The St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union marked its 86th Annual Conference on October 26, 2025, at the St. Kitts Solid Waste Management Corporation Conference Room in Basseterre. The event, themed ‘Social Protection for All Workers: Strengthening Collective Bargaining and Trade Union Rights,’ highlighted the Union’s enduring commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and social protection. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, in a message read by General Secretary Ms. Precious Mills, praised the Union for its decades-long dedication to justice, dignity, and empowerment for workers. He emphasized the Union’s historic alliance with the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party as a cornerstone of national progress. The conference featured a health and wellness exercise led by Executive Floor Member Ms. Jutambien Kelly, inspired by last year’s presentation by Dr. Sharon Osborne. Notable attendees included His Excellency David Rivero Perez, Cuba’s Resident Ambassador, and His Excellency Edward Ling-Wen Tao, Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador. Representatives from opposition parties, the Peoples Labour Party (PLP) and the People’s Action Movement (PAM), also participated. President Mr. Sydney Bridgewater addressed the pressing global challenges faced by workers, including rising living costs and job insecurity. Guest Speaker Ms. Sybil Welsh, Senior Projects Specialist at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, emphasized the importance of financial planning for institutional growth, urging organizations to adopt strategic planning to ensure sustainable development. The conference concluded with General Secretary Ms. Mills reaffirming the Union’s commitment to championing workers’ rights in St. Kitts and Nevis.
标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis
圣基茨和尼维斯
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“Final Stretch”: PM Drew Updates Nation on Historic MRI Project
Basseterre, St. Kitts – In a significant milestone for healthcare modernization, Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Dr. Terrance Drew, announced that the construction of the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility at the Joseph N. France General Hospital (JNF) is nearing completion. The project, which began in 2024, is part of a broader initiative to enhance diagnostic services across the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. During an ambulance commissioning ceremony on October 28, 2025, Dr. Drew revealed that the MRI machine is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2026. The Prime Minister emphasized that the facility will eliminate the need for many citizens to seek advanced diagnostic services abroad, marking a transformative step in local healthcare accessibility. The MRI building was specifically designed to meet the technical requirements of the equipment, as no existing space in the hospital was suitable. This project is part of a comprehensive healthcare strategy that includes the acquisition of a CT-scan unit and ongoing infrastructure upgrades at JNF. Dr. Drew reaffirmed his government’s commitment to equitable healthcare access, stating, ‘This investment in emergency medical response is a direct expression of our commitment to social justice. Healthcare is not a privilege but a human right.’
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Over 1,600 Emergency Calls Handled in Nine Months: New Ambulances Arrive at a Critical Time, Says CMO
In a significant development for emergency medical services in St. Kitts, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws announced the arrival of five new ambulances at the Joseph N. France General Hospital. This addition comes at a crucial time, as the ambulance service has already responded to 1,628 emergency calls between January and September 2025, averaging 180 requests per month. Dr. Laws highlighted the growing reliance on emergency services, particularly during peak periods such as Christmas and Carnival, which place immense strain on the healthcare system. The new fleet, procured in collaboration with TDC Automotive, is expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to handle emergencies, including road traffic accidents, natural disasters, and mass casualty events. Dr. Laws emphasized the importance of these vehicles in ensuring swift and reliable care for those in need, underscoring the critical role of emergency responders in safeguarding public health.
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Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis commissions five new custom-built ambulances to strengthen emergency medical response
In a significant move to bolster its healthcare infrastructure, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis officially commissioned five state-of-the-art, custom-built ambulances on October 27, 2025. The ceremony, held at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, marked a pivotal step in the nation’s ongoing efforts to improve emergency medical services and healthcare delivery. The event featured a symbolic motorcade through Basseterre, allowing residents to witness the new fleet and celebrate this milestone in the nation’s healthcare advancement. Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Dr. Terrance Drew, emphasized that this initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to tangible progress in healthcare. He highlighted that the ambulances, designed specifically for the Federation’s terrain, are equipped with advanced life-support systems, ensuring emergency care begins immediately upon arrival. Dr. Drew also expressed gratitude to the TDC Group of Companies and Toyota for their partnership, noting that the standardized fleet will enhance maintenance efficiency and longevity. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws praised the initiative as transformative, particularly ahead of the holiday season, emphasizing the fleet’s role in strengthening emergency response capabilities. This addition aligns with the government’s broader healthcare modernization agenda, ensuring timely and compassionate emergency care for all citizens.
