Author: SKNISEditor

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 20, 2024 (SKNIS): The Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Economic Development and Investment, highlighted the achievements of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2024, during his support for the 2025 Budget Debate on Friday, December 20, 2024. In 2024, St. Kitts and Nevis further strengthened its diplomatic ties, formalising relations with Pakistan, Cape Verde, Palau, Lebanon, and Comoros. A Visa Waiver Agreement with Kazakhstan was also signed, easing travel for citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis. Senior Minister Dr. Douglas said that the ministry…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 20, 2024 (SKNIS) – Minister of International Trade, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, said the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards (SKNBS) is positioning itself to ensure that as the Federation transitions to a sustainable island state, it does so with the assurances of good quality and maintenance of public health. In a passionate presentation on the 2025 Budget Debate in the National Assembly on December 20, 2024, Senior Minister Dr. Douglas said that the bureau is committed to raising national standards to ensure product quality, consumer safety and global competitiveness. This, according to…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 19, 2024 (SKNIS): The proposed allocation for the 2025 fiscal year is set to increase as the government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to make meaningful and strategic investments to address the ongoing water shortages brought about by climate change. During his contribution to the 2025 Budget Debate on December 19, 2024, the Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister responsible for the Water Services Department (WSD), presented figures to the National Assembly that highlighted the government’s strong commitment to expanding water access for communities across the island. “The budget (allocation) for 2022, was a paltry $8.5 million,” Honourable…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 19, 2024 (SKNIS) – Taking into account an increase in the number of diagnoses in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Ministry of Education intends to place greater emphasis on autism spectrum disorder in the upcoming year 2025. That assurance was given by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, while outlining his ministries’ plans and objectives for the next financial year, during day three of the 2025 Budget Debate on December 19, 2024. Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socialises…

Basseterre, St. Kitts – December 19, 2024, (PMO) – During today’s sitting of theNational Assembly, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Senator Latoya Jones, firmly upheldparliamentary standards by addressing and resolving unfounded allegations made byOpposition Member Hon. Shawn Richards, representative for St. Christopher Five.Hon. Richards alleged that government ministers were using public resources to fuelprivate vehicles. However, when asked to provide factual evidence to support his claims,Hon. Richards was unable to do so. The Deputy Speaker requested that the allegations beretracted to maintain the integrity of the House and prevent the dissemination ofmisinformation. “Honorable Member for St. Christopher Five, if…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 19, 2024 (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is pushing forward with its Digital Transformation Strategy recognising that technology and innovation are essential tools that are central to achieving the sustainable island state agenda. The Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister responsible for Information, Communication, and Technology, is leading the charge in digital transformation and innovation. On Thursday, December 19, 2024, during Day Three of the 2025 Budget Debate, he emphasised the importance of ensuring that the public is prepared to effectively utilise the new tools being introduced to improve digital efficiency. “We recognise Madame Deputy Speaker,…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 19, 2024 (SKNIS) – The Honourable Konris Maynard commenced his presentation on the 2025 Budget on December 19, 2024, by providing a comprehensive update on the government’s thrust towards full digital transformation, underpinned by the development and delivery of the Electronic Identification (eID) System that will enable seamless interactions between citizens and government services. The eID system falls under the Ministry of Information, Communications, Technology’s (ICT) Digital Identity Authentication Project which aims to develop a Digital Identity Authentication System with a card to provide citizens and residents with a secure and reliable means of identifying themselves…

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, December 19th, 2024 (PMO) – The Budget Boost Wallet(BBW), announced by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, during his Budget 2025presentation, is already making waves across the federation and the region. This transformativeinitiative, set to commence in January 2025, is designed to provide direct and meaningful relief toindividuals and households grappling with the rising cost of living.The Budget Boost Wallet will provide a monthly payment of $250 to individuals earning up to$5,000 per month, for a period of six months, totaling $1,500 per recipient. Importantly, this supportis offered on a per-person basis. For households with…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2024 (SKNIS): The 90-Day Campaign Against Violence and Crime, launched in St. Kitts and Nevis in September 2024, was a resounding success as it fostered enhanced collaboration among public, private, and civil society stakeholders, and encouraged a deeper focus on the root causes of crime. The outcome of the campaign facilitated the development of evidence-based strategies aimed at ensuring long-term safety and security. As the attention now shifts to Beyond the 90-Days, Minister of State, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, said that the government through its Citizen Security Secretariat, will continue the whole-of-society approach” that it has…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2024 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Sports has invested millions of dollars to upgrade the island’s premier cricket and track and field facilities, aiming to boost opportunities for hosting international events and improve training for local athletes.Minister of Sports, the Honourable Samal Duggins, told the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, that when he assumed office in 2022, many of the national and community sporting facilities were in disrepair, having received little to no investment for years.A comprehensive upgrade project at the Kim Collins Athletic Stadium began in July 2023, which required a complete overhaul of…