buckley’s Uprising Monument Park. 1.57 acres of land at Buckley’s Estate has been earmarked for the Monument Park. On the eve of the 88th Anniversary of the January 28th, 1935 Uprising, the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration believes proper recognition for the heroes of that day is long overdue.
In that regard, the Cabinet also approved the creation of a Buckley’s Uprising Monument Park Committee, which will spearhead the work in creating a monument park that will be befitting of the sacrifices and memories of those fallen heroes who sparked the birth of democracy not only in St. Kitts and Nevis but throughout the entire Caribbean.
In its pledge to meet the housing needs of our people, the Cabinet approved, in principle, an EC$600 million housing project to provide an estimated over 2000 affordable housing solutions over the next 4-5 years. The requisite due diligence and other key assessments are being carried out before finalisation of the proposed project.
POST-CABINET BRIEFING FOR MONDAY, 23rd JANUARY 2023
St. Kitts to Reform and Implement New Public Service System According to the Standards of ECLAC
St Kitts and Nevis is among several Caribbean nations that are joining Latin America in strengthening the national institutional framework and aiming to implement a “New Public Service” that puts citizens first.
Minister of Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke and Permanent Secretary in the same Ministry, Sherilita “Shez” Dore-Tyson participated virtually in the Conference of Ministers and Heads of Planning of Latin America and the Caribbean held in Santiago, Chile.
The three-day conference, held at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Headquarters from 17th -19th January 2023, analyzed the progress made and the challenges related to implementing the New Public Service throughout the Region.
The “New Public Service” refers to the deepening of democracy by way of proposing an improved relationship shared between the State and its citizens.
The thematic focus areas included more emphasis being placed on foresight and development to public policy, building innovative techniques for a sustainable future, and future proofing development.
What this means is, Governments are now prompted to increase public interest through conversations about shared values. Added to that, the conference of Ministers and Heads of Planning came to an agreement that there must be more collaboration among civil society, academic institutions and the private sector. In this way, it was determined that a governmental structure must be generated that embodies empathetic and collaborative leadership that responds to and serves citizens through discussion and negotiations.
In this way, citizens, their needs, and opinions will help to inform public policy.
Minister Dr. Clarke said the focus on foresight, planning and innovation was critical for addressing key issues affecting St Kitts-Nevis.
“It helps to improve the Federation’s capacity to anticipate shocks,” she said. “We can respond to stresses such as economic, environmental health and more importantly, to align a long-term, ten-year plan with political five-year cycles and annual budgets.”
The outcome of the conference included continued, virtual training for workers in various planning Departments and institutes across the region.
The Reopening of New Road Family Park Creates Great Excitement Especially for Children
The sound of excited children at play rang out at the New Road Family Park on Monday (January 23, 2022) following a ribbon cutting and reopening ceremony for the recreational facility, closed since March 2020.
The Governor General’s Deputy Her Excellency Marcella Liburd, Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Deputy Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, the Parliamentary Representative for the area, the Honourable Marsha Henderson and other Cabinet members joined dozens of persons from the community for the eagerly anticipated reopening,
Azilla Clarke, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, noted that after its opening in January 2014, the park quickly became a popular venue as it served as a child-friendly, family-gathering and celebration space. The facility was renovated while it was closed to enhance safety and functional features while increasing enjoyment.
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Hanley, who holds the portfolio for Social Development, said that the government remains focused on caring for people and investing in their personal and professional development.
“As our people continue to be our greatest and most prized asset for development and export. It is imperative that we provide safe spaces for children to be children as fun and play are critical in child development,” Dr. Hanley stated. “We all know that challenges abound with the raising of children. We encourage family time around the dining table, talking walks, family car rides and family excursions. Let us do things together. This space, the New Road Family Park, is again, one such space where families can be together.”
The Republic of China (Taiwan) provided financing for the establishment of the park in 2014 following a request from the then-representative for the area, Marcella Liburd. Several years later, the Asian country readily agreed to fund the renovations.
