Carib Scope

标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

圣基茨和尼维斯

  • Premier Brantley Hails Bank of Nevis Ltd. as a Pillar of Nevisian Progress at 40th Anniversary

    Premier Brantley Hails Bank of Nevis Ltd. as a Pillar of Nevisian Progress at 40th Anniversary

    CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS – The Bank of Nevis Limited (BON) marked its four-decade journey with a landmark celebration on December 09, 2025, receiving high praise from Nevis Premier Mark Brantley as a cornerstone of the island’s economic development. The ceremony, held before the bank’s Main Street headquarters under the theme “40 Years and Rising- Banking Beyond Boundaries,” brought together government officials, financial leaders, and community members to honor the institution’s transformative impact.

    Premier Brantley, serving as Minister of Finance in the Nevis Island Administration, highlighted the extraordinary evolution of what began as a local initiative into a billion-dollar financial powerhouse. He reflected on the visionary leadership of the late Sir Simeon Daniel, Nevis’ first Premier, who co-founded the bank with nine other pioneers in 1985.

    “The true lesson of the Bank of Nevis isn’t merely its billion-dollar valuation,” Brantley stated, “but rather that a homegrown idea could take root and benefit our entire community, even those who initially doubted its potential.”

    The Premier emphasized the significance of this achievement for the small Caribbean island: “When we celebrate institutions like the Bank of Nevis, we celebrate what is best in us as Nevisians – our capacity to conceive and execute remarkable ventures against all geographical constraints.”

    Board Chairman Damion Hobson noted the institution’s historic milestones, including its position as the second largest bank in the St. Kitts and Nevis Federation and its pioneering status as the first company listed on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange.

    CEO Denrick Liburd outlined the bank’s forward-looking strategy, emphasizing a shift from transactional banking to relationship-based services. “We are already planning for our 50th anniversary,” Liburd revealed. “Our mission is to refine every service level, building strong, genuine, and transformative connections with our clients.”

    The executive highlighted BON’s reinvestment philosophy and encouraged broader public ownership through share acquisition: “No other financial institution reinvests in our people quite like we do. This commitment embodies our purpose – improving quality of life across the Federation.”

    The anniversary gathering also featured addresses by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew and Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Governor Timothy Antoine, underscoring the institution’s regional importance.

  • SKELEC Named Platinum Sponsor of ASAP Glow Parade 2025

    SKELEC Named Platinum Sponsor of ASAP Glow Parade 2025

    In a significant cultural partnership announcement, The St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (SKELEC) has been unveiled as the Platinum Sponsor for the eagerly awaited ASAP Glow Parade 2025. The December 10th revelation positions the energy provider at the forefront of one of the Caribbean’s most luminous carnival celebrations, embracing the fitting theme “Power Surge” for the spectacular nighttime event.

    The collaboration represents more than corporate sponsorship, signaling a profound alignment of values between energy provision and cultural vitality. SKELEC’s mission to energize communities finds perfect expression in supporting this vibrant display of Kittitian and Nevisian cultural heritage. The Glow Parade, organized by ASAP Creative Group, transforms the streets of Basseterre into a radiant tapestry of illuminated costumes, pulsating music, and collective celebration, embodying the nation’s creative spirit.

    Clement Williams, General Manager of SKELEC, emphasized the company’s dedication to national traditions. “For the carnival season, SKELEC continues to support culture and the traditions that bring us together as a nation,” Williams stated. “The ASAP Glow Parade represents a celebration of energy and togetherness, and we are thrilled to participate in this electrifying experience.”

    The 2025 edition promises an unprecedented fusion of light technology and cultural performance, expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators. SKELEC has encouraged public engagement through their social media channels for ongoing updates, promotional opportunities, and behind-the-scenes content as the event approaches.

    This sponsorship continues SKELEC’s pattern of community investment, demonstrating how utility companies can actively contribute to cultural preservation and national identity through strategic partnerships with artistic organizations.

  • NDMD to Conduct Island-Wide CERT Simulation Exercise Friday, 12 December 2025

    NDMD to Conduct Island-Wide CERT Simulation Exercise Friday, 12 December 2025

    The Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) is poised to execute a comprehensive emergency simulation exercise across all five parishes this Friday, December 12, 2025. This coordinated effort involves multiple emergency response agencies and trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers.

