Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 08, 2025 (SKNIS): The Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, used the opportunity during his first RoundTable for 2025, on Tuesday, January 07, to commend key stakeholders for their outstanding contributions to the success and security of the recent Sugar Mas 53 Carnival celebrations. The annual festivities, widely regarded as the largest and most vibrant in the nation’s history, were made possible through the collective efforts of dedicated individuals and organisations.
Prime Minister Drew extended heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister responsible for Carnival, Director of Carnival Clement O’Garro, Chair of Carnival Shannon Hawley, and their respective teams. He noted that their exceptional coordination and visionary leadership were instrumental in orchestrating the Carnival, which has been hailed as a hallmark of cultural pride and unity.
The prime minister, who also serves as the Minister of National Security, also highlighted the vital contributions of the security forces and frontline workers who safeguarded the festivities. He expressed his sincere appreciation to Commissioner of Police James Sutton and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF), as well as Acting Commander Major Kayode Sutton and the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF), for ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis in fostering a safe and secure environment during the festivities.
“I want to also thank our people for being a part of the whole thrust of making sure that the season was a safe season, a season that, of course, was marked by a sense of security, which of course extended after our 90-day campaign,” he said.
Reflecting on the nation’s continued commitment to public safety, Dr. Drew highlighted ongoing efforts to address citizen security with a renewed focus on public health.
“And now we are in the season of what we call our citizen security and dealing with the issues from a public health perspective. And I want to say that this is very much welcomed,” he stated.
He added that the government of St. Kitts and Nevis remains committed to ensuring that cultural celebrations like Sugar Mas continue to thrive in a safe and secure environment, fostering national pride and unity for generations to come.