Author: SKNISEditor

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS): Construction of the model smart homes by the East Coast Housing Development Ltd. is progressing well, with the construction of the finished roof about to begin. While many are eagerly awaiting the completion of these houses, the National Housing Corporation (NHC) will embark on other housing solutions to meet the incredible demand for homes. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Human Settlement, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, said that the government has budgeted more than eight (8) million dollars to facilitate other housing initiatives apart from the 2,400 homes in five…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS): During her participation in the 2024 Budget Debate on Monday, December 18, 2023, the Honourable Marsha Henderson, Minister of Employment and Labour, outlined the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis’ proactive steps to support small businesses in the anticipation of the forthcoming increase in the minimum wage. Effective January 01, 2024, the national minimum wage will rise from $9 per hour ($360.00 per week) to $10.75 per hour ($430.00 per week), with a further increase to $12.50 per hour ($500.00 per week) scheduled for July 01, 2025. Recognizing the potential impact on small…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS) – The Honourable Marsha Henderson said the Ministry of Tourism, which she leads, will look to promote and encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices across the tourism sector, thus ensuring the protection of the Federation’s unique features. “As we march forward on the journey to a Sustainable Island State, it is incumbent upon us to recognise the pivotal role of tourism in not only driving economic prosperity, but also the importance of safeguarding our ecological heritage and nurturing the well-being of our local communities, which is the essence of what we call…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS) – Throughout the year, the Ministry of Agriculture has been putting the necessary mechanisms in place to ensure that poultry production in St. Kitts and Nevis, will play a more significant role in the agriculture sector going forward. Agriculture officials reported earlier that poultry accounts for more than 80 percent of the meat consumed in the region, and as such the ministry is squarely focused on reducing the importation of this critical food source by investing heavily to increase layer chicken production and broiler poultry production in the Federation. It is anticipated that…

Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit – (December 18, 2023) On International Migrants Day, the world contemplates and celebrates the positive impacts migrants have made in their adopted homelands. In her 2023 International Migration Day Address, Director-General of the UN International Organization for Migration, Ms Amy Pope said, “People on the move are powerful drivers for development in both their origin and destination countries, as workers, students, entrepreneurs, family members, artists, and much more.” Today’s celebration is commemorated under the theme, “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights”. The government of Saint Kitts and Nevis is ever mindful that…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 15, 2023 (SKNIS): The Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) in St. Kitts and Nevis will transition and evolve into the Livelihood Improvement for Family Transformation (LIFT) programme. The upgrade, slated for 2024, is a direct response to the need to offer opportunities to genuinely empower beneficiaries, while addressing the numerous anomalies that plagued the Poverty Alleviation Programme [PAP] cash transfer system since it was established in 2018. The announcement of LIFT was made by Senator and Minister of State responsible for social development, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, while contributing to the 2024 Budget Debate on December 14,…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 15, 2023 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs will expand its online application and payment processes in 2024, as it seeks to improve efficiency in meeting the needs of the public. During the 2024 Budget Debate on December 14, 2023, Senator and Minister of State, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, said that the rollout of new digital processes is based on the success of the online 2022 reregistration for the Poverty Alleviation Programme and the 2023 Back-to-School Voucher Programme. “In keeping with our thrust to improve system efficiencies, the Ministry of Social Development and…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 15, 2023 (SKNIS): During the 2024 Budget Debate in the National Assembly on December 14, 2023, Senator, the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, outlined a transformative vision for St. Kitts and Nevis, emphasizing sustainable development and social equity. “St. Kitts and Nevis is at the vanguard of regional progress and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to people. This is largely due to a multi-dimensional approach to poverty alleviation by a comprehensive mapping of vulnerability and expanding economic opportunities for the poorest amongst us,” said Dr. Clarke. A…