BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts – June 29, 2026 – Just days after the conclusion of the 28th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, the federation’s top leader has publicly lauded local security and emergency response teams for their exceptional performance across two high-stakes recent operations.
Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, who serves as both Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, gathered senior leadership from across the nation’s security sector for a high-level strategic meeting on June 29 to conduct a full review of security operations that kept the annual multi-day music festival safe for all attendees. During the briefing, Drew received a full breakdown of the coordinated work carried out by four key entities: the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, the local Coast Guard, and additional supporting public agencies.
Officials outlined how cross-agency collaboration, consistent vigilance, and strict professional standards allowed the team to proactively manage risks throughout the festival, keeping both local residents and international visitors out of harm’s way. The meeting also turned to another urgent recent event: the Apple Syder maritime incident. Coast Guard leaders provided a detailed update on the response to the emergency at sea, prompting Drew to praise the quick, united, and brave action taken by all responding emergency personnel. Their rapid, decisive intervention led to every passenger and crew member on the distressed vessel being brought to safety with no reported fatalities or serious injuries.
Following the briefing, Drew called on the entire population of Saint Kitts and Nevis to join him in extending heartfelt thanks to all uniformed personnel, emergency responders, and support staff that contributed to both successful outcomes. “These men and women carry out their duties often in demanding, dangerous conditions, and their service embodies the highest possible standards of public service,” Drew emphasized in remarks following the meeting.
“The safety and well-being of our people will always be our highest priority. Every day, the men and women of our security services and emergency response agencies place themselves in harm’s way to protect lives, preserve order, and safeguard our nation,” he added. “Their professionalism, courage, discipline, and steadfast dedication to duty deserve not only our deepest gratitude but also our fullest support and respect. The outstanding work demonstrated during the St. Kitts Music Festival and the Apple Syder rescue operation is a powerful reminder that when our agencies work together, there is no challenge too great for this Federation to overcome.”
The government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to expanding the operational capacity of the nation’s security and emergency response sectors. Officials recognize that the preparedness and dedication of these teams are foundational to protecting civilian lives, supporting stable communities, and maintaining the federation’s reputation as a safe, welcoming destination for visitors from across the globe.