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Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Evacuates Students from Jamaica Ahead of Hurricane Melissa
In a swift and decisive move, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has successfully evacuated its nationals studying in Jamaica ahead of the intensifying Hurricane Melissa. The evacuation, coordinated through the Prime Minister’s Office, saw 27 students board a chartered flight from Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday evening, October 25, 2025. The flight was en route to Turks and Caicos before proceeding to St. Kitts on Sunday, October 26. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew emphasized that the government’s prompt action underscores its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. For students who chose to remain in Jamaica, arrangements have been made in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Student Association (SKNSA). These students are being housed in a secure hotel that meets safety and emergency standards, with official shelters also available if needed. The government is closely monitoring the situation in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, maintaining active communication with regional partners and CARICOM institutions. Nationals in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant, adhere to local authorities’ guidance, and keep in touch with their embassies. For assistance, contact details for key representatives have been provided, including Ms. Karyl Woods, President of the SKNSA, and Ambassador H.E. Verna Mills of the St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Cuba.
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Asa Bantan, Spice, and Kes electrify Windsor Park on Night Two of WCMF
The second night of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) transformed Windsor Park Cricket Stadium into a vibrant hub of Caribbean culture, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. From bouyon to soca, reggae to dancehall, the festival was a testament to the rich musical heritage of the region. Thousands of enthusiastic patrons danced through the night, celebrating the diverse sounds that define the Caribbean. Asa Bantan, hailed as the King of Bouyon, kicked off the evening with a dramatic entrance that ignited the crowd. His performance, filled with hit after hit, solidified his reputation as one of Dominica’s most cherished artists. Despite a minor delay in the schedule, the energy remained unbroken, thanks to a meticulously curated lineup of top-tier performers. Kes the Band took the stage as dawn approached, delivering a mix of timeless classics and modern hits that resonated with fans of all ages. Spice followed, captivating the audience with her bold dancehall style, particularly empowering female fans with her provocative yet inspiring performance. A tribute to Vybz Kartel, though not physically present, stirred the crowd, who sang along passionately to his iconic tracks. Local Creole and bouyon acts also shone, ensuring that homegrown talent remained at the forefront of the festival. As the sun rose, the celebration continued, with revelers still dancing in the early morning light. With two nights behind them, anticipation is now building for the final night of WCMF, promising even greater energy and excitement as the festival draws to a close.
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Night one sets the stage ablaze at World Creole Music Festival
The 25th anniversary of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday night, setting Windsor Park Stadium alight with an unforgettable showcase of Creole culture and musical brilliance. Known for its vibrant energy and regional significance, the festival attracted thousands of enthusiastic attendees, all adorned in their most colorful attire, ready to immerse themselves in a night of nonstop entertainment. The evening began with Oswald, whose fusion of reggae and Creole rhythms warmed up the crowd, setting the stage for an electrifying lineup. Burning Flames, the legendary soca band, kept the momentum soaring with their hit-filled repertoire, igniting the audience with their infectious beats. However, it was Romain Virgo who truly captivated the crowd, delivering a performance that underscored his status as one of the Caribbean’s most cherished artists. Masicka further energized the night with his lyrical mastery, cementing the opening night as a testament to the region’s extraordinary talent. As the festivities continued into the early hours of Saturday, the unwavering enthusiasm of the crowd highlighted the festival’s enduring spirit. With two more nights of celebration ahead, anticipation is at an all-time high for what promises to be a landmark silver anniversary event.
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Repeat offender sentenced to prison
In a significant ruling by the St. Christopher Circuit Court, 25-year-old Alexis Liddie has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for a series of criminal offences. The decision, handed down by His Lordship Justice Iain Morley KC on October 21, 2025, underscores the severe consequences of repeated criminal behaviour. Liddie’s sentence includes time for multiple crimes, notably two counts of sacrilege at the Antioch Baptist Church and a breaking and entering incident at Indigo Yachts.
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Cable & Wireless St. Kitts & Nevis Ltd Dividend Payment
Basseterre, 24 October 2025 – Cable & Wireless St. Kitts & Nevis Ltd has announced a dividend payout of EC$0.70 per share, approved by its Board of Directors. This payment covers the fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and will be distributed to shareholders recorded as of 19 September 2025. The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) will facilitate the disbursement, effective from 24 October 2025. Additionally, the company has indicated that further details regarding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be communicated soon. The AGM will focus on reviewing the financial performance of the company over the aforementioned years. This announcement underscores the company’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders amidst its financial operations.
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Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Monitoring Tropical Storm Melissa
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa is forecasted to escalate into a major hurricane over the weekend. Authorities are actively coordinating with students in Jamaica, the Embassy in Cuba, and CARICOM partners in Haiti to mitigate the potential impacts of the storm. The government has reassured its citizens abroad that their safety is a paramount concern, with emergency teams prepared to provide assistance as necessary. Students at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica have been informed about designated shelters and are urged to register their details with the St. Kitts-Nevis Student Association for timely updates. Nationals in Cuba can contact the Embassy for consular support. The government is also assessing the status of commercial flights in the region, advising travelers to stay updated with airline advisories. All citizens in affected areas are encouraged to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and maintain communication with official contacts. The government emphasizes its commitment to supporting its citizens during this uncertain time, with teams ready to mobilize assistance as needed.