“We work hand in hand with the government to improve the quality of life of the people of the Federation by sponsoring many infrastructural projects from Warner Park to Pinney’s Beach, Nevis to this New Road Family Park as the latest,” said His Excellency Michael Lin, Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador, adding that the shipping of the playground equipment from Taiwan and the construction work cost some US$350,000.
Honourable Dr. Hanley thanked Taiwan for its nearly 40 years of excellent friendship and support across multiple sectors.
Concerning the park, the Deputy Prime Minister indicated that an expansion project will be developed by the Department of Social Development in collaboration with the community. The Park will also serve as a model for similar developments in other communities across St. Kitts.
St. Kitts and Nevis and Guatemala Participate in Bilateral Meeting
St. Kitts and Nevis and Guatemala participated in a bilateral meeting on 23rd January 2023 in the margins of the VII Summit of Heads of State and Government of CELAC, in Buenos Aires, Argentina at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Centre.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and his counterpart from Guatemala, the Hon. Mario Bucaro engaged in a wide range of discussions including preparations for the IX ACS Summit which will be held in Guatemala in May of this year; deepening relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and Guatemala through reciprocal visa waiver agreements; training for government officials, including foreign service officers and farmers, cultural exchanges; increasing trade and investment opportunities, including tourism (temporary movement of people), and an invitation to Guatemalan officials and cultural experts to consider attending our fortieth anniversary of Independence.
Both foreign ministers pledged to continue discussions with their respective governments and follow up with future bilateral meetings, with the hope of achieving tangible outcomes.
The Rt. Hon Dr. Douglas was accompanied by Mr. Samuel Berridge, Senior Assistant Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.
Romanian Scholarships for Academic Year 2023-2024
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to share the attached information from the Embassy of Romania relating to the 2023 Call for Scholarships.
Please note that scholarships are not offered in the fields of medicine, dental medicine and pharmacy.
Successful applicants are required to study the language for one year before beginning their programme of choice.
Interested candidates should complete and submit the application form online via https://scholarships.studyinromania.gov.ro/. Please have all documents ready to upload to the portal. Such documents include a copy of one’s diploma/highest degree, academic transcripts, birth certificate, passport, and curriculum vitae.
After submitting the application online, please print a copy and deliver it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, located in Port Zante.
Further information pertaining to the scholarships may be accessed at https://www.mae.ro/en/node/10251
Please note that a deadline of 1st of March, 2023 has been set for the submission of all applications.
Please click on the pdf link below for more information.
Vacancy: Commissioner of Police in the Royal St Christopher & Nevis Police Force
The Ministry of National Security, St Kitts and Nevis, is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Commissioner of Police in the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
Responsibilities include management and planning of the Police Force, reporting to the Ministry of National Security and the implementation of a policing plan designed to enhance the safety and security of residents and citizens. The Police Commissioner will also undertake the general administration of the Force, execute the policy directives of the Ministry, oversee and direct the design of a crime-fighting strategy and advise Government on crime patterns/trends.
Necessary qualifications include a degree in a relevant field such as security or criminology; professional qualifications in security management from a recognized institution; and a minimum of five (5) years in positions of management within the field of law enforcement.
Applications must be accompanied by proof of nationality, curriculum vitae, reference language proficiency and two (2) references.
The deadline for applications is 3 February 2023 and must be submitted to: The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of National Security & Immigration, Liverpool Row, Basseterre, St Kitts or emailed to: cecile.hull@police.kn. For further information please call 1 869 467 – 1534.
Radio Stations please air from 23 January to 3 February, 2023.
As ECCB Celebrates 40 Years, Governor Antoine Says Ec Dollar Remains Strong With a Foreign Reserves Backing of 91 Percent
Speaking at the Launch of ECCB’s (Eastern Caribbean Central Bank) at the ECCB Sir Cecil Jacob Auditorium on January 19, Governor of the ECCB, Timothy N. J. Antoine said that the EC dollar remains strong with a foreign reserves backing of 91 percent.
