Carib Scope

标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

圣基茨和尼维斯

  • The Cable Captures “Employee Engagement” Award at CIC Business Excellence Awards Ceremony

    The Cable Captures “Employee Engagement” Award at CIC Business Excellence Awards Ceremony

    In a notable recognition of corporate culture excellence, telecommunications provider The Cable secured the coveted Employee Engagement award during the Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s annual Business Excellence Awards ceremony held November 29th. The company further distinguished itself by achieving finalist status in three additional competitive categories: Outstanding Large Business of the Year, Best Community Engagement, and Service Excellence.

    Chief Executive Officer Patricia Walters characterized the quadruple recognition as demonstrating the organization’s comprehensive influence and steadfast dedication to national development. “We maintain profound dedication to cultivating an organizational environment where our team members feel genuinely appreciated and enabled. This accolade represents a significant validation of that pledge, and we are sincerely thankful,” Walters stated in her acceptance remarks.

    The awards process incorporated a novel public voting dimension this year, enabling community supporters to endorse their preferred enterprises. Walters expressed genuine gratitude toward both the nominating parties and those who cast votes for The Cable, while additionally commending the Chamber for its persistent endeavors in spotlighting corporate distinction throughout the Federation.

    The company’s management and personnel collectively praised the Chamber for establishing a platform that acknowledges corporate spirit, while simultaneously conveying congratulations to all category winners. Acting Board Chairman Mr. Crios Freeman emphasized the broader implications of such recognition, noting that “This initiative possesses the capacity to stimulate creativity and innovation throughout the business ecosystem. Such advancement subsequently fuels the expansion and maturation of individual enterprises and the overall economy.”

    Concluding the celebration, CEO Walters reaffirmed The Cable’s ongoing commitment to generating substantial value for its customer base, workforce, and broader community, describing immense pride in the organization’s accomplishments.

  • Minister Nisbett: Alexandra Hospital Continues to Deliver First-Class Care as Services Expand

    Minister Nisbett: Alexandra Hospital Continues to Deliver First-Class Care as Services Expand

    During the 2026 Budget Debate in the Nevis Island Assembly, Health Minister Honourable Senator Jahnel Nisbett delivered a robust defense of Alexandra Hospital’s operational performance and future vision. The minister presented compelling data demonstrating the institution’s critical role in serving the Nevisian community while outlining ambitious modernization plans supported by substantial government funding.

    Minister Nisbett emphatically countered negative perceptions about the hospital’s status, stating: “The Alexandra Hospital is not closed. It is not failing. It is not dormant. It is functioning, busy, and carrying the weight of this island’s healthcare needs daily.” Statistical evidence supports this assertion, with 18,626 new patients registered in the health information system between January and November 2025 alone. The facility recorded 17,355 patient visits and completed 14,789 clinical appointments during this period, while 7,795 individuals received direct treatment.

    The hospital’s diagnostic capabilities remain particularly strong, with laboratory services averaging over 700 tests monthly and radiology departments conducting more than 250 scans per month. Financial management also reflects responsible stewardship, with the institution generating over EC$3 million in patient services billing and collecting more than EC$2.1 million net revenue. Notably, patients pay less than EC$30 for hospital stays encompassing three daily meals and comprehensive care.

    Specialized services like the Nevis Eye Care Programme further exemplify healthcare excellence, recording 1,576 patient visits in 2025. The program delivered 43 diabetic laser procedures, 14 glaucoma laser treatments, multiple cataract interventions, and two corneal transplants—all provided at minimal patient cost, with no individual paying more than $400 for specialty services.

    While celebrating current achievements, Minister Nisbett acknowledged the necessity for infrastructure improvements. “We acknowledge openly that it requires modernization and expansion, including the well-overdue Alexandra Hospital Wing,” she stated, confirming the government’s commitment to funded expansion rather than ceremonial projects. Negotiations are currently underway to secure favorable financing options for this development.

    The Ministry of Health, Gender Affairs and Social Empowerment will receive $43 million in funding for 2026, representing 15% of the total budget and the second-highest ministerial allocation. This substantial investment underscores the Concerned Citizens Movement-led government’s dedication to healthcare advancement, ensuring Alexandra Hospital continues serving as the cornerstone of Nevis’s healthcare system while transitioning toward an enhanced, modernized future.

  • Students urged to reject stereotypes during disability rights session

    Students urged to reject stereotypes during disability rights session

    In a powerful address at Washington Archibald High School’s final assembly of 2025, renowned disability rights advocate Kerryann Ifill delivered a transformative message challenging students to reconsider their perceptions of persons with disabilities. The December 1st session, coordinated by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing, and Disabilities, coincided with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities observed annually on December 3rd.