    The large-scale drill is designed to rigorously evaluate critical disaster management capabilities including emergency coordination protocols, search and rescue operations, medical triage procedures, and inter-agency communication systems. The simulation will create realistic emergency scenarios to assess response effectiveness under controlled conditions.

    Residents throughout Nevis should anticipate observing increased emergency vehicle movement, volunteers simulating injury scenarios, drone operations in airspace, and responders wearing full safety equipment. NDMD officials have emphasized that these activities represent planned training operations rather than actual emergencies, with normal emergency services remaining fully operational throughout the exercise.

    The department has requested public cooperation during the drill, urging citizens to maintain calm, comply with instructions from exercise coordinators managing traffic and crowds, and facilitate unobstructed movement of emergency vehicles. Data collected during this simulation will provide valuable insights for enhancing the island’s disaster preparedness strategies and strengthening overall community resilience.

  • Department of Sports seeks to clarify weekend incident

    Department of Sports seeks to clarify weekend incident

    The St. Kitts Department of Sports has issued an official clarification regarding weekend incidents at national sporting facilities after viral videos showed athletes scaling fences to access the locked Kim Collins Athletics Stadium. The department strongly refutes claims that athletes were deliberately denied entry, characterizing the circulating narratives as “fabricated claims.”

    According to the department’s statement, all national sporting facilities operate under established protocols requiring event promoters to submit written access requests at least two weeks in advance. The department emphasized that approved requests receive official permission letters, with constant communication maintained between officials and event organizers throughout the process.

    The statement revealed that SKN Athletics had neither requested nor received permission for the event in question. While acknowledging receipt of the association’s proposed calendar, the department noted challenges with “frequent uncommunicated changes in logistics and operations” from sporting associations.

    Notably, the department suggested political motivations behind the incident, referencing “direct threats of political consequences to Department of Sports officials” and characterizing the fence-climbing footage as “a deliberate attempt to create political mischief and mislead the public.”

    The controversy unfolds against ongoing public criticism regarding the stadium’s renovation timeline and operational management. At time of publication, SKN Athletics had not publicly responded to the department’s allegations. Despite the tensions, the department reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to supporting national sports development” and accommodating stakeholders.

  • Jamaica to benefit from Hurricane Melissa Recovery Funding

    Jamaica to benefit from Hurricane Melissa Recovery Funding

    WASHINGTON, DC — A monumental international recovery effort is taking shape for Jamaica following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, with global financial institutions mobilizing a support package approaching US$6 billion. This collective response marks one of the largest disaster relief initiatives in Caribbean history.

    The International Monetary Fund has taken a leading role in the financial response, confirming US$415 million in emergency financing through its Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). According to IMF Director of Communication Julie Kozac, the executive board is expected to approve this single-disbursement funding early next year, providing immediate liquidity without conditional requirements.

    The staggering scale of devastation became apparent through preliminary assessments from the Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) initiative. Jointly conducted by the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank, these evaluations indicate physical damage estimates reaching US$8.8 billion—representing approximately 41% of Jamaica’s entire economic output. Kozac characterized Hurricane Melissa as “the costliest hurricane in Jamaica’s recorded history.”

    Jamaica’s pre-established disaster risk financing framework has emerged as a critical factor in the immediate response phase. The system enabled rapid activation of US$662 million in emergency liquidity through multiple channels: US$37 million from national reserve funds, US$91 million from regional insurance mechanisms, US$150 million from catastrophe bonds, US$300 million from contingent credit facilities, and additional scalable funding from World Bank instruments.

    The comprehensive recovery package, currently under development through coordination between international partners and Jamaican authorities, aims to provide up to US$6.7 billion over a three-year reconstruction timeline. This sustained support will address infrastructure restoration, economic stabilization, and long-term resilience building.

    While financial mechanisms mobilize, ground operations continue across the island nation with emergency teams conducting search and rescue missions, debris clearance, and victim recovery efforts in the most severely affected regions.

  • Shallow to complete CWI term but will not Seek re-election amid new political role

    Shallow to complete CWI term but will not Seek re-election amid new political role

    In a significant development for Caribbean cricket governance, Dr. Kishore Shallow has announced he will complete his term as President of Cricket West Indies (CWI) despite recent election to political office, though he will not seek re-election when his current mandate expires. This decision follows Shallow’s successful electoral victory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where he secured the North Leeward constituency seat for the New Democratic Party administration.