“Forty years on our foreign reserves have grown from under EC$150 million to over EC$5 billion. Bank deposits have risen from EC$1 billion to over EC$24 billion; and our staff complement has increased from 55 to 272 with representation from every member country,” Governor Antoine said. “This evening, I confirm that our EC dollar remains strong with a foreign reserves backing of 91 percent.”
However, Governor Antoine said that all have not been smooth sailing.
“Our celebration of this milestone is especially gratifying because the past 40 years have been anything but smooth sailing. We have endured external economic shocks, hurricanes, volcanoes, recessions, and most recently, a pandemic. But here we are, still standing,” he said.
“Lest we forget, our fair isles were not given much hope or help (hence our argument for reparatory justice) to survive. After the demise of the British Caribbean Currency Board, the territories in the Eastern Caribbean pitched tent with Barbados and formed the Eastern Caribbean Currency Authority in 1965. However, when Barbados attained independence in 1966 and subsequently set up its own central bank in 1972, we were on our own. Sir Arthur Lewis’ article styled “the Agony of the Eight” paints a vivid picture of the constitutional crisis and psychological pain of that moment,” the Governor added.
“So, what did we do? Fighting for survival, we came together and eventually formed the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States in 1981 and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank in 1983. The rest is history,” he said.
He said that the ECCU (Eastern Caribbean Currency Union) is one of the strongest monetary unions in the world.
“Over this 40-year adventure, the ECCB has entertained and educated visitors from the European Union, the Bank of Central African States (which comprise 6 countries), and the Gulf Council (which includes Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and UAE), all of which have sought the ECCB’s counsel on the making and sustaining of a successful monetary union,” he said.
Governor Antoine paid tribute to his predecessors which include Sir Cecil Jacobs, the first governor, who served for 6 years; Sir K. Dwight Venner, the second governor longest serving with 26 years; Sir Errol Allen, the first and longest-serving deputy governor of 22 years; and Mr. Trevor Brathwaite, the second deputy governor serving for 15 years.
He made a clarion call for the next decade to be “a strong decade of resilience and transformation—a big push”. He said the focus of the ECCU in those ten years should be on wealth creation, food and nutrition security, energy security and digital transformation.
“As a region, we cannot change our history, we cannot change our geography but collectively we can elevate our development trajectory through innovation and collective action,” Governor Antoine said.
The ECCB 40th Anniversary Launch was attended by Heads of State, and Heads of Government including Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Saint Lucia and Chairman of the Monetary Council, who delivered the keynote address, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew who presented the award to the Rt. Excellent and Rt. Honourable Dr. Sir Kennedy Simmonds, former Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, National Hero and the sole surviving signatory of the ECCB Agreement in Trinidad on July 05, 1983. Deputy Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey, Attorney General Hon. Garth Wilkin, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, members of the monetary council, ECCB Board Members, Deputy Governor of the ECCB, Dr. Valda Henry, ECCB Management and staff and other officials.
Department of Sports Resumes Popular Primary School Sports Meet
Hundreds of children and proud parents from the Basseterre area, as well as track and field lovers, filled the Kim Collins Athletic Stadium on Thursday, January 19, 2023, for the return of the Department of Sports Public Primary Schools Zonal Championships. It was the first time the event was staged since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thursday’s meet, sponsored by the Bank of Nevis Ltd, was contested by student-athletes from the Beach Allen, Irishtown, Tucker Clarke and Dr. William Connor primary schools.
Minister of Sports, the Honourable Samal Duggins, attended the event and commented on the exciting atmosphere at the stadium.