    Ms. Ifill, a Barbadian disability consultant who lost her sight at age five, shared her remarkable journey of overcoming societal barriers to achieve academic and political excellence. Having graduated from the University of the West Indies, served as President of the Barbados Senate, and contributed to rewriting her nation’s constitution, she embodied the message that disability does not define capability.

    “People with disabilities are simply people,” Ifill asserted during her presentation. “They possess the same needs, interests, desires, and opportunities as anyone else—when given the chance.” She detailed her accomplishments as a teacher, conference speaker, and legislator, emphasizing that blindness never prevented her from achieving these milestones.

    The disability consultant provided practical guidance on appropriate interaction with individuals experiencing various disabilities, including vision, hearing, and speech impairments, plus those with physical, neurological, or psychosocial disabilities. She specifically encouraged rejecting stereotypes and avoiding discriminatory behaviors.

    Illustrating her point with a personal anecdote, Ifill described independently operating a sophisticated coffeemaker at her hotel, demonstrating the competence and self-reliance many disabled individuals develop. Her philosophy of perseverance resonated throughout the assembly: “When I am told I can’t, I prove people wrong and show them that I can.”

    Ifill concluded with a sobering statistic that captured the audience’s attention: approximately 15 percent of those present would experience disability during their lifetime. This reality, she emphasized, makes inclusive attitudes and accessibility concerns relevant to everyone.

    The presentation represented part of ongoing efforts by St. Kitts and Nevis to promote disability awareness and foster more inclusive communities through educational initiatives.

  • Sugarmas 53 Injects over $21 Million Into Economy; Record Events Planned for 2025/2026 Season

    Sugarmas 53 Injects over $21 Million Into Economy; Record Events Planned for 2025/2026 Season

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The recently concluded Sugarmas 53 carnival has delivered a substantial economic windfall to the Federation, injecting over $21 million into the local economy during its six-week duration. The announcement came from National Carnival Committee (NCC) Chair Shannon Hawley during a Wednesday press conference where she revealed unprecedented success metrics and ambitious plans for the upcoming season.

    Hawley confirmed that the 2024/2025 carnival period witnessed remarkable economic activity, with the federation experiencing a significant surge in visitor arrivals. Particularly during the peak two weeks of festivities, the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport recorded more than 16,000 passenger arrivals, demonstrating the event’s growing international appeal.

    With the 2025/2026 season preparations already underway, organizers are projecting even greater economic impact. The calendar shows a notable expansion of private fringe events, with over 35 private parties and fetes scheduled – setting a new record for the carnival’s history. ‘We have really seen the difference in terms of the number of individuals who have flown in, particularly over the Sugarmas period,’ Hawley noted, expressing gratitude for the widespread participation.

    The NCC has outlined a comprehensive support program for stakeholders, with the government allocating more than $1.2 million in preparation funds, participation support, and prize winnings. This record investment, championed by Minister Honourable Samuel Duggins and Federal Cabinet, aims to ensure stakeholder satisfaction across all carnival aspects.

    Hawley emphasized the committee’s supportive role rather than competitive stance, stating that all contributors – from private event organizers to parade troupes, J’ouvert groups, and national competition participants – will benefit from financial backing. The upcoming season officially commences with the Midnight Escape event next Friday, followed by the Republic Bank teen competition, continuing the tradition of offering diverse entertainment options for all demographics.

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis Hosts Successful Launch of Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef

    Saint Kitts and Nevis Hosts Successful Launch of Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef

    BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis – A groundbreaking initiative successfully merged environmental conservation with cultural heritage through the creative art of crochet. The ‘Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef’ project, hosted by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened on November 27 and 29, 2025, across dual venues in Basseterre and Charlestown.

    The program brought together forty participants who crafted over one hundred intricate crochet replicas of marine ecosystems, including coral formations, fish species, sea turtles, and shells. This innovative approach served as both an artistic expression and an educational tool for raising environmental awareness.

    Central to the project’s philosophy was the fusion of the Orange Economy – focusing on cultural industries and creative work – with the Blue Economy, which emphasizes sustainable ocean resource management. This unique intersection provided participants with practical understanding of ecological concepts through hands-on creative engagement.

    Honourable Eric Evelyn, Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports, Community Development and Telecommunications in the Nevis Island Administration, endorsed the initiative, noting: “Our corals face significant threats, making awareness-raising efforts like this particularly valuable. We extend our full support to this creative approach to conservation.”

    Ilis Watts, GEF SGP UNDP National Coordinator, emphasized the project’s community-building dimension during the opening ceremony. “This initiative beautifully combines creativity, learning, and environmental action,” Watts observed. “Artistic expression can powerfully communicate stories about coral reef protection, demonstrating that environmental awareness can be both practical and expressive.”

