In a significant stride toward strengthening transatlantic cooperation, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has officially welcomed a new delegation of professionals from the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC). The December 29th ceremony in Basseterre marked the beginning of a two-year collaborative initiative focused on enhancing healthcare and educational services through specialized expertise exchange.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who also serves as Minister of Health, characterized the partnership as a concrete manifestation of Africa-Caribbean solidarity that transcends symbolic gestures. “Words are cheap. Action speaks louder than words,” stated Dr. Drew, emphasizing the program’s focus on delivering measurable outcomes for citizens.
The arrival of Nigerian professionals represents a continuation of successful bilateral engagement between the regions. Previous NTAC initiatives have left a lasting legacy, particularly in healthcare, where Nigerian specialists substantially elevated medical standards and earned widespread recognition throughout the Federation.
This cooperation is rooted in historical and cultural connections that bind Africa and the Caribbean through shared ancestry, liberation struggles, and resilience. The current initiative aligns with St. Kitts and Nevis’s foreign policy priorities that emphasize substantive partnerships with African nations and other developing regions based on mutual benefit and common heritage.
Prime Minister Drew expressed confidence that the collaboration would significantly enhance local institutional capabilities while serving as an international model for South-South cooperation. “May your time among us be one of success and impact,” he addressed the incoming professionals, “and may it demonstrate on the world stage that Africa and the Caribbean can work together to build our own future.”
The Nigerian experts will be integrated into key national institutions, bringing advanced technical knowledge, leadership experience, and specialized skills to address development challenges through unified purpose and shared expertise.