“Sports is a major part of any child’s natural development because physically we have to stay active to stay healthy,” Minister Duggins stated. “It is actually surprising to walk in and see so many persons, so vibrant, so active and engaged and coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic it’s good to see us outside again in a social environment where young people can enjoy what they love doing.”
Minister Duggins was called upon to present medals to several student-athletes taking the winner’s podium. It marked his first time at a track and field event since being appointed Minister of Sports in August 2022. He said that this was a proud moment.
“Just looking at the athletes putting their all into it (the competition) and to be able to say thank you for what you are doing for your school, for your country, and thank you for the example you are exhibiting to all of the other schools and children, it is an honour for me to say thank you by presenting the medals,” the Minister expressed.
The Basseterre Zone Competition was won by the Dr. William Connor Primary School, which won a total of 40 medals, with 21 gold. Holding second place was the Tucker Clarke Primary School with 35 medals, of which 10 were gold. The Irishtown Primary School earned 24 medals, with four gold, while the Beach Allen Primary School won 15 medals with two gold.
The next zonal competition will be held on January 26, 2023, at St. Mary’s Park in Cayon. The East 1 Zone includes the Deane Glasford, Cayon, Joshua Obadiah, Violet Petty, and Estridge primary schools.
“This Government and This Ministry Will Solve the Water Problem”—Hon. Konris Maynard
Minister of Public Infrastructure and Utilities et al, the Honourable Konris Maynard said the Government has committed to fixing the water problem that the country has been faced with.
Responding to a question about the water issue at the Prime Minister’s Press Conference on January 18, Minister Maynard said that the Government is putting its money where its mouth is since it assumed office on the 5th August, 2022.
“In the last Budget that was passed, we increased the Budget for water by 260 percent. In 2022, before we took office, the Budget was 8.7 million dollars and the Budget of 2023 is 22.7 million dollars, an increase of 14 million dollars,” Minister Maynard said.
“That shows the commitment of the Government to deal with the water issue. I want to stress that there has been no investment and no attention paid to water in seven years and so we come in on the heels of a national crisis and so I want to say that this Government and this Ministry will solve the water problem,” he said.
He explained that St. Kitts is only capable of producing 5.6 million gallons of water per day, but in order to sustain the country for 24 hours a day in a seven-day week, the country needs to produce about seven 7 million gallons.
The Staff of the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, ICT, Et Al Attends Thanksgiving Church Service
Staff of the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information and Communication and Technology, and Post held a thanksgiving service at the People’s Evangelistic Centre on the 17th of January to show appreciation to their staff for their dedication and hard work during the year 2022.
The Honourable Konris Maynard under whose portfolio the ministries fall said he honoured all staff members and showed appreciation for their efforts in continuing to prop up, sustain and maintain the efficacy of the ministries.
The Minister highlighted this year’s Budget, stating, “As a Ministry, this year’s Budget reflects the outcome of careful planning which shows us that we are well positioned to aid the Government in its economic recovery.”
He added, “The past year has seen us slowly emerge from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic and as a Ministry, we remain as determined as ever to align our work to the rebuilding of our economy and assisting our most vulnerable communities. I am therefore pleased to report that the year ahead will see the completion of major infrastructure projects that are affordable, and the overall investment envelope is sustainable.”
The Minister also reiterated the Public Works Department’s commitment to the society stating that the department will continue to tirelessly work to enhance the quality of life and safety of all citizens in the Federation.
He added that the Public Works Department will do so by “providing a good public road network that facilitates the safe and efficient flow of traffic.”
“We will ensure that all newly constructed government buildings meet the relevant international electrical, plumbing and structural standards, provide quality service through a very responsive and responsible team committed to high standards, accountability and effective maintenance of the country’s infrastructure,” Minister Maynard said.
Minister Maynard also highlighted protecting the water resources in the country, making sure that they are well-managed, properly used, effectively conserved and adequately developed for effective water supply. He also pledged his support for the use of renewable energy as he believes it is a critical part of the Federation’s energy transition.