    Kesha Isaac-Adams, Assistant Secretary in the Department of Cultural Heritage, highlighted the cultural significance of crochet as an element of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) – traditions passed through generations. Meanwhile, Department of Marine Resources Officer Keedencia Harris provided practical conservation guidance, advocating for reduced plastic use, participation in cleanups, and support for reef-safe practices.

    Participants reported transformative experiences. Myah Rawlins from Saint Kitts shared: “As a fisherman’s daughter, I connected deeply with this project. Creating three fish replicas in under an hour inspired me to incorporate these techniques into my teaching.” Nevis participant Joalyn Myers added: “The project united crocheters of varying skill levels while reminding us of our collective responsibility to protect marine ecosystems.”

    The GEF Small Grants Programme, operational in Saint Kitts and Nevis since 2013, has supported numerous community-based environmental initiatives worldwide. The ‘Crochet for a Cause: Ridge to Reef’ project represents a regional effort facilitated by Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet Founder Nikisha Toppin, with previous implementations across multiple Caribbean nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago.

  • WEEFI Project 2021–2025 Successfully Concludes with Significant Achievements

    WEEFI Project 2021–2025 Successfully Concludes with Significant Achievements

    Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis – December 2, 2025 – The landmark Women’s Employment, Entrepreneurship & Financial Inclusion (WEEFI) Project, a five-year bilateral initiative between Taiwan and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, has officially concluded, marking a significant milestone in advancing gender equality and economic resilience. The project’s closing ceremony, held on November 29, was attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, celebrating a partnership that has profoundly impacted local communities.

    Ambassador Edward Tao of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Kitts and Nevis presided over the event, highlighting the project’s role in expanding economic opportunities for women, strengthening youth capabilities, and enhancing institutional frameworks to build a more inclusive society. The initiative was launched in 2021 to address the severe economic dislocations faced by women in the Federation following the global pandemic, which resulted in widespread income loss and increased domestic burdens.

    Project Manager Mr. Jo Chan of the Taiwan Technical Mission presented a comprehensive report on the initiative’s outcomes. Key achievements include the successful administration of the nation’s inaugural National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) assessment, a groundbreaking development for technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Furthermore, the certification of local instructors with CVQ Level 4 credentials has substantially elevated the quality of pedagogical capacity across both islands.

    The project also drove substantial progress in women’s entrepreneurship, facilitating advanced skills training, product development, and enhanced market accessibility. Its scope was strategically expanded to include youth and vulnerable demographics, underscoring a core commitment to broad-based empowerment.

    The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Eric Evelyn, Deputy Premier of Nevis Island Administration; Hon. Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Health, Gender Affairs, and Social Empowerment; and Hon. Spencer Brand, Minister of Labour. The Embassy extended its gratitude to numerous partner institutions, including the Ministry of Social Development & Gender Affairs, TVET, the Centre for Workforce Innovation and Technology (CWIT), the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), and the Skills Entrepreneurship Development Unit (SEDU).

    A poignant feature of the event was the distribution of tokens handmade by women beneficiaries, symbolizing their acquired skills and renewed economic confidence. A commemorative video featured congratulatory remarks from Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, alongside reflections from officials and partners on the project’s transformative impact.

    In closing, the Embassy expressed profound appreciation to all trainees, instructors, government officers, and partner organizations, reaffirming Taiwan’s enduring commitment to fostering sustainable development and an inclusive future in collaboration with Saint Kitts and Nevis.

  • Taiwan–Saint Kitts and Nevis Collaborate to Advance E-ID System Development with Workshops, Equipment Handover, and System Deployment Progressing Forward

    Taiwan–Saint Kitts and Nevis Collaborate to Advance E-ID System Development with Workshops, Equipment Handover, and System Deployment Progressing Forward

    In a significant stride toward digital governance, Saint Kitts and Nevis has accelerated its electronic identification system development through collaborative efforts with Taiwanese technical experts. The comprehensive initiative culminated in a series of workshops and equipment transfers throughout November 2025, marking a pivotal phase in the Caribbean nation’s digital transformation journey.

    The partnership between the Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Department of Information Technology yielded a specialized workshop on November 18th, focusing on digital identity authentication system implementation. Taiwanese technology firms including IISI, Chunghwa Telecom, and Foongtone Technology joined multiple government agencies from Saint Kitts and Nevis to review three years of developmental progress and conduct detailed technical discussions covering server deployment, terminal installation, and system validation protocols.

    A formal equipment handover ceremony at the Ministry of Finance featured Second Secretary Hsien-Yu Chung representing Ambassador Edward Tao, who reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting Saint Kitts and Nevis’ digital economy infrastructure and public service diversification. Permanent Secretary Cheryleann Pemberton emphasized the E-ID system’s critical role in national digital transformation while acknowledging Taiwan’s sustained technical cooperation.