    Addressing the region on Sunday, December 8th, Shallow acknowledged the complexity of balancing dual leadership roles but emphasized his commitment to seeing through organizational reforms already initiated under his presidency. “After considerable reflection, I believe ongoing projects require consistent leadership to reach completion,” Shallow stated. “Therefore, I will conclude my current term while formally declaring my intention not to pursue re-election.”

    The CWI president revealed he had received extensive congratulations from within the cricket community following his political success. He reiterated that his primary objective has always been strengthening CWI’s administrative framework to ultimately enhance team performance on the field.

    Shallow provided concrete metrics regarding reform progress, noting that over 70% of recommendations from the Wehby Report on governance restructuring have been implemented, with additional areas slated for review during the remainder of his term.

    Addressing concerns about potential conflicts of interest, Shallow highlighted precedents within international cricket governance. “Several colleagues at the International Cricket Council currently serve or have previously served as government ministers or parliamentarians,” he noted. A comprehensive due-diligence review confirmed no legal or ethical conflicts exist between the roles.

    Shallow further clarified that the CWI presidency is neither a salaried position nor a full-time occupation, with daily operations managed by CEO Chris Dehring and a professional staff of over fifty based in Antigua. He suggested his unique position could actually foster improved collaboration between regional governments and cricket administration, potentially creating new avenues for support without compromising organizational independence.

  • The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) Deliver Training on Using Artificial Intelligence to Foster the Islamic Financial Industry

    The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) Deliver Training on Using Artificial Intelligence to Foster the Islamic Financial Industry

    ABU DHABI, UAE – In a pioneering move to modernize Islamic finance, the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) and the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) have successfully concluded a groundbreaking training program focused on integrating artificial intelligence into the sector. Held from November 24-28, 2025, at the AMF headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the specialized workshop marked the region’s first comprehensive initiative bridging AI technology with Shari’ah-compliant financial principles.

    The collaborative program, designed for professionals from central banks and financial institutions across 22 member nations, brought together 32 specialists for an intensive curriculum. Led by IsDBI experts Dr. Hilal Houssain and Dr. Mohammed Ayyash, the training delved into both theoretical foundations and practical applications of AI technologies including machine learning, neural networks, and big data analytics.

    Curriculum highlights included practical implementations for Islamic banking operations such as enhanced risk assessment models, automated financing application evaluation systems, and advanced fraud detection mechanisms – all developed with strict adherence to Islamic financial principles and governance requirements. Participants gained hands-on experience through interactive sessions where they designed six virtual financial service companies, later integrated into two strategic ecosystems for testing AI-driven solutions.

    A significant focus was placed on the ethical dimensions of AI adoption, linking technological ethics to the higher objectives of Shari’ah (Maqasid al-Shari’ah). The program addressed critical challenges including data quality assurance, algorithmic bias mitigation, and ensuring transparency in AI-driven decision making.

    The training also showcased outcomes from IsDBI’s inaugural AI Hackathon in Islamic Finance, which aimed to transform AAOIFI accounting standards into smart digital solutions for enhanced Shari’ah compliance and accounting transparency. The program concluded with participants developing strategic roadmaps for AI implementation in regulatory institutions and financial entities, emphasizing responsible innovation that aligns with both regulatory standards and Islamic principles. All attendees received certificates of completion, marking a significant step toward building AI capacity within the Islamic financial industry.

  • PM Drew encourages new police, Constables and Wardens ahead of Christmas deployment

    PM Drew encourages new police, Constables and Wardens ahead of Christmas deployment

    BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis – Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, serving concurrently as National Security Minister, conducted an inspection and address of newly trained security personnel on Friday, December 5th, 2025, at the Police Training Complex in Ponds Pasture. The event marked the final preparatory phase before their deployment during the heightened security demands of the Christmas and Carnival season.

    The cohort comprised four fully trained Island Constables and nine Traffic Wardens, alongside twenty-six police recruits who are scheduled to commence formal training in early 2026. Dr. Drew’s address focused on the foundational principles of effective law enforcement, emphasizing the critical balance between authority and community respect.

    “Your role within our national security architecture is of paramount importance,” stated Prime Minister Drew, outlining his vision for professional conduct. He underscored essential values including unwavering professionalism, diligent attention to duty, and consistent respect for the institution both on and off duty. The Prime Minister further encouraged the personnel to actively engage with and contribute to their communities, affirming that their perspectives hold significant value.

