Basseterre, Saint Kitts, March 13, 2026 (SKNIS): Youth seeking to establish new businesses to meet the growing demand for expanding services in Saint Kitts and Nevis will soon have access to a new unit in government that will provide assistance.
At the Roundtable engagement with the press on March 10, 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, outlined plans to establish the Youth Economic Empowerment Bureau. He stated that the new Bureau will directly engage young people as they take advantage of emerging sectors in tourism, agriculture, and the orange economy.
The prime minister referenced the yachting sector, which is rapidly growing. He explained that Safe Harbour has provided a list of skills and support services needed at the marina, which ideally can be filled by enterprising youth with the right support and training.
“Let’s get our youth prepared,” he expressed. “Train them, give them access to grants or soft loans to start their business.”
Dr. Drew encouraged the nation’s youth to “continue to work hard, to dream and to think big.” The programmes and initiatives under the Youth Economic Empowerment Bureau will provide a pathway for financing, along with foundational principles, knowledge, and skills that are essential to success.
“We have been helping, but we want to now be laser-focussed to make sure that you [entrepreneurs] get the help to move to the next level,” he stated.
Against the backdrop of global conflicts and shifting geopolitical tensions, Prime Minister Drew noted that there will be challenges caused by external factors. However, he expressed confidence that “we will overcome and continue to advance and thrive as a Federation.”
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