Carib Scope

标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

圣基茨和尼维斯

  • InterCaribbean Just Launched Puerto Rico-St Kitts Flights – Caribbean Journal

    InterCaribbean Just Launched Puerto Rico-St Kitts Flights – Caribbean Journal

    In a significant development for Caribbean aviation, interCaribbean Airways has inaugurated a new direct air service connecting San Juan, Puerto Rico with St. Kitts, marking a strategic enhancement to the region’s transportation network. The twice-weekly flight operation commenced with an official ceremony at Kayan Jet terminal, attended by government dignitaries, tourism executives, and airline representatives.

    This new air bridge establishes vital connectivity between St. Kitts and one of the Caribbean’s most crucial aviation hubs, facilitating smoother travel for both regional passengers and international visitors transiting through San Juan from major gateway cities across the United States and Europe. The service operates with flights departing San Juan on Fridays and Mondays at 5:20 PM, arriving in St. Kitts at 6:30 PM, while return flights operate Thursdays and Sundays departing at 8:30 AM with arrival at 9:40 AM.

    St. Kitts Tourism Minister Marsha T. Henderson emphasized the dual significance of recognizing the Puerto Rican market’s cultural and economic importance while simultaneously positioning San Juan as a strategic connection point for broader international growth. The enhanced airlift capacity is expected to generate substantial benefits across the local tourism ecosystem, supporting transportation providers, restaurants, and cultural experience operators.

    Kelly Fontenelle, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, characterized the launch as a meaningful milestone in regional connectivity achieved through collaborative efforts between multiple stakeholders. The initiative aligns with the destination’s strategic objective to diversify arrival sources and improve accessibility across key markets.

    InterCaribbean Airways Chairman Lyndon Gardnier highlighted the route’s role in strengthening ties between Caribbean destinations while supporting family travel, business connections, and regional mobility. This expansion builds upon the airline’s growing partnership with St. Kitts and Nevis and reflects its broader commitment to improving intra-Caribbean air connectivity, addressing long-standing transportation challenges within the region.

  • Police calls for vigilance amidst drugging incidents

    Police calls for vigilance amidst drugging incidents

    Authorities in St. Kitts have escalated public safety warnings following multiple confirmed incidents of drink tampering and subsequent sexual assaults during the ongoing Christmas-Carnival celebrations. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has verified several reports currently under active investigation by their Special Victims Unit, indicating a concerning pattern of criminal activity targeting women in social settings.

    In an official statement released through social media channels, law enforcement officials emphasized their serious approach to these cases, stating: “The Police Force takes these reports seriously and is committed to identifying those responsible and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and justice.”

    The advisory specifically urges heightened vigilance among festival attendees, with particular emphasis on women’s safety protocols. Recommendations include refusing beverages from unfamiliar individuals, maintaining constant visual contact with one’s drink, and avoiding leaving drinks unattended in any circumstance.

    Police further recommend implementing a buddy system during social gatherings, suggesting that attendees “remain together where practicable, and look out for one another throughout the event.” The warning extends to being cautious of individuals who attempt to isolate others or pressure increased alcohol consumption.

    Critical guidance addresses immediate response protocols for those experiencing unusual symptoms: “If at any time a person feels unwell, disoriented, unusually intoxicated, or suspects their drink may have been tampered with, they should seek immediate assistance from trusted friends, event staff, or security personnel.” Authorities stress the dual importance of prompt medical attention for both health concerns and evidence preservation.

    The police have established multiple reporting channels, including direct contact with the Special Victims Unit at 662-7077, a confidential hotline (707), or any local police station. The appeal for information extends to both victims and witnesses who might possess relevant details regarding these incidents.

  • FAO and partners help Saint Lucia, Grenada, SVG and Saint Kitts and Nevis step-up efforts to prioritize zoonotic diseases and shape policy using One Health Approach – The Voice St. Lucia News

    FAO and partners help Saint Lucia, Grenada, SVG and Saint Kitts and Nevis step-up efforts to prioritize zoonotic diseases and shape policy using One Health Approach – The Voice St. Lucia News

    Four Eastern Caribbean nations have significantly advanced their capabilities to address zoonotic disease threats through a series of specialized workshops conducted in November 2025. Saint Lucia, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Kitts and Nevis brought together 72 officials from public health, agriculture, and environmental sectors, alongside academic and private sector representatives, to implement a coordinated approach to disease prioritization.

