The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has embarked on a transformative fiscal journey with Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew presenting a comprehensive EC$1.074 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year. Characterized as fundamentally “people-centered,” this financial blueprint prioritizes substantial investments across critical sectors including education, healthcare, national security, and infrastructure modernization.
Educational advancement receives a significant boost with a total allocation of EC$122.8 million, marking a notable 14.8% increase from the previous year. This investment will fuel ongoing initiatives such as the Basseterre Climate Smart School project while accelerating smart classroom integration, establishing a National Teaching Council for educator certification, and implementing a results-oriented educational framework focused on graduation rates and employment outcomes.
Healthcare transformation is allocated EC$98.8 million to address demographic challenges including an aging population and declining birth rates. The funding will expand personalized medical services across primary and secondary facilities, support the development of climate-resilient hospital infrastructure, and enhance medical equipment and safety protocols.
National security and disaster preparedness receive EC$87.3 million, funding comprehensive safety initiatives including police station refurbishments, advanced traffic management systems, equipment modernization, and the establishment of a second fire station in Nevis to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
The budget demonstrates strong commitment to sustainable development through EC$74.5 million for public infrastructure projects encompassing coastal development, road construction, slope stabilization, and water management systems. A new asphalt plant acquisition represents a key capital priority alongside desalination and well integration projects.
Renewable energy transformation stands as a cornerstone initiative with ambitious targets for 100% renewable energy by 2030. The government plans incentives for solar-powered homes with grid-sellback capabilities while advancing a major solar photovoltaic and battery storage project expected to meet 40% of national energy demand and generate approximately 350 jobs during implementation.
Digital government advancement includes the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point and planned rollout of 25,000 e-ID cards by April 2026, complemented by online passport services and paperless administrative systems.
Agricultural innovation receives EC$21.3 million focusing on climate-resilient research, soil conservation, disease management, and crop diversification, with projections to harvest over one million pounds of produce in 2025 alongside continued development of the cannabis industry.
Tourism development is allocated EC$57.2 million to support major events including the St. Kitts Music Festival while aligning with Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria, building upon 2025’s impressive figures of 102,000 stayover visitors and approximately 778,000 total visitors recorded between October 2024 and April 2025.