标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

In a significant move to bolster educational development in St. Kitts and Nevis, Taiwan has provided its annual funding under the Bilateral Human Resource Development Cooperation Project. The formal handover ceremony took place on November 12, 2025, with Ambassador Edward Lin-Wen Tao and Third Secretary Ms. Kate Wei representing Taiwan. They met with Hon. Konris G. M. Maynard, Minister of Education, and Permanent Secretary Ms. Lisa Pistana to finalize the agreement. Minister Maynard expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its consistent and impactful support. The funding will be utilized to provide scholarships for over a hundred underprivileged students and to reward exceptional teachers across the Federation. Ambassador Tao reiterated Taiwan’s unwavering dedication to fostering educational collaboration, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping the future of St. Kitts and Nevis. He expressed optimism that the beneficiaries will excel in their studies and contribute meaningfully to their nation’s progress.

The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has officially welcomed Ginger Yu as the new Mandarin instructor, marking a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between Nevis and Taiwan. This initiative is part of the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) Overseas Mandarin Teaching Project, aimed at promoting Mandarin education globally. During a recent meeting with Honourable Troy Liburd, Minister of Education, Miss Yu outlined her ambitious plans to enhance and expand the Mandarin program across schools in Nevis. Minister Liburd expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the cultural and educational benefits it brings to Nevisian students. He also extended his gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Taiwan ICDF for their unwavering support. The introductory meeting was attended by key education officials, including Permanent Secretary Zahnela Claxton and Principal Assistant Secretary Jamir Claxton, along with representatives from the Taiwanese Embassy. Further discussions with education officers and school leaders are scheduled before the official launch of the Mandarin program for the 2025–2026 academic year. The program builds on the success of previous instructor Chen Chi, under whose guidance Nevisian students have excelled in Mandarin proficiency tests. The Ministry of Education is optimistic that Miss Yu’s leadership will further strengthen the program, offering students more opportunities to achieve fluency in Mandarin and fostering deeper cultural connections.

The Nevis Island Administration (NIA), through its Ministry of Health and in partnership with the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), has introduced a Vehicle Disposal Amnesty Programme aimed at addressing the issue of derelict vehicles across the island. The initiative, announced by Minister of Health Senator Jahnel Nisbett during the November 06 Nevis Island Assembly session, is part of a broader scrap metal management project led by the NSWMA. The amnesty, which runs from November 10, 2025, to January 31, 2026, allows vehicle owners to dispose of abandoned, unlicensed, or non-roadworthy vehicles without penalties. Eligible vehicles must be delivered to the landfill for processing, with specific components such as tires, engine oil, and catalytic converters removed beforehand. The NSWMA has provided a contact number for arrangements, and no disposal fees will be charged. The programme also calls on mechanic shops and garages to identify and dispose of qualifying vehicles. Senator Nisbett emphasized the initiative’s role in promoting recycling, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability, urging residents to participate in keeping Nevis clean and safe.

In a recent development in St. Kitts, Randolph Welsh of Lower Monkey Hill has been convicted and fined for multiple drug-related offenses. Welsh faced charges on August 15, 2025, for possession of cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply, followed by additional charges on August 21, 2025, for possession of methamphetamine and intent to supply. Welsh pleaded guilty to all charges and was fined EC$5,000, with a three-month deadline for payment. Failure to comply will result in a six-month imprisonment. The sentence was issued on November 10, 2025, by Her Honour Ms. Yasmine Clarke at the Basseterre Magistrate’s Court. In a separate case, Marsha Graham of Shadwell and Althea France of Bird Rock were convicted for larceny. Graham was fined EC$1,500 and ordered to pay EC$250 in compensation, while France faced fines of EC$1,500 for each of her two charges and EC$550 in compensation. Both must pay within specified deadlines or face three months’ imprisonment. Their sentences were handed down by His Honour Reynold Benjamin on October 27, 2025, at the same court.

The island of Nevis marked a significant milestone with its first-ever Eco Day, held at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park on November 11, 2025. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, the event brought together students, organizations, and the public to celebrate sustainability and promote environmentally conscious practices. Inspired by the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) participation in CNN’s Call to Earth Day, the initiative aimed to empower young environmentalists to protect green spaces and adopt sustainable lifestyles. Vanessa Webb, Product Development Manager at the Ministry of Tourism, emphasized the importance of learning from past generations to live sustainably and safeguard the island’s future. The event featured exhibits on sustainable farming, renewable energy, marine conservation, and creative green innovations, alongside demonstrations of the island’s recycling pilot expansion project. Honourable Spencer Brand, Minister of Environment, highlighted the practical aspects of sustainability, urging the community to reduce waste, recycle, and support initiatives that turn waste into wealth. The Ministry of Tourism expressed gratitude to partners like the Blue Planet Alliance and the CTO for their support in making Eco Day a resounding success.