    The initiative, supported technically by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), employed an adapted PANAFTOSA methodology to evaluate 40 zoonotic diseases against multiple criteria. The comprehensive assessment framework examined human transmissibility, animal-to-human transmission potential, severity of public health impact, economic consequences, surveillance feasibility, climate sensitivity, and effects on vulnerable populations.

    This evidence-based process enabled each participating nation to generate validated, context-specific priority lists of zoonotic diseases, creating a solid foundation for public policies operating at the human-animal-environment interface. The workshops also established concrete next steps for coordinated national action, including strengthening multisectoral surveillance systems, harmonizing case definitions and operating procedures, improving information-sharing mechanisms, and developing comprehensive emergency response plans.

    Dr. Frédérique Dorleans of PAHO/WHO emphasized the critical importance of these collaborative workshops, noting they represent significant progress in preparedness and capacity-building for emerging infectious health threats. Meanwhile, Tania de Getrouwe Hoost, FAO’s Lead Technical Officer, highlighted the technical rigor of the prioritization methodology, which integrates epidemiological, environmental, and socioeconomic criteria to guide national decision-making.

    The workshops form part of the broader “Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Health Emergencies in the Eastern Caribbean Countries” project, funded by the Pandemic Fund and implemented through a collaboration between national governments, PAHO/WHO, FAO, and the World Bank. This initiative marks a substantial step toward enhancing regional health security and building resilience against emerging health threats in the Caribbean basin.

  • CWI and CPL Review 2026 Timing for Breakout T20 League

    CWI and CPL Review 2026 Timing for Breakout T20 League

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have jointly announced the postponement of the 2026 Breakout T20 League following a comprehensive calendar review. The decision stems from an increasingly packed international cricket schedule and strategic preparations for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, rendering the originally planned tournament window unfeasible.

    The Breakout T20 League, which debuted successfully earlier this year, remains a cornerstone of the Caribbean’s player development strategy. Designed as a critical bridge between regional competitions and international cricket, the league focuses on identifying and nurturing emerging talent beyond conventional pathways.

    CWI CEO Chris Dehring emphasized the league’s developmental mission, stating, ‘While we haven’t identified a suitable 2026 window, this remains an essential component of our domestic tournament strategy.’ He noted that the postponement allows for structural reassessment during a fiscally stringent period, ensuring optimal positioning within World Cup cycles for maximum developmental impact.

    Dehring further elaborated on the need for enhanced talent identification systems: ‘We must implement stronger scouting, improved data capture, and clearer alignment with our high-performance systems to ensure measurable progression to senior international levels.’

    With multiple West Indies squads currently active globally – including Under-19 and Senior Men’s teams preparing for World Cups – Dehring stressed the importance of strategic alignment across all cricket levels.

    CPL CEO Pete Russell reinforced the commitment to the league’s long-term viability, stating, ‘This period allows us to refine the format and supporting structures to ensure the league fulfills its intended developmental role.’ Both organizations confirmed that updates regarding the tournament’s rescheduling will be communicated in due course.

  • Nearly half of Haiti’s population going hungry daily, says UN

    Nearly half of Haiti’s population going hungry daily, says UN

    The United Nations has issued a dire warning regarding Haiti’s escalating humanitarian catastrophe, revealing that nearly half the nation’s population now faces daily hunger amid rampant gang violence and mass displacement. This alarming assessment coincides with the launch of the UN’s 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which seeks $880 million to assist 4.2 million vulnerable Haitians.

    According to UN officials, the security situation has deteriorated dramatically over the past year, with internal displacement doubling to approximately 1.4 million people by September 2025—representing 12% of Haiti’s total population. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, confirmed that widespread insecurity in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area has progressively spread to regional zones, severely crippling economic activity and restricting access to essential food supplies.

    The statistics paint a grim picture: 5.7 million people currently experience daily hunger, with projections indicating this number will surge to 5.9 million during the upcoming lean season from March to June 2026. The crisis has disproportionately affected women and girls, with UN partners documenting an average of 27 new gender-based violence cases daily between January and September 2025. Shockingly, over half these cases involved sexual violence, with nearly two-thirds constituting collective rapes.