    Highlighting the necessity for equitable law enforcement, Dr. Drew commended specific exemplars of conduct: Corporal Allison Rouse and Woman Police Constable Donaly Liburd-Chiverton. Both officers were praised for achieving public respect through their firm yet professionally courteous approach to duty.

    With the festive period known for increased public gatherings and traffic, the Prime Minister articulated public expectations. “Citizens desire order and consistent application of the law,” he remarked, “but they equally expect this to be executed with utmost professionalism.” He charged the new personnel to execute their responsibilities with dignity, fairness, and justice, adhering strictly to their training protocols.

    The Prime Minister concluded with personal well-wishes and expressed anticipation for their formal graduation ceremonies and the commencement of the Police Training Course 47 in the coming year.

  • Nevis Appropriation (2026) Bill, 2025, Passed

    Nevis Appropriation (2026) Bill, 2025, Passed

    CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS – In a demonstration of cross-party consensus, the Nevis Island Assembly has formally ratified the Nevis Appropriation (2026) Bill, 2025, establishing the financial blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year. The legislative package, which includes accompanying financial resolutions, received unanimous endorsement on December 04, 2025, following extensive deliberations spanning two days.

    Premier the Honourable Mark Brantley, who serves as Minister of Finance within the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), initially presented the budget proposal to the Assembly on December 02. The subsequent debate featured substantive contributions from parliamentarians representing both government and opposition factions, ultimately culminating in rare bipartisan approval.

    Under the thematic banner “A Purpose Driven Agenda: Building our Sustainable Future,” the approved budget allocates $284.4 million in expenditures against projected revenues of $215.6 million. Premier Brantley characterized the financial plan as embodying his administration’s dedication to responsible governance and meticulous fiscal stewardship, emphasizing its dual purpose of synchronizing government policies with private sector initiatives to catalyze economic expansion.

    The Premier provided explicit assurances regarding the administration’s commitment to fiscal prudence, noting that implementation velocity would be directly contingent upon funding availability. “We will not be reckless,” Brantley asserted, “and will only seek to undertake projects if funding is available or accessible at low cost in accordance with our debt management strategy.” He further indicated that projects lacking concessionary financing would be deferred to the 2027 fiscal period rather than pursued through expensive borrowing mechanisms.

    The comprehensive budget framework outlines strategic priorities across multiple domains including economic diversification, employment generation, crime reduction, debt consolidation, and infrastructure modernization. Premier Brantley expressed confidence that these interconnected policies would collectively stimulate transformative economic development while empowering citizens to realize their full potential.

  • NIA Human Resources Scholarship and Financial Assistance Information Sessions

    NIA Human Resources Scholarship and Financial Assistance Information Sessions

    The Ministry of Human Resources in the Nevis Island Administration has successfully concluded a comprehensive outreach initiative aimed at preparing secondary and sixth form students for higher education opportunities. Between November 12th and December 2nd, 2025, ministry officials conducted specialized information sessions at multiple educational institutions including Gingerland Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, Nevis International Secondary schools, and Nevis Sixth Form College.

    Led by Training Manager Mrs. Shanola Murrey-Gill and Training Officer Ms. Hardai Beephat, the sessions provided detailed guidance on scholarship applications and financial assistance programs. The officers emphasized the critical importance of early preparation for university education, sharing comprehensive information about application procedures and funding requirements. Both officials drew from personal experiences to illustrate the challenges of financing higher education and underscored the transformative potential of financial aid programs.

    The initiative received substantial institutional support, with collaboration from the Ministry of Education’s Permanent Secretary Ms. Zahnela Claxton and participating school administrators including Ms. Joy Napier, Mrs. Nicola Parris, Mr. Kayno David, and Deputy Principal Mrs. Kerylyn David. The program also benefited from the involvement of Counselor Mrs. Lornette Morton and other support staff.

    Senior government officials, including Permanent Secretary Mr. Kevin Barrett and Honourable Premier Mark Brantley, were acknowledged for their steadfast support of the ministry’s educational outreach efforts. The Ministry of Human Resources has committed to continuing these informational sessions, reinforcing its dedication to supporting students’ academic and career development aspirations through accessible financial assistance programs.