    Practical implementation followed from November 19-21 with Taiwanese technicians and local IT specialists conducting hardware and software installation at Saint Kitts Island’s data center. The team successfully operationalized card printing equipment to produce functional E-ID sample cards, providing hands-on training for government personnel responsible for future citizen registration processes.

    The technical team expanded operations to Nevis Island from November 24-26, replicating system installation procedures and demonstrating sample card functionalities to ensure consistent service delivery across both islands. The cross-island deployment strategy ensures uniform implementation of secure, convenient electronic identity verification services throughout the federation.

    The project concluded with a wrap-up meeting at the National ICT Center on November 28th, where Permanent Secretary Pemberton commended the rapid implementation progress and recognized Project Manager Edward Chen and Taiwanese developers for their professional dedication in advancing the nation’s digital identification infrastructure.

  • Ambassador Edward Ling-Wen Tao attended the annual scholarship awarding ceremony under the 2025-2026 Human Resource Development Project

    Ambassador Edward Ling-Wen Tao attended the annual scholarship awarding ceremony under the 2025-2026 Human Resource Development Project

    In a significant demonstration of international educational cooperation, Ambassador Edward Ling-Wen Tao presided over the annual scholarship ceremony for the 2025-2026 Human Resource Development Project on December 1st. The event, which celebrates academic excellence across multiple educational levels, awarded 175 deserving students from primary schools through college institutions.

  • NIA, Federal Government Reach Agreement on Nevis’ ‘Fair Share’ of CBI Receipts

    NIA, Federal Government Reach Agreement on Nevis’ ‘Fair Share’ of CBI Receipts

    In a historic breakthrough for intergovernmental relations, the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and the Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis have finalized a comprehensive agreement regarding revenue distribution from the Citizenship By Investment (CBI) Programme. The landmark arrangement was formally announced by Premier Honourable Mark Brantley during his 2025 Budget Address delivered before the Nevis Island Assembly on December 2, 2025.

    The negotiated settlement establishes that Nevis will receive 25% of all CBI-generated revenue, effectively implementing the long-advocated population-based proportional sharing model that the Nevisian government has consistently pursued. This resolution addresses what had been a persistent and contentious fiscal dispute between the two administrations.

    Supplementing this percentage allocation, the Federal Government has committed to providing $4.8 million in grant funding to further bolster the NIA’s financial resources. Premier Brantley, who concurrently serves as Minister of Finance, emphasized that these developments represent a significant milestone in fiscal cooperation between Nevis and the federal authority.

    Despite this achievement, the Premier adopted a cautiously conservative approach in his revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year. He noted the substantial regional slowdown affecting CBI programs industry-wide, with projected revenues falling considerably below previous years’ performances. Accordingly, the NIA has budgeted approximately $35 million from its CBI share—a substantial reduction from the $66 million previously received—while anticipating a combined total of roughly $39.8 million when incorporating grant remittances.

    Premier Brantley confirmed that Nevis has already begun receiving its designated 25% allotment, while expressing measured optimism that actual revenues might exceed current projections, potentially providing additional resources for government operational expenditures.

  • Pierre and SLP Retain Government in St. Lucia

    Pierre and SLP Retain Government in St. Lucia

    In a landmark electoral outcome, the St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) under Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre has achieved a resounding victory in the nation’s general elections held on December 1, 2025. The ruling party secured an overwhelming mandate by capturing 14 out of the 17 parliamentary seats, solidifying their governance for another term.

    The electoral results revealed a significant setback for the primary opposition party, the United Workers Party (UWP) led by Allan Chastanet, which managed to secure only one seat. Adding to the SLP’s dominance, two independent candidates aligned with the ruling party claimed the remaining two constituencies.

    This triumph represents a historic breakthrough in St. Lucian politics, marking the first instance in ten years that an incumbent administration has successfully secured consecutive terms. The victory stands in contrast to recent regional political trends, particularly referencing the unexpected defeat of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in neighboring St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

    Addressing media representatives during his post-victory appearance, Prime Minister Pierre expressed profound relief and gratitude. “I humbly accept this renewed mandate from the people of St. Lucia,” stated the Prime Minister, acknowledging that his party had not only retained power but expanded its parliamentary representation by one additional seat compared to previous elections.

    Pierre further reflected on the significance of his political standing: “I am fortunate to have the confidence of the people of St. Lucia—not only as a Parliamentary Representative, but also first as a minister and now as Prime Minister.” This electoral outcome reinforces the current administration’s policies and development agenda while potentially reshaping the Caribbean political landscape.