    Humanitarian Coordinator for Haiti Nicole Kouassi emphasized the critical funding shortfall, noting that the 2025 appeal for $908 million remains only 23% funded with just $206 million secured. She urgently appealed for sustained international support, cautioning that without immediate intervention, Haiti’s humanitarian situation will continue its rapid deterioration.

  • UN Rights Office condemns Sudan fighting as “Flagrant” Breach of International Law

    UN Rights Office condemns Sudan fighting as “Flagrant” Breach of International Law

    A damning report from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has declared the persistent violence in Sudan a blatant violation of international legal frameworks. The comprehensive assessment, released on December 18, 2025, documents systematic atrocities occurring amid the nation’s devastating civil conflict.

    The investigation specifically highlights the April 11-13 assault on Zamzam’s internally displaced persons (IDP) camp as emblematic of widespread humanitarian law breaches. Documented evidence confirms at least 1,013 civilian fatalities during the three-day offensive executed by the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group. The report meticulously details horrific accounts of targeted killings, sexual violence, torture, and mass abductions.

    During a press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk emphasized the urgent need for impartial investigations and accountability through fair judicial proceedings. Türk simultaneously highlighted the critical shortcomings in humanitarian response capabilities, noting that overwhelming needs and persistent insecurity continue to hamper relief efforts in displacement camps.

    The current crisis originated in 2023 following the collapse of Sudan’s transitional government, triggering violent clashes between national armed forces and paramilitary units. Current estimates indicate over 150,000 fatalities and 12 million displaced persons nationwide.

    UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq provided alarming updates regarding deteriorating conditions in the Kordofan region, where escalating drone strikes and artillery shelling have created new displacement crises. Recent attacks on civilian areas in Dilling and Kadugli have forced families to undertake perilous journeys through suspected minefields.

    Between October and December 2025, over 50,000 individuals were displaced across Kordofan due to intensified violence. North Darfur State reports indicate additional civilian casualties and displacement from drone strikes in multiple localities. The conflict’s infrastructure impact expanded significantly with attacks on power stations in Atbara causing widespread blackouts across River Nile State.

    The international humanitarian response faces critical funding shortfalls, with the UN’s $4.2 billion appeal remaining severely underfunded at only 36% of requested resources.

  • Government reaffirms commitment to greater inclusion for persons with disabilities in 2026

    Government reaffirms commitment to greater inclusion for persons with disabilities in 2026

    The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has formally reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing societal inclusion for persons with disabilities throughout 2026. This commitment was emphasized during the recent Budget Debate proceedings on December 17, 2025.

    Senator Isalean Phillip, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities, detailed the ministry’s substantial progress in raising awareness and fostering engagement regarding disability experiences. Significant milestones include the implementation of sign language training programs for civil servants to improve communication accessibility and collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Education to integrate more children with disabilities into mainstream educational environments.

    The ministry has conducted specialized inclusion workshops for educators across multiple schools, equipping them with essential strategies to support students with disabilities effectively. These initiatives aim to ensure positive learning experiences and successful transitions into public school systems.

    Additional practical measures include the establishment of a dedicated committee to streamline parking permit processes for wheelchair users, enhancing mobility in Basseterre and surrounding communities.

    The government’s comprehensive approach extends to advocating with both public and private sector stakeholders to improve housing accessibility, employment opportunities, and skills development programs. These efforts align with the nation’s broader vision of evolving into a Sustainable Island State where all citizens can lead productive and fulfilling lives.

    This policy direction follows the Federation’s May 2025 accession to the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, demonstrating Saint Kitts and Nevis’ strengthened dedication to advancing human rights protections.

  • Staff and residents return to upgrade new Horizons Rehabilitation Centre

    Staff and residents return to upgrade new Horizons Rehabilitation Centre

    BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS – December 18, 2025 – The New Horizons Rehabilitation Centre has officially reopened its doors following a comprehensive renovation project, marking a significant milestone in Saint Kitts and Nevis’ social development infrastructure. Staff and residents have begun returning to the substantially upgraded facility located in Harris’ Village.

    During Wednesday’s Budget Debate proceedings, Senator the Honourable Isalean Phillip, Minister of State with responsibility for Social Development, confirmed that renovation works are ‘near complete’ and detailed the extensive scope of improvements undertaken. The transformative project encompassed multiple critical enhancements including complete window replacements with reinforced steel grills, comprehensive electrical system upgrades, structural ceiling repairs, and the construction of a new pump house and walkway. The entire facility has received a fresh coat of paint as part of its revitalization.

