标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has declared the nation’s newly implemented photo radar system already demonstrating measurable success in modifying driver behavior and enhancing road safety. The controversial automated enforcement initiative, currently in its pilot phase, has generated significant public debate since its introduction earlier this year as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat speeding and reduce traffic fatalities.

During a recent appearance on ‘The Round Table’ program, Dr. Drew emphasized that preliminary observations indicate drivers are substantially reducing their speeds across the Federation’s road networks. While acknowledging the system has faced strenuous criticism from various quarters including media outlets and opposition voices, the Prime Minister maintained that the primary objective remains saving lives through improved traffic safety measures.

‘Our fundamental goal was to achieve slower traffic flow throughout the nation,’ Dr. Drew stated during his media engagement. ‘Since implementation, we have observed a notable decline in average vehicle speeds accompanied by reductions in both accident frequency and, most significantly, the complete absence of traffic fatalities during this period.’

The Prime Minister specifically addressed criticisms from Times Caribbean and other detractors, defending the program’s early effectiveness despite the absence of comprehensive statistical data. Official police records for 4 indicate 1,700 reported accidents throughout the Federation—with 1,345 occurring in St. Kitts and 436 in Nevis—including eight catastrophic collisions that claimed thirteen lives.

Dr. Drew explained that government authorities prefer awaiting at least three months of operational data before conducting thorough comparative analysis. However, he affirmed that initial observations strongly suggest positive trends in accident reduction. The photo radar system is expected to transition into a permanent traffic safety solution following the conclusion of its pilot evaluation phase.

In a substantial move to fortify public safety, the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has officially reinstated its K-9 unit through a strategic investment exceeding US $68,000. Three specialized detection dogs arrived on the island on November 26, 2025, marking the first such security enhancement since 2016.

The canine team, comprising two Belgian Malinois and one Labrador, possesses expert training in narcotics, firearms, ammunition, and explosive detection. They will be housed at the newly constructed kennels within the Cotton Ground Police Station, forming a critical component of Nevis’ security infrastructure.

Superintendent Alonzo Carty, Divisional Commander of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, emphasized the timing significance as the island approaches its busy tourist season. He expressed profound gratitude to Premier Mark Brantley and the NIA Cabinet for fulfilling their security commitment, noting that the dogs would substantially improve detection capabilities for illicit materials.

Certified canine trainer Glenroy Philip outlined the comprehensive operationalization plan, which includes handler pairing, specialized search training, and kennel management over the coming weeks. The program aims to boost detection efficiency by 80-90% compared to conventional methods.

Premier Brantley underscored the administration’s dedication to citizen security despite national defense being a federal responsibility. He affirmed that the investment reflects Nevis’ commitment to maintaining the island as a secure and welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.

In a significant demonstration of international environmental cooperation, the Taiwan Technical Mission to St. Kitts and Nevis celebrated exceptional achievements in sustainability through its 2025 National Recycling Competition. The award ceremony, convened on November 24th at the Marriott Beach Resort, highlighted a remarkable tripling of recycling efforts compared to previous years.

Organized under the leadership of Ms. Joyce Chang, Manager of the Solid Waste Management and Recycling Project, the initiative saw unprecedented participation from 55 educational institutions across the nation. These collective efforts resulted in the recovery of 19,000 pounds of plastic waste, representing a two to threefold increase over last year’s totals. This substantial growth indicates rapidly expanding environmental consciousness among younger generations and school communities.

The diplomatic dimension of the event featured Second Secretary Hsien-Yu (Billy) Chung representing Ambassador Edward Tao. Secretary Chung personally commended participating schools for their dedication to building a sustainable future. In a symbolic gesture underscoring the circular economy principles being promoted, the Embassy presented 1,600 eco-friendly T-shirts manufactured from recycled plastics to Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action, and Ms. Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Health, Gender Affairs, and Social Empowerment.

The collaboration extended beyond bilateral cooperation, involving St. Kitts and Nevis’ environmental and education authorities alongside international environmental organization PROMAR. This multi-stakeholder approach has proven effective in advancing waste management infrastructure and environmental education.

Looking forward, Taiwan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting St. Kitts and Nevis in developing comprehensive waste separation systems, enhancing recycling capabilities, and implementing circular economy models. This ongoing partnership continues to align with broader sustainable development goals for creating cleaner, greener, and more resilient island communities.

In a significant development in Caribbean penal security, Treisha Boyles of Molineux, St. Kitts has been formally indicted on four serious criminal charges related to a contraband smuggling attempt at His Majesty’s Prison. The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force confirmed the November 19th interception of multiple illicit substances during what appears to have been a coordinated smuggling operation.

The charges filed against Boyles at the Basseterre Police Station on November 21st include: Unlawful Conveying of prohibited items into a correctional facility, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Supply, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Supply. These charges represent some of the most severe violations under the country’s penal and drug control statutes.

This case emerges against a backdrop of increased law enforcement focus on prison security throughout the Federation. Authorities have noted a concerning pattern of smuggling attempts targeting correctional facilities, with this incident representing the latest in a series of arrests involving female suspects engaged in various illegal activities across the twin-island nation.

The police department’s media release emphasized the seriousness with which authorities are treating breaches of prison security, highlighting the potential destabilizing effect contraband introduces into correctional environments. The interception and subsequent charges demonstrate enhanced surveillance and monitoring capabilities at His Majesty’s Prison, which houses the territory’s most dangerous offenders.

Legal experts indicate that the multiple ‘intent to supply’ charges suggest prosecutors believe Boyles was acting as part of a larger distribution network rather than merely attempting to smuggle personal-use quantities. The case is expected to proceed through the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the coming weeks, with potential sentencing that could include substantial prison time given the gravity of the offenses.

WASHINGTON, DC — The global community has launched its annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with heightened focus on the escalating threat of digital abuse targeting women and girls. This year’s observance, commencing on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, spotlights how technology-facilitated violence has become a critical frontier in the fight for gender equality.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a compelling call to action, urging national governments worldwide to implement legal frameworks that criminalize digital violence while enhancing support systems for survivors. Describing violence against women as a ‘global scourge,’ Guterres emphasized how digital platforms have amplified abuse through increased speed and reach.

‘Online protection stands at the heart of this year’s international observance,’ Guterres stated. ‘We’re witnessing the proliferation of online harassment, deepfake exploitation, and hate speech. Disturbingly, misogynistic content is transitioning from fringe platforms to mainstream digital spaces.’ The Secretary-General highlighted the dangerous trajectory where online violence frequently manifests in physical harm, including stalking, abuse, and femicide.

The European Commission concurrently reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating gender-based violence, declaring such acts ‘unacceptable’ and emphasizing the EU’s determination to ensure all individuals can live free from fear and harm.

Globally, statistics remain alarming with approximately 700 million women—representing one in three—experiencing gender-based violence. In St. Kitts and Nevis, advocate Julie Charles revealed that under-reporting remains pervasive due to widespread fear among victims. ‘This affects not only women but also male victims who face ridicule when seeking help from authorities,’ Charles explained, noting that domestic violence encompasses emotional and financial abuse beyond physical harm.

While some regions report slight decreases in cases since the peak of COVID-19, Charles emphasized the importance of recognizing all abuse forms: ‘Every individual deserves happiness and a fulfilling life. If someone creates an environment that prevents mutual growth and comfort, that relationship requires examination.’