    Minister Phillip indicated that additional furniture deliveries are expected imminently to complete the transition process. The minister extended official gratitude to Public Infrastructure Minister Honourable Konris Maynard and the Public Works Department team for prioritizing the substantial renovation initiative. Special recognition was also given to contractors from Constituencies Six and Seven for their diligent work and adherence to project timelines.

    The enhanced facility now offers substantially improved safety, security, and supportive environment standards for both residents and staff, representing a significant advancement in the nation’s rehabilitation services infrastructure.

  • Government’s significant water investments deliver major results as 70 percent of households will soon receive 24-hour supply

    Government’s significant water investments deliver major results as 70 percent of households will soon receive 24-hour supply

    The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is poised to transform its national water infrastructure, with revolutionary investments projected to provide continuous water access to 70 percent of households. This breakthrough follows the imminent full commissioning of the state-of-the-art Basseterre Desalination Plant, a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to address long-standing water scarcity issues.

    Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister responsible for Water Services, announced this historic achievement during his address in the 2026 Budget Debate on December 18, 2025. Minister Maynard emphasized that the new desalination facility will drastically reduce the national water supply deficit and ensure climate-resilient water security for future generations. The plant represents a transformative solution to drought vulnerabilities that have plagued the island nation.

    This administration has executed a comprehensive water sector overhaul, increasing related budgetary allocations by over 400 percent within three years to revitalize infrastructure neglected for decades. Beyond desalination, the strategy includes aggressive groundwater exploration, highlighted by the commissioning of a new well in Cayon complemented by a 500,000-gallon storage tank to optimize distribution. Supplementary infrastructure upgrades involve procuring a 200,000-gallon tank for Dieppe Bay and replacing 15,000 feet of aging pipelines across the Southeast Peninsula.

    Cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role, with drone-assisted hydrogeological surveys identifying 17 potential well sites—nine of which are prioritized for immediate development. Construction of the first new well in Saddler’s Village is scheduled to commence before year-end.

    Additional landmark projects include the operational 70,000-gallon-per-day solar-powered desalination plant at the Canada Industrial Site, developed in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates, and the upcoming US$47 million TransWater Project funded by the Green Climate Fund. Minister Maynard affirmed that these strategic investments signify a definitive resolution to water insecurity, securing a sustainable hydrological future for all citizens.

  • Minister Phillip updates the nation on the status of the Cayon Community Centre

    Minister Phillip updates the nation on the status of the Cayon Community Centre

    BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS – Senator the Honourable Isalean Phillip, Minister of State within the Ministry of Social Development, delivered a detailed progress report on the protracted closure and remediation of the Cayon Community Centre during her 2026 Budget Debate address on December 17, 2025.

    The facility, which also accommodates the Cayon Post Office, was initially shuttered in 2022 following conclusive air quality assessments that detected hazardous mold contamination across both levels of the structure. This decisive action was undertaken by the government to safeguard the wellbeing of public servants and community members utilizing the center’s services, initiating a temporary closure to facilitate extensive corrective measures.

    Minister Phillip catalogued the multifaceted remediation strategy executed over the past three years. These interventions encompassed structural repairs including the complete repair and recapping of a compromised roof, professional mold eradication procedures, and the installation of modernized appliances and climate control systems. Supplementary enhancements involved comprehensive deep cleaning, repainting of interior spaces, perimeter fence restoration, cistern reconnection, and the wholesale replacement of all wooden doors, furniture, and compromised fixtures.

    Despite these considerable efforts, subsequent air quality evaluations conducted by the Saint Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards persistently indicated mold concentrations exceeding acceptable thresholds, necessitating further intervention. In response, the ministry initiated collaborative consultations with environmental health specialists and industrial cleaning experts to reassess the situation.

    The investigation concluded that residual moisture infiltration from the roof structure remains the primary catalyst for recurrent mold proliferation. Consequently, the Public Works Department has formulated a technical specification for applying an additional concrete layer to the roof, designed to optimize water drainage and eliminate moisture accumulation.

    This conclusive phase of structural modification is scheduled for implementation in early 2026. Minister Phillip extended profound apologies to Cayon residents for the prolonged inconvenience, while reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to restoring full community access to the facility upon verification of complete compliance with all health and safety protocols.